How to add a wired child node using the LinksysSmartWiFi.com page

It is recommended to add the child node to your Linksys Intelligent Mesh™ system using the Linksys app. However, if you would rather set up the child node manually, follow the steps below.

Before you begin

Make sure you have the following ready:

A configured parent node. If the parent node is all set up, DO NOT reset the parent node. If you need to set up the parent node first, click below for instructions:

For iOS
For Android™

A child node. If the child node has been previously set up, it needs to be reset to its factory settings. Do not plug anything into the child node's ports until it has been set up.
An ethernet cable
A computer that is connected to the parent node (can be connected wired or via WiFi)

Directions

NOTE: Images and steps may vary depending on the model of your router.

1. Make sure that the child node is connected to a power source and its light is solid purple.

2. On the computer that's connected to the parent node, launch a web browser. Enter the parent node's IP address in the Address bar then hit [ENTER]. The default IP address is 192.168.1.1.

With that latest firmware, for example: for the MX42SH with firmware 1.0.5.206190 or MX2001SH with 1.1.7.211289 and later, the new default IP address has changed to 192.168.10.1. Verify the IP address by logging into the Linksys app. Once in the dashboard, select the menu icon and go to Network Administration. Tap on the parent node to locate its IP Address.

3. Click on the Continue to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi.

4. Enter your password and click on Sign In. If your router has older firmware, the default password is admin. If you changed your password, use that instead.

Some routers with the latest firmware no longer use admin as the default password. To create a new password, try one of the following methods:

A. Enter "admin" and click on Sign In. On the pop-up message, click on create a new one.

B. Click on Reset password. You will be prompted to enter the recovery key found on the product label at the bottom of the router. Click Submit.

You will then be prompted to create a new admin password and an optional password hint, then tap on Reset. Once you have created a new password, you will be able to log in to the dashboard.

If you have forgotten your password, you can use these methods to create a new one.

5. On the dashboard, click on the CA link at the bottom right-hand side.

6. Under Router Settings, click on Connectivity.

7. Click on CA Router Setup and then click on Add Wired Child Nodes.

8. Connect an ethernet cable to the parent node and the other end of the cable to the child node. The nodes will automatically switch to a wired connection.

The light on the child node will blink purple during this process.

For nodes with multiple ports, connect an ethernet cable to a LAN port on the parent node and connect the other end of the cable to the child node. When the nodes are set up this way, the unused LAN ports can be used for connecting other devices and the internet port on the child node will be converted into an additional LAN port.

9. When the child node’s light turns solid blue, click on Done Adding Child Nodes, then click Ok or Apply.

You should now have set up a wired Linksys Intelligent Mesh system. If you have other nodes to add, simply repeat the steps above but connect the additional child nodes to the upstream node instead of connecting them to the parent node.

Find out more:

Adding a child node to your existing Linksys Velop Intelligent Mesh WiFi system
Adding a child node to an existing Linksys Mesh system