Linksys Velop MX4200CF-UK Frequently Asked Questions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HARDWARE INFORMATION

1. What is the Linksys Velop MX4200CF-UK WiFi 6 Whole Home Mesh System?
2. How do I know the model number of my Linksys MX4200CF-UK?
3. What are the parts of the Linksys MX4200CF-UK?
4. What are the features of the Linksys MX4200CF-UK?
5. What is its warranty period?
6. What do the light behaviors of the node indicate?
7. Can I plug my USB hard drive or a printer into its USB port?
8. What type of processor does it have?
9. What are the default settings of these products?
10. Does it support HomeKit®, Linksys Aware and Linksys Shield?
11. What are the weight and dimensions of the Linksys MX4200CF-UK?

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

1. What are the requirements for setup?
2. Does the Linksys MX4200CF-UK support Auto Configuration Server (ACS)?
3. How do I set it up as a parent node?
4. Can the 5-Press Setup Method be used in setting up the parent node?
5. How can I add another node to my existing Velop system?
6. Can my Linksys MX4200CF-UK replace a router?
7. What WiFi security options are supported?
8. If I have a mixed Velop network with other Velop models as child nodes, can I use WPA3 or any of the Enhanced Open security options?
9. How do I add a wired child node to an existing parent node?

FIRMWARE UPGRADE

1. How do I upgrade the Linksys MX4200CF-UK's firmware?
2. How do I manually upgrade the firmware of my Linksys MX4200CF-UK?
3. How do I check a node's current firmware version?

ADVANCED CONFIGURATION

1. How do I access my Velop dashboard?
2. Why can’t I log in to the web interface using “admin” as password?
3. What is the External Storage feature?
4. What file system formats does this Velop support?
5. Does the USB port support File Transfer Protocol (FTP)?
6. How do I safely eject my hard drive from the node?
7. Can I protect my hard drive from unauthorized access?
8. How can I access the storage device connected to the node?
9. How can I reset the node to factory defaults?
10. How do I recover my admin password?
11. When should I prioritize internet connection for my devices?

TROUBLESHOOTING

1. Can I set up the node using the Linksys app?
2. Can I manually upgrade the firmware on the node?
3. Can I add non-Community Fibre child nodes?
4. Can I use the Linksys MX4200SF-UK firmware to update the Linksys SPNMX42CF-UK?

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

HARDWARE INFORMATION

1. What is the Linksys Velop MX4200CF-UK WiFi 6 Whole Home Mesh System?

The Linksys Velop MX4200CF-UK WiFi 6 Whole Home Mesh System supports the latest Wi-Fi® 6 (802.11ax) standard to deliver lag-free and simultaneous streaming to any device. With the powerful WiFi 6 Mesh coverage, it is designed to deliver gigabit WiFi speeds to every corner of your home, including backyard and outdoor smart home devices. To know more, click here.

NOTE: This model is only for Community Fibre subscribers in the United Kingdom.

2. How do I know the model number of my Linksys MX4200CF-UK?

The model number of your node is printed on the product label located at the bottom of the Linksys MX4200. In the Linksys app and LinksysSmartWiFi.com page, this is identified as Linksys MX4000 Series.

NOTE: If you have a Linksys SPNMX42CF-UK, the model number will show as SPNMX42 on the product label.

3. What are the parts of the Linksys MX4200CF-UK?

The Linksys MX4200CF-UK has the following parts:

Ports:
- Three gigabit ethernet ports
- One gigabit internet port
- Power port (12V, 3A)
- One USB 3.0 port for external storage support. The supported formats are as follows:
  - Windows®: NTFS, FAT32
  - Mac®: FAT32, and HFS+ (journaled, non-journaled)
- Supports SMB v2.0
- UPnP®
- Supports up to 900mA current draw
Buttons and switch:
- Reset button
- Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS) button
- One power switch (sliding)

4. What are the features of the Linksys MX4200CF-UK?

These are the features of the Linksys MX4200CF-UK.

