Linksys MX5500 FAQs

The Linksys MX5500 router offers massive simultaneous video, gaming, and high-speed data. It is easy to add to the modular system of nodes to give you flawless WiFi everywhere and easily replace a standard router with mesh WiFi.

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HARDWARE INFORMATION

What is the warranty period of the node?

The warranty of the node is 3 years.

Where can I find the node’s serial number?

The serial number is located on the sticker underneath the device.

Does the node have indicator lights?

Yes. The node has a status indicator light that shows the different statuses and activities of the node. Learn more.

Is this compatible with other Linksys Intelligent Mesh products?

Yes.

What type of processor does it have?

The Linksys MX5500 has a 1 GHz dual-core processor.

How many ports are supported on the node?

The node has one fixed 1 Gbps WAN/internet port and three 1 Gbps LAN/ethernet ports.

Where can I find the node's model number?

The model number on the product label at the bottom of the router is MX5500. In the router's web interface, the router is identified as Linksys MX5500 Series. MX5500 will appear in the sysinfo log.

What are the weight and dimensions of the node?

Below are the weight and dimensions of the node:

Dimensions: 3.385 in x 3.385 in x 7.3 in
Weight: 0.50 kg (1.1 lb)

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

How do I set up the node?

You can set up the node through the web interface.

What are the requirements for setting up the node?

To set up the Linksys MX5500, you need

An active internet connection
A desktop computer to set up the router
The latest desktop browser to set up and manage the router settings

How do I add a wired node to an existing network?

Learn more.

Does the router support Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS) pairing for adding clients to the WiFi?

The WPS feature is disabled by default. To enable WPS via the web interface, go to Wi-Fi Settings > Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Toggle the Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ button to the ON position and click on Ok or Apply.

SECURITY AND PRIVACY

What WiFi security modes are supported on the node?

The Linksys MX5500 supports the following WiFi security modes:

WPA2™/WPA3™ Mixed Personal
WPA3 Personal Only
WPA2 Personal
Enhanced Open Only
Open and Enhanced Open

Does the node support VPN passthrough?

Yes. The node supports VPN passthrough configuration of IPSec, L2TP, and PPTP protocols.

Does the node support SPI firewall?

Yes.

What is the node’s default admin password?

With the latest firmware, the default password is admin.

If your node is still running the Starry ISP firmware, use the default Wi-Fi password printed on the product label.

ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING

How do I upgrade the node’s firmware?

It is highly recommended to use the automatic updates. The node has a feature that automatically updates the firmware, which is enabled by default. You can click on the Check for Updates button on the web interface to see if new firmware is available for the node.

My Linksys MX5500 router is on firmware version 1.1.8, but the Linksys support site lists version 1.1.7.xxx. Which one is the latest?

The latest firmware for the standard Linksys MX5500 is version 1.1.7.xxx (or later). While version 1.1.8.216775 has a higher build number, it is an ISP-specific firmware build and cannot be installed on standard retail units. Please contact Linksys Support for assistance.

I am trying to manually upgrade my node using the retail firmware of the Linksys MX5500, but the upgrade fails. What should I do?

Most likely, your node is a Starry ISP node, which has a blocking mechanism to prevent using retail firmware. Please contact Linksys Support to convert your router into a retail node using the latest firmware.

How can I reset the node to factory defaults?

To reset your node to its factory defaults, press and hold the reset button until the light on top of the node turns red, fades, and flashes bright red.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that a bright red flash, followed by three to four quick faded red pulses, then another bright red flash occurs before you release the button.

How do I recover my admin password?

You can recover the admin password through the five-digit recovery code printed on the product label at the bottom of the node. Learn more.

What is Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS)?

Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) is a spectrum-sharing mechanism that allows multiple wireless local area networks (WLANs) to coexist with radar systems. It automatically selects a frequency that does not interfere with certain radar systems while operating in the 5 GHz band. The benefits of using DFS channels are less WiFi interference and better WiFi performance.

How do I enable the DFS feature?

Learn more.

Can I use DFS in my network with other routers in child modes?

No. If your other routers in child modes do not support DFS, the routers will have connectivity problems.

Can my clients connect to the DFS channels?

Only if your clients support DFS channels. Clients that do not support DFS channels can connect to the 2.4 GHz band instead.

How do I access the node's web interface?

Follow the step-by-step instructions here.

I’m seeing a “Why am I getting a warning when I try to access my router settings in a browser?” message. How do I bypass this error message?

With the latest firmware, the router requires you to log in using https://. You would get the error message if you used http://. Learn more about resolving this error.

My Linksys mesh router isn't working with my ISP's 5G router. What should I do?

For the Linksys mesh router to work with a 5G router, your ISP must provide a 5G router with an ethernet port for connection to the parent node.

Does this support IPv6 RD for its internet connection?

Yes. It supports IPv6 RD and 6to4 tunneling.