Linksys WHW01 FAQs
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HARDWARE INFORMATION
1. What is the Linksys WHW01 Velop Intelligent Mesh WiFi System?
2. What are the parts of the node?
3. What are the node's product features?
4. What are the node's product requirements?
5. What is the warranty of the node?
6. Does it come with a power adapter?
7. What does the light at the top of my node indicate?
2. What are the parts of the node?
3. What are the node's product features?
4. What are the node's product requirements?
5. What is the warranty of the node?
6. Does it come with a power adapter?
7. What does the light at the top of my node indicate?
SETUP AND INSTALLATION
1. How do I set up the first node?
2. How do I add another node to my mesh system?
3. How do I set up the first node with PPPoE connection?
4. Can I hardwire my nodes together?
5. Does it support IPv6?
6. Does it support VPN passthrough?
7. What should I do to my old router after setting up the node?
8. Is it compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 modem?
9. Can I connect wired devices to my mesh network?
10. Can I add a switch to my mesh network?
11. Does it have a web interface that I can log into?
12. Can I set up the node using a web interface?
13. Can a node serve as a router?
2. How do I add another node to my mesh system?
3. How do I set up the first node with PPPoE connection?
4. Can I hardwire my nodes together?
5. Does it support IPv6?
6. Does it support VPN passthrough?
7. What should I do to my old router after setting up the node?
8. Is it compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 modem?
9. Can I connect wired devices to my mesh network?
10. Can I add a switch to my mesh network?
11. Does it have a web interface that I can log into?
12. Can I set up the node using a web interface?
13. Can a node serve as a router?
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
1. How do I access the node's dashboard?
2. What is the Devices section?
3. What is the Priority feature?
4. What is the Parental Controls feature?
5. What is the Guest Access feature?
6. What is the Speed Check feature?
7. How do I use the Channel Finder feature?
8. How do I know if I am logged in via the server or local account?
9. How many Guest WiFi names does the node broadcast?
10. What is the default Guest WiFi name and password?
11. How many URLs can be blocked using Parental Controls?
12. How many devices can I prioritize on the node?
13. What is an Intelligent Mesh WiFi system?
14. What is a parent node and child node?
15. Does it have a DHCP server?
16. Does it have a NAT Firewall?
17. Can I turn OFF the broadcasting of my WiFi?
18. Can I personalize the node's WiFi settings?
19. What does Reserve DHCP mean?
20. How do I know the best location for the node?
21. How do I configure the node's DNS Settings?
22. How do I check the IP address of my nodes?
23. How do I check the IP address range of my node?
24. Why do my nodes broadcast the same WiFi name?
25. How do I check if the nodes are online and working?
26. Why is my old router still broadcasting its WiFi even if the node is already connected to the network?
27. How do I connect to the WiFi using the WPS PIN?
28. What is the maximum number of WiFi devices supported per network?
29. What are the best security practices for Linksys devices?
TROUBLESHOOTING
2. What is the Devices section?
3. What is the Priority feature?
4. What is the Parental Controls feature?
5. What is the Guest Access feature?
6. What is the Speed Check feature?
7. How do I use the Channel Finder feature?
8. How do I know if I am logged in via the server or local account?
9. How many Guest WiFi names does the node broadcast?
10. What is the default Guest WiFi name and password?
11. How many URLs can be blocked using Parental Controls?
12. How many devices can I prioritize on the node?
13. What is an Intelligent Mesh WiFi system?
14. What is a parent node and child node?
15. Does it have a DHCP server?
16. Does it have a NAT Firewall?
17. Can I turn OFF the broadcasting of my WiFi?
18. Can I personalize the node's WiFi settings?
19. What does Reserve DHCP mean?
20. How do I know the best location for the node?
21. How do I configure the node's DNS Settings?
22. How do I check the IP address of my nodes?
23. How do I check the IP address range of my node?
24. Why do my nodes broadcast the same WiFi name?
25. How do I check if the nodes are online and working?
26. Why is my old router still broadcasting its WiFi even if the node is already connected to the network?
27. How do I connect to the WiFi using the WPS PIN?
28. What is the maximum number of WiFi devices supported per network?
29. What are the best security practices for Linksys devices?
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. How can I reset the node to factory defaults?