IEEE 802.11ax
Up to 4.2 Gbps speed
Tri-Band
Backward compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Eight spatial streams
Nine internal antennas
1.4 GHz quad-core processor
Intelligent Mesh™
Easy Setup
Band steering
Bluetooth® 4.0 Low Energy
WiFi security
Beamforming
Guest Network
Parental Controls
WPS support
Supports Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
Supports Automatic Setup via Auto Configuration Server (ACS)
Supports Axiros Dashboard
Supports TR-069 / TR-181
Coverage of up to 2,700 sq ft per node

5. What is its warranty period?

For warranty information, contact your internet service provider (ISP).

6. What do the light behaviors of the node indicate?

The light indicates the different states and activities of your node. For a detailed description, click here.

7. Can I plug my USB hard drive or a printer into its USB port?

The Linksys MX4200CF-UK has one USB 3.0 port for a USB storage device. Virtual printing is not supported.

8. What type of processor does it have?

The Linksys MX4200CF-UK has a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor.

9. What are the default settings of these products?

The Linksys MX4200CF-UK has the following default settings:

The default IP address is 192.168.1.1.

NOTE: If the upstream device uses the same IP address, the node will automatically use a different LAN IP address to avoid any conflict.

The default Guest network IP address range is 192.168.3.x.
The default administrator password of an unconfigured node is admin. You can use the Linksys app to change the password after setting up the node.

IMPORTANT: Once the node has an internet connection, the default admin password will automatically change to the default WiFi password which is located on the product label.

The default WiFi name and password are found at the bottom of the node. The default WiFi name is CommunityFibre10Gb_xxxxx (where xxxxx represents the last five digits of the node’s MAC address).
Each node has a unique pre-assigned WiFi password (located at the bottom of the node).
The default Guest WiFi name is CommunityFibre10Gb_xxxxx–guest (where xxxxx represents the last five digits of the node’s MAC address).
By default, all nodes have the same default guest password which is BeMyGuest.
The Guest network is disabled by default. It can be enabled using LinksysSmartWiFi.com or the Linksys app.
DFS support is enabled by default on the 5 GHz radio.

10. Does it support HomeKit®, Linksys Aware and Linksys Shield?

Currently, the Linksys MX4200CF-UK does not support HomeKit, Linksys Aware, and Linksys Shield.

11. What are the weight and dimensions of the Linksys MX4200CF-UK?

The weight of the Linksys MX4200CF-UK is 0.95 kg (2.15 lb) and its dimensions are 4.45 in x 4.45 in x 9.57 in.

SETUP AND INSTALLATION

1. What are the requirements for setup?

You will need the following:

A modem or gateway with an active internet connection by Community Fibre
Latest iOS or Android mobile device
Latest version of the Linksys app
Bluetooth (preferred for setup)

2. Does the Linksys MX4200CF-UK support Auto Configuration Server (ACS)?

Yes. The Linksys MX4200CF-UK supports Automatic Setup via the ISP’s Auto Configuration Server. Once the node is powered ON, plugged into the ISP’s equipment, and detects an internet connection, it will automatically configure itself as the parent node. The light on your node will change from solid purple to blinking white. Once configured as the parent node, the light will turn to solid blue. For additional information, click here.

3. How do I set it up as a parent node?

For instructions on how to set up your node, click here.

4. Can the 5-Press Setup Method be used in setting up the parent node?

Yes. Once the node is powered ON and the light is solid purple, press the reset button five times within 5 seconds. The light will start blinking white and then turn to solid blue once the setup is complete.

5. How can I add another node to my existing Velop system?

For instructions on how you can add a node to an existing Velop system, click here.

IMPORTANT: A node that is not from Community Fibre may be added to your network so long as it will be set up as a child node and not as the parent node.

6. Can my Linksys MX4200CF-UK replace a router?

Yes, you can replace your standard router with the Linksys MX4200CF-UK. Click here for instructions.

7. What WiFi security options are supported?

The Linksys MX4200CF-UK supports the following WiFi security modes:

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

8. If I have a mixed Velop network with other Velop models as child nodes, can I use WPA3 or any of the Enhanced Open security options?

