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Airport Utility

Will the Airport Utility in OS Monterey work with non apple branded routers such as the Linksys Velop AX4200 WiFi 6 Mesh System Router??

Posted on Dec 3, 2021 7:52 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 3, 2021 5:40 PM

Linksys Velop AX4200 WiFi 6 Mesh System Router??


It will use app on your phone.. but there is a hidden setup embedded in the device you can access via web browser.

See Dong..


https://dongknows.com/web-interface-vs-mobile-app/

11 replies

Dec 3, 2021 8:25 PM in response to LaPastenague

Can't thank you enough. I too was bamboozled into believing I had to use a cell phone app to set up the AX4200. Could not get it done. I called support and they told me about using the default WiFi Name and PW on the base of the unit. I was REALLY ticked off at having spent a lot of time and effort getting confused by their mumbo jumbo in the app. The web interface was SO much easier and direct. Your link reinforced the notion I was not going nuts and there actually IS an effort made to steer people into using the unnecessary app. 1. Plug in the router to AC power. 2) connect the router to a working modem. 3) find the _Velop WiFi as an available network and enter the default PW (from the sticker on the bottom of the router) ... and baddabing your in!

Thanks again!!!

Dec 4, 2021 4:06 AM in response to LaPastenague

One other question: I purchased a single WiFi node as MX4200-AH. If I add a second MX4200-AH it is my assumption that

1) the range of the WiFi signal will be extended in the direction of the added node.

2) that all I need to do is plug the second node into the wall and it will automatically connect to the original - first node without further configuration.


Can you please confirm or correct these assumptions?

Dec 4, 2021 12:50 PM in response to iMac1ejf

Any single MX4200 you buy will have a different wireless name and password so they will not be able to join.


Only when they come in a kit will they be preconfigured to work together.


The method of pairing should be standard WPS..

See the instructions here. This is more general use covering all/any models of velop routers but should work fine.


https://www.linksys.com/us/support-article/?articleNum=226218

Dec 4, 2021 2:29 PM in response to LaPastenague

Thanks again for you great info.


My problem is that I need to increase a weak WiFi signal strength (6-12% strength) to a back-up generator in my yard. It was my hope that a single MX4200 would suffice over my existing Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (Model No: ME918LL/A) that I installed in Jan of 2017.


The system does work now and transmits generator status over the AirPort WiFi network but every once in a while I lose the signal.


I had assumed I could buy one node to start and add a second node later if the signal was not improved enough with the original one node.


Now I am wondering how to proceed. Any thoughts?


Dec 5, 2021 3:13 AM in response to iMac1ejf

Sorry Sunday very busy.. we are a day ahead of US.


Not sure I fully understand the question.


I gather you have installed the MX4200 and it would give you sufficient coverage without needing a second node.


The last bit of this doesn't make sense.


The system does work now and transmits generator status over the AirPort WiFi network


The Airport wifi network should now be gone. You replaced it with the MX4200.. or did you do something else. Are you trying to mix the airport and the Linksys.. not a happy marriage that one methinks.


Now I am wondering how to proceed. Any thoughts?


Assuming the Apple network was a typo and you have removed it.. not trying to run multiple systems.

The easiest way is certainly to buy a Velop Node. Buying another MX4200 will certainly be the best option.. giving you the best speeds for clients around the house.

Note that most mesh systems can mix and match within a brand. So you can buy a cheaper velop node and get it to work with the MX4200 as the primary node and router. Double check with Linksys support whatever combo you choose.

The amount of data required for generator status would be minimal. So anything would work.. mounting a unit in the window that faces directly onto the backyard is the best. Clear glass is transparent also to microwaves. Tinted glass is not.


The way I do things is ethernet. It is fast, problem free, uses almost zero power, and lasts 20years++ maybe lifetime of the building. Same as power or phone wiring.. Expensive to install but do it once properly and the never worry about it again.


The alternative is to buy a pair of AV500 (AV600 is same) Powerline Adapters. The allow ethernet to be connected over your power wiring. They are being displaced by mesh systems now... which tend to be faster and easier to configure. but for low data rate connections they might be the cheapest alternative for your situation.

I would even buy second hand as many people use them for short term fix. Even new they are not expensive.. you could then use your existing Apple airport or any.. and I mean the cheapest wifi router on the market.. set up as AP. Since you have the Apple set it in Extend by wire mode.. Simply plug it by the ethernet back to the main MX4200... maybe a switch would also be required if you have too many ethernet connections.. which will tip the scales to another velop being the better.

Many ways to skin the cat.. and in your situation pick according to your requirements, cheapest, easiest, most reliable. Any of them will likely work. And this is not a high data link so not so much care is needed.