2. How do I recover my admin password?
3. How do I restart my network?
2. How do I recover my admin password?
3. How do I restart my network?
4. My node isn't working with my ISP's 5G router. What should I do?
5. Does this support IPv6 RD for its internet connection?
SPECIAL FEATURES
5. Does this support IPv6 RD for its internet connection?
SPECIAL FEATURES
1. What is Bridge Mode?
2. How do I configure my node into Bridge Mode?
3. Where can I find the Bridge Mode option?
4. Why don’t I see the Bridge Mode option in my Linksys app?
5. How can I tell if my node is in Bridge Mode?
6. What features are not supported in Bridge Mode?
7. Do I need to leave the parent node hardwired to my modem?
8. Do I need to connect all other child nodes via ethernet to my existing network?
9. If I have more than one node, do I need to change them all to Bridge Mode as well?
2. How do I configure my node into Bridge Mode?
3. Where can I find the Bridge Mode option?
4. Why don’t I see the Bridge Mode option in my Linksys app?
5. How can I tell if my node is in Bridge Mode?
6. What features are not supported in Bridge Mode?
7. Do I need to leave the parent node hardwired to my modem?
8. Do I need to connect all other child nodes via ethernet to my existing network?
9. If I have more than one node, do I need to change them all to Bridge Mode as well?
HARDWARE INFORMATION
1. What is the Linksys WHW01 Velop Intelligent Mesh WiFi System?
The Linksys WHW01 Velop Intelligent Mesh WiFi System is a dual-band system that is easy to set up, designed to fit anywhere, and works with your existing mesh network. It provides you with flawless WiFi, allowing you to get the best internet experience in your home or office. To learn more, click here.
2. What are the parts of the node?
|
Parts
|
Description
|
|
Indicator light
|
One multi-colored indicator light located at the top
|
|
Reset button
|
Press and hold the reset button until the light at the top of the node turns red, fades, and flashes bright red again to reset the router to its factory defaults (6-10 seconds).
|
|
Ethernet ports
|
Two gigabit ethernet ports
|
|
Power switch
|
One power switch (sliding switch)
|
|
Power port
|
One direct current (DC) power jack / port
|
To learn more, click here.
3. What are the node's product features?
Below are the node's product features:
3. What are the node's product features?
Below are the node's product features:
-
AC1300 Dual-Band WiFi 802.11ac
- Intelligent Mesh™ WiFi
-
Seamless Roaming
-
2x2 Spatial Streams
-
Full Speed everywhere
-
Cross-Channel solution
-
Spot Finder technology
-
Beamforming technology
-
Guest Access, Parental Controls, and Speed Check features
-
Two WAN / LAN gigabit ethernet ports
-
Works with Amazon Alexa
-
Each node provides WiFi coverage of up to 1,500 sq ft
-
Internet connection with a modem or a modem router (gateway)
-
A mobile device with the latest version of the Linksys app
5. What is the warranty of the node?
For more information about your device’s warranty, click here.
6. Does it come with a power adapter?
Yes, each node comes with a 12V / 1A power adapter.
7. What does the light at the top of my node indicate?
The light behavior indicates the different status and activities on your node. For a detailed description, click here.
SETUP AND INSTALLATION
1. How do I set up the first node?
The node is set up in minutes using the Linksys app. To set up your first node through the Linksys app, click here. To set up using the web interface, click here.
2. How do I add another node to my mesh system?
Adding another node expands your WiFi coverage. To learn more, click here.
3. How do I set up the first node with PPPoE connection?
To learn how to set up your node with Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) connection, click here.
4. Can I hardwire my nodes together?
Yes, you can use a wired backhaul instead of wireless. While ethernet backhaul is supported, the Linksys app does NOT support setting up over this medium yet.
However, you can first set up all your nodes using the standard setup using a WiFi connection. To set up your first node through the Linksys app, click here.
Once all your nodes have been set up, simply hardwire your nodes to your network using an ethernet cable. The node will automatically switch to a wired backhaul. To learn more, click here.
5. Does it support IPv6?
Yes, it supports IPv6.