No. Other Velop models currently do not support these security options. It is highly recommended to leave the setting to default, otherwise, your other child nodes will disconnect from the Velop network.

9. How do I add a wired child node to an existing parent node?

For instructions, click here.

FIRMWARE UPGRADE

1. How do I upgrade the Linksys MX4200CF-UK's firmware?

The node will automatically update when firmware is available.

2. How do I manually upgrade the firmware of my Linksys MX4200CF-UK?

Manual updates are not supported since firmware updates are approved and will be provided directly by Community Fibre. However, you can click on the Check for Update button on the LinksysSmartWiFi.com page to see if a new firmware is available for your node. To learn how to do this, click here.

3. How do I check a node's current firmware version?

The firmware version can be found in the Linksys app on the Network Administration screen. To access the Linksys app using an Android mobile device, follow the instructions here. For iOS, click here. Then, tap on the menu icon and go to Network Administration.

ADVANCED CONFIGURATION

1. How do I access my Velop dashboard?

To learn how to access your Velop dashboard or LinksysSmartWiFi.com, click the links below:

Accessing the Velop dashboard through the Linksys app using an Android mobile device
How to log in to the Linksys app dashboard using your iOS mobile device
How to log in to your Velop's LinksysSmartWiFi.com page

2. Why can’t I log in to the web interface using “admin” as password?

Once the node has an internet connection, the admin password changes to the default WiFi password printed on the product label.

3. What is the External Storage feature?

The External Storage feature of the Linksys MX4200CF-UK allows you to connect an external storage device to its USB port to share an entire hard drive.

It features one USB 3.0 port for storage drive. If you have more than one node, you can connect a USB hard drive to each node. To learn more, click here.

4. What file system formats does this Velop support?

The Linksys MX4200CF-UK supports these file formats:

Windows®: NTFS, FAT32
Mac®: FAT32, and HFS+ (journaled, non-journaled)

5. Does the USB port support File Transfer Protocol (FTP)?

No. The USB port doesn't support FTP.

6. How do I safely eject my hard drive from the node?

If you are on the node's LinksysSmartWiFi.com page and you want to safely remove the storage device, click here for instructions. If you are using the Linksys app, click here.

7. Can I protect my hard drive from unauthorized access?

Yes. You can do this by enabling Authentication on the node.

NOTE: The username should have a minimum of four and a maximum of 12 alphanumeric characters while the password should have a minimum of four and a maximum of 50 alphanumeric characters. Both can include valid characters such as an underscore ( _ ) or a dash ( - ). To learn more about the External Storage feature, click here.

8. How can I access the storage device connected to the node?

To learn how to access the storage device connected to your node, you need to first identify the IP address of the storage device. For instructions, click here.

9. 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 occur before you release the button.

10. 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. To learn more, click here.

11. When should I prioritize internet connection for my device?

On the Priority page, a message will appear recommending that the Device Prioritization feature be turned OFF if the internet speed is 200 Mbps or greater since the bandwidth is sufficient for your devices. It is ideal to prioritize internet connection for your devices when the internet speed is lower than 200 Mbps.

TROUBLESHOOTING

1. Can I set up the node using the Linksys app?

No. The node supports ACS. This means when the node is connected from the internet port to the Community Fibre equipment, it will begin to self-configure.

NOTE: DO NOT try to set up the parent node with the Linksys app while the node is going through the ACS setup because the Linksys app will not detect the node. Wait until the node self-configures and the status light is solid blue can you only then use the Linksys app to manage your new Linksys network.

2. Can I manually upgrade the firmware on the node?

No. The node only supports firmware from Community Fibre which is automatically installed.

3. Can I add non-Community Fibre child nodes?

They will work depending on the ISP firmware features. Contact Community Fibre for more information.

4. Can I use the Linksys MX4200SF-UK firmware to update the Linksys SPNMX42CF-UK?

No. If you attempt to manually update the Linksys SPNMX42CF-UK using Linksys MX4200SF-UK firmware, it will reject the update.

5. 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.