This article will provide instructions on how to add an EasyMesh child node.
Before you begin:
- Your router must have the latest firmware. Also make sure all nodes have the latest firmware that supports EasyMesh. For instructions on how the firmware upgrade is done, click here.
- Log into the router and check its firmware version. For instructions on how to log in to the Belkin WiFi 6 Router's web interface, click here.
- A parent node is the router (with the EasyMesh feature enabled) that is connected to your modem. This can be a Belkin RT3200.
- A child node is another router like a Belkin RT3200 being used to extend your WiFi with the EasyMesh feature enabled.
There are several ways to add an EasyMesh child node to the parent node. Click on each of the links below for instructions.
Adding an EasyMesh child node with the Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS) button
Adding an EasyMesh child node during the setup of the parent node
Adding an EasyMesh child node through the web interface of the parent node
This is a quick and easy method. The parent node must be set up and online with EasyMesh turned ON. If the parent node is already set up and online, use this method. To check if the EasyMesh feature of the router is turned ON, click here.
The following example uses two Belkin RT3200 nodes.
Step 1:
Power ON the child node and wait until the power light turns solid white.
Step 2:
Press the WPS button on the parent node for 3 seconds. The power light will then start to flash.
Step 3:
Now press the WPS button on the child node for 3 seconds. The power light will start to flash.
Step 4:
When pairing is successful, the power lights will turn solid white on both the child and parent nodes while the internet light on the child node will also turn solid white.
Power ON the child node and wait until the power light turns solid white.
Step 2:
Press the WPS button on the parent node for 3 seconds. The power light will then start to flash.
Step 3:
Now press the WPS button on the child node for 3 seconds. The power light will start to flash.
Step 4:
When pairing is successful, the power lights will turn solid white on both the child and parent nodes while the internet light on the child node will also turn solid white.
Your child node should now be displayed on the EasyMesh Information table under its default WiFi name, Belkinxxxxx.
Adding an EasyMesh child node during the setup of the parent node
If you are installing the parent node for the first time or you have reset the parent node, you can add an EasyMesh child node at the same time as you are setting up the parent node.
The following example uses two Belkin RT3200 nodes.
Step 1:
Connect an ethernet cable from the internet port on the Belkin RT3200 and to the modem. This node will become the parent node.
Step 2:
Powercycle the modem.
Step 3:
Power ON the router and wait for its power and WiFi indicator lights to turn solid white.
Step 4:
Connect to the default WiFi name of the parent node. The default WiFi name is Belkinxxxxx or Belkinxxxxx_5GHz (where xxxxx represents the last five digits of the router's serial number).
NOTE: The WiFi credentials are located on the bottom of the router.
Connect an ethernet cable from the internet port on the Belkin RT3200 and to the modem. This node will become the parent node.
Step 2:
Powercycle the modem.
Step 3:
Power ON the router and wait for its power and WiFi indicator lights to turn solid white.
Step 4:
Connect to the default WiFi name of the parent node. The default WiFi name is Belkinxxxxx or Belkinxxxxx_5GHz (where xxxxx represents the last five digits of the router's serial number).
NOTE: The WiFi credentials are located on the bottom of the router.
Step 5:
Open a browser and type in either “https://myrouter.local” or “192.168.1.1” in the Address bar then press [Enter].
QUICK TIPS:
- If you run into browser error messages due to the HTTPS connection, click here to continue.
- If the default IP address does not work, click here for instructions on how to determine the router’s IP address.
Step 6:
On the Let’s get started screen, check the box and click Next.
Step 7:
Customize the WiFi name and password of the network and click Next. You can also use the same WiFi name and password for both radio bands.
Step 8:
Create a new admin password and click Next.
NOTE: The admin password is used to log in to the router to change the settings.
Step 9:
Review the settings and click Next.
Step 10:
Connect to the new WiFi name to continue the setup. Once connected to the new WiFi name, the setup wizard will automatically continue.
Step 11:
Click Yes.
Step 12:
Give your parent node a name to help you identify it.
Step 13:
Once the power light on the child node is solid blue, click Next.
Step 14:
Press the WPS button on the back of the child node for about 3 seconds. The power light on the child will then begin to blink. Click OK.
Step 15:
Pairing should now be in progress.
Step 16:
Give your child node a name then click Next.
Step 17:
Click Next.
Step 18:
If you have more child nodes to add, click Yes and repeat the process. Otherwise, click No I’m done.
Step 19:
You will be given an option to register your product.
Step 20:
Check the Automatic box to stay up to date with firmware updates and click Next.
Step 21:
Click Check Firmware to see if there is a new firmware available and proceed to update. Otherwise, click Done. You can always check for new firmware from the router settings.
You should now have successfully added a child node to the network. Click Done.
Adding an EasyMesh child node through the web interface of the parent node
You can use this method if the parent node is already set up and you prefer to add the child node through the parent’s web interface instead of using the WPS button.
Step 1:
Power ON the child node and wait until the power light turn solid white.
Step 2:
Log in to the parent node. For instructions, click here.
Step 3:
Go to Configuration.
Step 4:
Select Wi-Fi > Basic Wireless Settings.
Power ON the child node and wait until the power light turn solid white.
Step 2:
Log in to the parent node. For instructions, click here.
Step 3:
Go to Configuration.
Step 4:
Select Wi-Fi > Basic Wireless Settings.
Step 5:
Click on Add a new node.
NOTE: If you don’t have the EasyMesh option, you need to update the firmware of the router to add the EasyMesh feature. For instructions on how to upgrade the firmware, click here.
Step 6:
Press the WPS button on the child node for about 3 seconds then click OK. The power light on the child will start to flash blue.
Step 7:
Pairing should now be in progress.
Step 8:
Create a name for the child node and click Next.
Step 9:
Once you get a successful message, click Close. The Power and Internet light on the child node will turn solid blue once it’s connected and online to your parent node.
You should now have successfully added a child node to the network.
NOTE: If the child node fails to connect to the network, you may have to check if the child node has the latest firmware that adds EasyMesh support for the router and manually upgrade it if otherwise. For instructions on how to do this, click here.