6. Does it support VPN passthrough?
Yes, it supports Internet Protocol Security (IPSec), Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), and Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP).
7. What should I do to my old router after setting up the node?
The node replaces your router's function in the network, providing full-strength WiFi across your home up to 1,500 sq. ft. After setting up the node, you can set-aside your old router.
8. Is it compatible with DOCSIS 3.0 modem?
Yes, it works with any DOCSIS 3.0 modem.
9. Can I connect wired devices to my mesh network?
Yes. Using an ethernet cable, you can connect your device to an available ethernet port on one configured node.
10. Can I add a switch to my mesh network?
Yes, you can use any available ethernet port on the node to add a switch.
11. Does it have a web interface that I can log into?
Yes. To learn more, click here.
12. Can I set up the node using a web interface?
Yes. For step-by-step instructions, click here.
13. Can a node serve as a router?
Yes. For instructions on replacing your Linksys Smart WiFi Router with a node, click here.
14. Is it compatible with Starlink?
Yes. For the Linksys router to work with Starlink, you will need a Starlink ethernet adapter which you can find in the Starlink shop. Connect one end of the ethernet cable to the Starlink ethernet adapter and the other end to the Internet port of your Linksys router. Learn how to set up the Linksys router with Starlink.
FIRMWARE UPGRADE
1. How do I upgrade the node’s firmware?
To learn how to upgrade the firmware, click here.
2. How do I check the node's firmware version?
The firmware version can be found on the Administration page. To learn more, click, click here.
FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
1. How do I access the node's dashboard?
The dashboard is a snapshot of your mesh system. You can see how many devices are connected to your node. To know how to access it through the Linksys app, click here. To learn how to access it through a web browser, click here.
2. What is the Devices section?
The Devices section gives you information about the devices connected to your network. To learn more, click here.
3. What is the Priority feature?
This feature allows you to give internet connection priority on up to three devices. Those devices – wired and/or wireless – will always have the best access when connected. The nodes run a speed check to determine how to best distribute WiFi to the prioritized devices. Devices not on this list will share what’s left of your internet capacity. To learn more, click here.
4. What is the Parental Controls feature?
The Parental Controls feature allows you to manage your devices' internet usage. To learn more, click here.
5. What is the Guest Access feature?
The Guest Access feature allows you to provide an internet connection to guests without giving them access to other devices within the network. To learn more, click here.
6. What is the Speed Check feature?
The Speed Check feature measures the internet download and upload speeds of your node. To learn more, click here.
7. How do I use the Channel Finder feature?
The Linksys app has a simple Scan Channels button that automatically selects the best channel to resolve congestion and interference with other WiFi signals. To learn more, click here.
8. How do I know if I am logged in via the server or local account?
On the Navigation Menu, the My Account option appears when you are logged in with your server account. When you are logged in via the local account, you will see the Log Out option instead.
9. How many guest WiFi names does the node broadcast?
The node displays only one guest WiFi name.
10. What is the default guest WiFi name and password?
The default guest WiFi name is _VelopSetupxxx-guest while the default password is blank, respectively.
NOTE: It is highly recommended to change the default guest password.
11. How many URLs can be blocked using Parental Controls?
You can block up to 10 specific URLs for each client.
12. How many devices can I prioritize on the node?
You can choose up to three devices to prioritize.
13. What is an Intelligent Mesh WiFi system?
It means that the nodes can connect to each other over wired or wireless links, and will choose the best path to route the data between a client and the internet. If a node loses its connection to another node, the remaining nodes will self-heal and re-establish internet connection through other nodes in the network.
14. What is a parent node and child node?
The first node that you install in your system is called the parent node (connected to your modem) while the additional nodes you will install are called child nodes.
15. Does it have a DHCP server?
Yes, the parent node (connected to your modem with an internet connection) has a DHCP server.
16. Does it have a NAT Firewall?
Yes, the parent node (connected to your modem with an internet connection) has a NAT Firewall with Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) feature.
17. Can I turn OFF the broadcasting of my WiFi?
No.
18. Can I personalize the node's WiFi settings?
Yes, you can change the WiFi settings through the Linksys app. To know how, follow the steps below:
11. How many URLs can be blocked using Parental Controls?
You can block up to 10 specific URLs for each client.
