Adding child nodes to your Linksys E9450 WiFi 6 Router

This article will show you how to add child nodes to your existing Linksys E9450 WiFi 6 Router to extend your WiFi.

This article is for Linksys E9450-AH, Linksys E9450-CN, Linksys E9450-JP, and Linksys E9450-KR.

Before you begin:

Your parent node must be set up and working before adding a child node. If you have not set up your parent node, click here for instructions.
Parent node - is the Linksys E9450 connected to your modem
Child node - is another Linksys E9450 to extend your WiFi.
Only Linksys E9450-AH, Linksys E9450-CN, Linksys E9450-KR, and Linksys E9450-JP child nodes are supported. Linksys E9450 purchased in North America does not support EasyMesh™.
Linksys Intelligent Mesh or Mesh routers are not supported.
If you plan to use another Linksys E9450 that was previously configured, make sure to reset it to factory settings first.

There are three ways to add a child node to your network. Click the links below for specific instructions.

Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS)
Using the Setup Wizard (when initially setting up a parent node)
Using the web interface (manual)

Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS)

This is the recommended method. It's quick and easy.

1. Power ON your child node and wait until the power and WiFi indicator lights are solid blue.

2. Go to the parent node, and press its WPS button at the back for 3 seconds.

3. Now, press the WPS button on the child node for 3 seconds.

The MESH indicator light on the nodes will start to blink blue. When pairing is successful, this MESH light indicator will turn solid blue. Once they are both solid, the child node has now successfully been added to your network. You can disconnect the child node and move it to another location if needed.

Using the Setup Wizard (when initially setting up a parent node)

You can use this method if you are setting up your first parent node and adding a child node using two Linksys E9450 routers at the same time.

1. Check where your internet connection is coming from. Connect your computer directly to the modem.

2. Power-cycle your modem.

3. Power ON your router and wait for its power and WiFi indicator lights to turn solid blue.

4. Connect the Linksys E9450 to your modem or modem router.

5. Connect your wireless device to the WiFi name of the router, Linksysxxxxx-guest or Linksysxxxxx_5Ghz-guest. The default wireless password is located on the label at the bottom of the router.

Open a browser and enter "192.168.79.1" or "linksysxxxxx" where xxxxx is the last five characters of the serial number.

7. Enter the default Username and Password, which is admin for both fields.

8. Click on Next.

9. Create a router password. Take note of the requirements needed. Click Next once you have created a password.

10. Click on A parent node.

11. Select your region. Click Next.

12. Create a WiFi name and click Next. It will take about 90 seconds to save the settings.

13. When prompted, connect your computer to the new WiFi you created. Click Next to continue the setup.

14. Click Next.

15. Click Yes.

You can always add child nodes after the setup from the web interface settings.

16. Power ON your child Linksys E9450, wait until the Power and Internet lights are solid blue on your child node. Once the light is solid blue, click It’s Solid Blue.

17. Press the WPS button on the child node for 3 seconds. The MESH light will start flashing.

18. Once the MESH light on the child node is solid blue, the node has been added to your WiFi. Click Done.

19. If you haven’t connected your modem to the router, do so now, wait until your modem is ready, and click Next.

20. Detecting an internet connection is in progress. Once an internet connection has been detected, the Internet light on your modem will turn blue.

If an internet connection is not detected, stay on this screen, and power-cycle your modem. Wait until your modem is ready and click Try Again.

21. Click on Check for the latest firmware now. If a new firmware version is available, proceed to install the update. Otherwise, click on I’m Done.

Your Mesh network is now set up.

If you ever need to run the Setup Wizard again, just reset the router.

Using the web interface (manual)

1. Turn ON the child Linksys E9450 and wait for its Power and WiFi light indicator lights to turn solid blue.

2. Log in to the parent node. For instructions, click here.

3. Go to General > Internet Setup > Mesh Setup.

4. Click on Add a new node.

5. Once the child node’s Power light turns to solid blue, click on It’s Solid Blue.

6. Press the WPS button at the back panel of the child node for 3 seconds. The MESH indicator light should start blinking blue. Click Done.

Wait until the pairing is complete.

7. Once the pairing is complete, the MESH indicator light will turn solid blue on both the parent and the child node. The connected child node will now appear on the table.

To rename the child node, simply enter your preferred name in the field, then click Apply/Save once done.

Your child node has now been successfully added to the network.