Dec 5, 2021 5:01 AM in response to LaPastenague

Thanks for your reply and sorry for the confusion.

I currently have the AirPort Extreme in place. But it will be replaced today ... as follows:


My system is currently running OK on the AirPort Extreme at this moment, but the generator shows 8% WiFi signal strength on its status info. The generator sometimes cuts out completely - and as such, shows it disconnected from WiFi. The weak signal to the generator and the periodic cutting out are the key reasons I want to upgrade my Apple router.


So, I purchased the MX4200 (single node unit) to replace the AirPort Extreme for better Wifi coverage to the generator.


The single node of the MX4200 router arrived this morning and will be installed today. My thinking all along has been; if the generator is getting about 8% signal strength now (i.e. with the AirPort Extreme) that a single node MX4200 router would deliver a stronger signal to the generator ... right out of the box - This is the key objective so what are your thoughts on the idea that one MX4200 as an upgrade over the Apple Extreme will deliver better coverage in general?


BTW - I do not plan to mix brands - I plan to replace the Apple router. But if the single MX4200 node does not give enough signal strength, I will then seek next steps ... to expand the system for further coverage.


Naturally, I hope the single node gives me improved coverage I want. I plan to use the web based user interface to install it without a cell phone ... and hope that process works out too.


Any thoughts you have on any of the above is appreciated. In all cases, thank you again for your thoughtful input.

Dec 5, 2021 1:41 PM in response to iMac1ejf

Wifi signal will definitely improve inside the house.. by how much is super experimental.

Every building has somewhat different behaviour. I remember a comment from one wifi installer.. that some buildings are just black holes for wifi. Others work front to back without issues. On paper the two buildings might have some design but actual building materials and location of wifi is critical.


Factors to remember..

Walls are serious blockers to wifi. The more solid the construction the higher the signal attenuation.

So internal hollow plasterboard walls are lowest signal drop.. usually 5-6dBm.

Outside walls are different.. they usually have heavier construction. Worse they can use metal foil insulation or cladding of some kind. Even thin metal is a total block to microwave signal. It is a reflector.

For bricks or concrete the denser and greater linear distance of material absorbs more signal. Angles also are important.. an oblique angle means more material is passed through. Additionally moisture content can be higher.. water is a great absorber. That is why your microwave oven is set to 2.4ghz. The Generator and most IoT use 2.4ghz.


Everyone assumes any problem is signal from router to the outside generator. Many people forget this is two way street. They put huge effort into better routers.. whereas the problem could be the signal from generator back into the house.. for which no improvement is possible.


That is why my recommendation is to run a mesh node in a window that directly overlooks the generator location.

Even better run ethernet to outside point on the house external wall. Buy a suitable external AP. They are not expensive.

eg TP-Link EAP110 or EAP225 - outdoor. They are sold in both indoor and outdoor types. The outdoor ones are waterproof and designed for easy wall mounting. Even cheaper models can be sourced. But it should be specifically designed as outside wifi AP.


Anyway much of this is experimental. Suck and see is a great engineering principle. Not so good for buildings or bridges or aircraft but great for home wifi.

The other thing is to measure actual signal.. I use built in wireless diagnostics in a Mac laptop.. or a suitable App like Netspot.

Walk around the house and out into the backyard and actually measure how much signal you are getting. I presume you are doing this.. but you need to be scientific about it. Measure actual signal drop through different walls.. as that won't change with router or client.


Remember wireless travels in straight line.. especially at microwave band. (It does bounce around but that is more a problem than help) Think of the connection as an absolutely straight 4" pipe between the router and client.. in some cases any metal objects eg a mirror, in the way totally wreaks wifi signal. Small changes in location can work wonders.. mounting routers up high in the house so they are free of furniture, books and book shelving (often metal) and mobile water bags (humans). It is why professional wifi systems are usually ceiling mount.


Main rule of thumb.. when in doubt use a wire. No amount of science can overcome the wrath of the gods of the ether. At least 60% of all wifi installations is voodoo. You may as well get a shaman with beads and rattles and a few chicken liver offerings as science your way out.

Dec 5, 2021 2:00 PM in response to LaPastenague

Success!!

As planned, I installed the single MX4200 router node to which I connected the back yard generator (as well as computers, mobile devices and printers, etc inside the house).

Well, the generator now reports the signal strength went from 8% to 38%.


It had been limping along at 8% (and often times less and sometimes dropping altogether) so the post installation signal strength of 38% is now more than adequate for it to maintain a "drop free" communication link.


Not only was your technical input insightful and valuable, but the info you provided for the web based set up process without a cell phone ... was priceless!!!


Thank you again!!!


Airport Utility

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