12. How many devices can I prioritize on the node?
You can choose up to three devices to prioritize.
13. What is an Intelligent Mesh WiFi system?
It means that the nodes can connect to each other over wired or wireless links, and will choose the best path to route the data between a client and the internet. If a node loses its connection to another node, the remaining nodes will self-heal and re-establish internet connection through other nodes in the network.
14. What is a parent node and child node?
The first node that you install in your system is called the parent node (connected to your modem) while the additional nodes you will install are called child nodes.
15. Does it have a DHCP server?
Yes, the parent node (connected to your modem with an internet connection) has a DHCP server.
16. Does it have a NAT Firewall?
Yes, the parent node (connected to your modem with an internet connection) has a NAT Firewall with Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) feature.
17. Can I turn OFF the broadcasting of my WiFi?
No.
18. Can I personalize the node's WiFi settings?
Yes, you can change the WiFi settings through the Linksys app. To know how, follow the steps below:
1. Log in to the Linksys app.
2. Tap the menu icon at the upper left side of the screen then select Wi-Fi Settings.
3. Tap the field you want to update and make the necessary changes.
4. Tap Save once done.
2. Tap the menu icon at the upper left side of the screen then select Wi-Fi Settings.
3. Tap the field you want to update and make the necessary changes.
4. Tap Save once done.
You can also change your WiFi settings through the node's web interface. To learn more, click here.
19. What does Reserve DHCP mean?
The Reserve DHCP feature allows you to assign a permanent IP address to a specific DHCP client. To reserve an IP address, follow the steps below:
1. Log in to the Linksys app.
2. Tap the menu icon at the upper left side of the screen then select Devices.
3. Select your online device under Connected Devices.
4. Tap on Reserve DHCP.
NOTE: Reserving an IP address can take up to 1 minute. After an IP address has been reserved, you can tap on Reserved IP to change the reserved IP address, if needed.
20. How do I know the best location for the node?
Identify the best location through the node's Spot Finder feature. This technology recommends the best placement of your nodes to reduce latency, maximize throughput, and improve range and signal strength.
21. How do I configure the node's DNS Settings?
Domain Name System (DNS) is an internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses. To learn more, click here.
22. How do I check the IP address of my nodes?
20. How do I know the best location for the node?
Identify the best location through the node's Spot Finder feature. This technology recommends the best placement of your nodes to reduce latency, maximize throughput, and improve range and signal strength.
21. How do I configure the node's DNS Settings?
Domain Name System (DNS) is an internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses. To learn more, click here.
22. How do I check the IP address of my nodes?
On the Linksys app dashboard, tap on the menu icon> Network Administration > tap on each node to check the LAN IP address.
23. How do I check the IP address range of my node?
To check the IP address range of your node, follow the steps below:
1. Log in to the Linksys app.
2. Tap the menu icon at the upper left side of the screen then select Advanced Settings.
3. Select Local Network Settings.
24. Why do my nodes broadcast the same WiFi name?
If you have set up a parent node and added two or more child nodes, they will work as one seamless network to provide reliable, secured, and super-fast WiFi for your home.
25. How do I check if the nodes are online and working?
Log in to the Linksys app, tap on the menu icon then select Network Administration. All your connected nodes are listed on the Network Administration page. You can tap on a node to view its information. If there is an offline message for a node, just tap on it and follow the instructions to resolve the issue.
26. Why is my old router still broadcasting its WiFi even if the node is already connected to the network?
If your old router is removed from the network, but is still powered ON, its WiFi will still be broadcasting. To solve this, unplug your old router's power supply.
NOTES:
- If your node is connected to an upstream modem router, and you find that you are in a double Network Address Translation (NAT) scenario, it is recommended to disable the upstream modem router WiFi. Leaving it ON may have a negative effect on your Seamless Roaming experience since it is technically not part of the mesh network.
- If your upstream connection is a non-wireless double NAT device, it’s recommended to use the Bridge Mode option especially if you have other devices connected to your upstream connection and need to be part of the node's mesh system. To learn more, click here.
