Linksys WHW0101 and WHW0102 – Setup, Configuration & Troubleshooting Help

The main point of bringing home a Linksys Velop device like the WHW0101 or WHW0102 is to get rid of weak WiFi areas so that you can connect more easily anywhere.

We also understand that, you may find setup more difficult than expected. Lights flash, app says one thing, router says another. That’s why we are here with this helpful guide. It has sections below will help you set up, reset, your Linksys WHW0101 setup (single node) or Linksys WHW0102 Setup (two nodes bundle).

Getting to Know the Linksys WHW0101 and Linksys WHW0102 Setup

• WHW0101: This is only one Velop node. You can use it to create a new Velop mesh configuration or add to one you already have.
• WHW0102: The same node hardware, but supplied in a two-pack. This is great if you want coverage for a medium-sized house straight away.

These two devices are both part of the Velop Intelligent Mesh line. That means they can transmit signals easily with each other, keep traffic moving, and easily pass your gadgets from one room to the next as you walk around the home.

Linksys WHW0101 and Linksys WHW0102 setup Guide

Let’s make this simple. You will need the Linksys app on your phone, an internet connection, and some time.

1. Connect the first node (the main unit).

• Use the provided Ethernet wire to connect it to your modem.
• Turn it on. Wait for the purple light on top to start flashing.

2. Download the Linksys app.

• Get it from the App Store or Google Play.
• Make an account with Linksys.

3. Do what the instructions tell you to do.

• The software tells you what to do next.
• It will find the node, ask for your WiFi name and password, and then set up the new Velop network.

4. For WHW0102 users, add the second node.

• Put the second device approximately halfway between your main node and the location with bad WiFi.
• Connect it. The app will help it work along with the system.

5. Wait until the light turns blue and stays blue.

• That’s the right position. When the light is solid blue, it signifies it’s operating and connected.

You’re done if you only purchased the WHW0101. If it’s the WHW0102, you have a functional two-node mesh when both lights turn blue.

You can also use the web interface linksyssmartwifi.com on your computer.

Problems that happen a lot during setup

Things may still become stuck, even if everything seems easy. This is what generally happens:

• The light remains purple, which means the node isn’t connecting to your modem. Check the Ethernet wire again and turn both devices off and on again.
• Flashing red means you’re too far away from the main node. Bring the second unit closer.
• The app can’t discover the node; this might happen when your phone’s Wi-Fi connects to the incorrect network. Forget the previous SSID and connect again.

If you don’t know what they signify, these tiny problems may take hours. But once you get the hang of it, the repairs are typically easy.

Tips for configuring every day

You may wish to make some changes after the initial Linksys velop setup. The software lets you choose:

• Change the names of the nodes (this is useful if you want to know which one is in the bedroom and which one is in the living room).
• Parents may set up schedules or ban access.
• Guest WiFi to keep your primary network safe.
• The app has built-in speed testing.

The app will let you know whether the node is too near or too far away. Don’t miss this, it will save you a lot of lost connections later.

Don’t ignore firmware updates.

Firmware upgrades are important for Velop devices like the WHW0101 and WHW0102. These push fixes for bugs, security holes, and sometimes even better performance.

To check manually:

• Start the Linksys app
• Click on “Network Administration”
• Click on “Firmware Update”

Click “Update” if you notice one that needs to be done. It takes around five minutes, and your WiFi will be off for a short time, so don’t do it while you’re on a Zoom call.

Troubleshooting Situations

These are the most typical questions people ask after setting up: “Why isn’t this working?”

1. The WiFi constantly going out for no reason.

• Restart the main node.
• Look for upgrades to the firmware.
• If it occurs in the same place again and over, move the nodes.

2. The light changed to yellow to orange.

• Means a weak signal. Try relocating the node a little closer to the main router.

3. Forgot the password for the WiFi.

• You can get it back by going to WiFi Settings in the app.

4. Everything has to be reset.

• For 10 seconds, hold down the reset button on the node.
• The light will flash red, then purple again, and then it will go back to factory settings.

Helpful Placement Tips

Strange but true that a mesh system still works based on physics. Signals can easily get blocked by thick walls, aged wiring, and metal equipment.

• Don’t put a node behind the TV.
• Put it on an open shelf that is at least waist height.
• Don’t have microwaves or cordless phone bases close by.

It seems like simple sense, yet these little tweaks make a big effect.

Checklist for Quick Fixes

If your device is still behaving differently, here are some quick fixes you can apply:

• Restart your modem and nodes.
• Make sure that the colors of the lights match what the app displays.
• Get the nodes a little closer together.
• Update the firmware.
• Only reset if nothing else works.

Unplugging everything for 30 seconds solves more than you may think half the time.

Final thoughts

Once you set up the Linksys WHW0101 and WHW0102 correctly, they work well as mesh devices. You don’t need to keep a check over it time and again, and for most families, they can handle streaming, gaming, and ordinary surfing just well. The first time you set it up, it might be confusing because of the light codes and app prompts. But after you’ve seen it once, it all makes sense.

Therefore, this blog aims to help you maintain your Velop system stable, whether you’re trying to fix a stubborn purple light, moving nodes around, or simply ensuring that the device is up to date.

FAQs