Setting up your Linksys parent node for Starry ISP

Under normal operation, your Starry ISP router utilizes Automatic Configuration Server (ACS) support for a seamless, automated setup. Once connected, the solid purple light will flash white to indicate it is configuring itself.

If you do not see the light flashing white, the router may be running on older firmware. Firmware version 1.1.8.216775 is a custom firmware version provided exclusively for Starry ISP devices, and it is no longer under active development.

You can convert your current router into a standard retail model to use with any internet provider. To get started, you just need a firmware update. Please contact Linksys Support, and we will help you push the update to your device.

Once the firmware is updated, follow the instructions below to learn how to set up your Linksys MX5501ST router.

Before you begin

You will need a computer.
Parent router – The Linksys node that will be connected to your modem.
Child node – An additional node used to extend your WiFi. The child node can be wireless or wired.
Write down the default WiFi name, password, and key located on the bottom of the parent node.

Setup requirements

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

1. Gather all your equipment in the same area as your modem.

2. Remove any existing router.

a. I have a modem with a separate router.

Disconnect your existing router.
Power cycle your modem.
Wait until your modem has rebooted, and go to the next step.

b. I have a WiFi router and modem combined in one device, or I do not have any existing routers in my home.

Go to the next step.

3. Connect your modem with an Ethernet cable to the Internet port on the parent router and power it ON.

4. All your nodes should be in setup mode with a solid purple light.

If any of the nodes do not have a solid purple light, reset them by holding down the reset button for about 15 seconds, then wait until the light becomes solid purple.

A node displaying a solid purple light

Purple light - Ready for setup

5. Connect your computer to the default WiFi name of the parent router. The credentials are located on the product label.

A screenshot of a Wi-Fi network selection menu showing a connection to a network named _VelopSetupD91. The status text directly underneath reads "No Internet, secured", with a clickable link for "Properties" below it and a "Disconnect" button in the bottom right corner.

6. Open a desktop browser and go to “https://192.168.1.1” or myrouter.local.

If you get the following browser error, follow these instructions to learn how to bypass this message.

Google Chrome security warning page stating "Your connection is not private" for the IP address 192.168.10.1 with the error code NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID. The page displays an "Advanced" button and a blue "Back to safety" button.

7. Enter admin on the local login page.

Linksys Velop router sign-in page featuring an "Access Velop" box that displays a "Router Reset Detected" notification, states the default password is "admin", and provides a password text field alongside a blue "Sign In" button.

You will then land on the router’s dashboard.

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi dashboard interface displaying a left-hand navigation menu under "Smart Wi-Fi Tools" and "Router Settings". The main area contains status widgets for Network Status (showing a connected status), Wi-Fi Settings, Parental Controls, Priority, Guest Access, and a Device List showing one connected local device.

8. Click on Connectivity.

Router Settings menu sidebar from a router configuration interface showing four vertical options on a blue background: Connectivity, Troubleshooting, Wi-Fi Settings, and Security, each accompanied by its respective icon.

9. Navigate to the CA Router Setup tab.

Connectivity settings menu page titled "Connectivity" showing a tabbed layout with the active tab set to "CA Router Setup." The page displays text fields to set the Wi-Fi "SSID" and "Password," a button labeled "Setup Node," and action buttons at the bottom for "Ok," "Cancel," and "Apply."

10. Customize your Wi-Fi name (SSID) and Wi-Fi password (case-sensitive), then click on Setup node.

Write down your new settings. You will temporarily lose connection while the settings are being saved. Keep the page open.

11. Once the light on top of the router turns solid blue, connect to your new WiFi name to resume setup.

A node displaying a solid blue light

Parent router - Online and connected

Wi-Fi connection menu box displaying a secured network named HomeWIFI. A checked purple box indicates "Connect automatically" is enabled, positioned right above a purple "Connect" button.

Light did not turn solid blue?

This indicates that an internet connection was not detected. Try the following:

Make sure the modem is plugged into the Internet port of the Linksys router.
Power cycle the modem and router, and wait until the modem comes back online. Then wait an additional 2 minutes and check the router’s light status.
If your ISP requires manual Internet configuration settings. Go to Connectivity > Internet Settings > click Edit and enter your settings, then click Save.

12. You will now see the Your Master Node is now Configured message. Click Ok to close the page.

Connectivity menu page in a router interface stating "Your Master Node is now Configured." Under the active "CA Router Setup" tab, it displays buttons to "Add Wired Child Nodes" and "Add Wireless Child Nodes," alongside a greyed-out "Done Adding Child Nodes" option.

13. Refresh the page on the dashboard to see your new settings. Your router is now set up.

Smart Wi-Fi dashboard with the "Guest Access" option highlighted in the left navigation sidebar. The main view displays six configuration widgets, including a Network Status widget confirming a live internet connection and a Device List widget showing 2 online local devices.