27. How do I connect to the WiFi using the WPS PIN?
To connect to the WiFi using the Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS) PIN, follow the steps below:
1. Log in to the Linksys app.
2. Tap the menu icon at the upper left side of the screen then select Wi-Fi Settings.
3. Tap Connect a Device With WPS.
4. Tap on the Use a PIN link.
5. You can either enter your device's WPS PIN in the field provided and then tap Connect or if your device asks for the router's WPS PIN, use the PIN shown on the WPS page.
2. Tap the menu icon at the upper left side of the screen then select Wi-Fi Settings.
3. Tap Connect a Device With WPS.
4. Tap on the Use a PIN link.
5. You can either enter your device's WPS PIN in the field provided and then tap Connect or if your device asks for the router's WPS PIN, use the PIN shown on the WPS page.
28. What is the maximum number of WiFi devices supported per network?
Each node within your network supports 64 WiFi clients per radio (parent and guest WiFi are hosted on the same physical radio). This means that, with each node in the mesh network, 128 WiFi clients are supported since there are two radios (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) per node that can service clients.
29. What are the best security practices for Linksys devices?
Configuring your device’s security settings ensures that your network is safe from unauthorized access, malicious intents, and any cyber attackers. To learn more, click here.
TROUBLESHOOTING
1. How can I reset the node to factory defaults?
To reset the node, press and hold the reset button at the bottom of the product for 6 to 10 seconds. The light on top of the node will turn red and fade in three pulses. Do NOT release the button until the light goes out and then turns bright red. To know more on how to reset the node, click here.
2. How do I recover my admin password?
An unconfigured node's default administrative password is "admin". However, as soon as it goes through the setup process, a random secured password is created. To learn how to recover your admin password, click here.
3. How do I restart my network?
You can restart your network through the Linksys app. To learn how, click here.
4. My node 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.
5. Does this support IPv6 RD for its internet connection?
Yes. It supports IPv6 RD and 6to4 tunneling.
SPECIAL FEATURES
1. What is Bridge Mode?
The Bridge Mode option allows you to use your node to extend your existing network. For example, if you have an existing router or gateway and you want to continue using your main router, you can enhance your WiFi using the node.
Also, when in Bridge Mode, your node will not have its own separate network. All nodes and client devices connected to the nodes will be part of your existing network. This way all devices, regardless if they are connected to Velop or to the existing gateway/router, are now on the same network thus they can communicate with each other.
2. How do I configure my node into Bridge Mode?
You will need to set up your node by following the standard setup procedure. For instructions on how to set up the first node through the Linksys app, click here.
Once your node is configured, you can then change the Connection Type to Bridge Mode using the Linksys app. For instructions on how to do this, click here.
3. Where can I find the Bridge Mode option?
Open the Linksys app, and go to Advanced Settings > Internet Settings. In the Connection Type section, select Bridge Mode.
If you are using the web interface, go to Connectivity > Internet Settings > Edit. In the Connection Type section, select Bridge Mode. Click Apply then Ok.
4. Why don’t I see the Bridge Mode option in my Linksys app?
Make sure you are using the latest Linksys app. Bridge Mode is supported on the Linksys app version 2.3.0 and later. Your node should also be running the latest firmware version.
5. How can I tell if my node is in Bridge Mode?
On your Linksys app, you can go to Advanced Settings > Internet Settings to check if your Connection Type is in Bridge Mode. The node's web interface will also show on the homepage that it is in bridge mode.
6. What features are not supported in Bridge Mode?
The Device List, Speed Check, Parental Controls, Device Prioritization, Port Forwarding, and WiFi MAC Filters features are not supported when the node is in Bridge Mode.
7. Do I need to leave the parent node hardwired to my modem?
Yes, the parent node must always stay connected via an ethernet cable to your modem or existing network.
8. Do I need to connect all other child nodes via ethernet to my existing network?
No. Once the conversion is complete, all other child nodes can remain wireless or you can also connect them via an ethernet cable to your existing network.
NOTE: If you ever need to change the mode back to Router Mode (or any other mode besides Bridge Mode), any child node that is connected via an ethernet cable may go offline.
9. If I have more than one node, do I need to change them all to Bridge Mode as well?
No. After you choose the Bridge Mode option on the parent node, all your nodes will be in Bridge Mode.
