Are you wondering what is the best Linksys Velop node placement? So, this guide is for you!
The Linksys Velop mesh system is a great way to spread the Wi-Fi signal throughout your entire home and keep all devices connected.
However, it’s very important to know how to position your nodes to get the most out of them and share the best possible Wi-Fi strength with other devices.
The best placement for the Linksys Velop node is above the ground, in a central location in your home, away from electronic appliances.
Important: Linksys Velop Node Setup Reminder
You must ensure your Linksys Velop mesh network is correctly set up before you begin the placement to avoid further issues.
Hence, we’ve prepared a quick guide on setting up your Linksys Velop parent node and the child nodes correctly.
How to Set Up Linksys Velop Parent Node?
- Unplug your cable modem from the power.
- Download the “Linksys” app on your mobile.
- Open the app, sign in, and grant permission.
- Select Single Modem or Modem + Router.
- Plug your parent node into the power outlet.
- Connect the node and modem via Ethernet.
- Turn on your node using the Power button.
- Connect the mobile unit to the temporary Wi-Fi.
- Info: Details are found on the node’s bottom.
- Continue with the app’s on-screen instructions.
Note: You must see a blinking purple light when the node is ready for the pairing!
How to Set Up Linksys Velop Child Node?
- Open the Linksys app on your Wi-Fi mobile.
- Tap the menu and “Set Up a New Product.”
- Select “Add Another Node to [Wi-Fi Name].”
- Tap “To extend my Wi-Fi with a child node.”
- Turn on the Bluetooth feature on the mobile.
- Follow the application instructions to the end.
Note: Pairing a child node can take up to 3 minutes!
What is the Best Linksys Velop Node Placement?
Note: The parent node always stays connected to the modem, so the steps below apply to your child nodes only.
1. Central Location in the Home
Your Velop node must be positioned in a central location in your home so you can connect as many devices as possible without any distance-related issues.
By central location, we envision your living room, kitchen, or place where you’ve got the most Wi-Fi devices and where the signal is weak.
Here are some good places you can put your Linksys Velop node:
- Living Room – On the TV’s shelf (not behind your TV).
- Living Room – Elevated on the very top level of the shelf.
- Living Room – Fixed to the wall, with a clear line of sight.
- Kitchen – On the top of your fridge, near the corner.
- Kitchen – On the kitchen island, away from appliances.
- Bedroom – On one of the lockers next to the bed.
- Bedroom – On the top of the wardrobe (next to the edge).
Important: If you don’t have a suitable outlet to connect the Linksys Velop node in the best spot possible, we recommend using a power extender.
2. Away from Signal Interference
Signal interference is one of the most common obstacles users encounter when positioning their Velop nodes.
If your device is under heavy signal interference, your Wi-Fi will be very weak or inaccessible, so it’s essential to consider a few recommendations.
There are two types of interference you must take into account:
Wireless Interference
Other devices cause wireless interference and directly impact the signal strength of your Velop node.
Luckily, you can overcome your wireless interference with a correct positioning strategy!
- The Velop node must not be near electrical appliances.
- The Velop node must be away from Bluetooth devices.
- There shouldn’t be RF or IR signals between the nodes.
Physical Interference
- The child node mustn’t be two or more rooms away.
- The Velop node should not be covered by anything.
- The node should not be placed under metal objects.
It would be best if you considered all of these factors to develop the best position for the Velop nodes, and the most critical rule is away from electronics.
3. Distance Between the Nodes
The Linksys Velop max distance between nodes, shouldn’t be more than 32 feet for the best possible Wi-Fi performance.
However, based on your situation, you can increase the distance a little more, but extending the range too much will lead to a poor Wi-Fi signal on the node.
Again, we recommend using power extenders (A/C strip) to deliver power to your Linksys Velop node at the best possible location.
Note: Do not place the Linksys Velop node more than 1 floor apart.
4. Above Ground Level Surface
Another essential factor for the position of your Linksys Velop node is the ground level and the surface elevation of your device.
Your Velop node should not be on the ground unless you’re trying to deliver a signal on the floor below, which is a specific situation.
If you’re spreading the Wi-Fi on the same floor, keep the Velop nodes as high as possible in the room.
Hence, if you’re spreading Wi-Fi on different floors, positioning the node near the ground could be helpful to cover both the room below and the room above.
Note: Thick concrete walls can cause physical interference and slow the Wi-Fi signal.
5. Away from any Heat Conducts
The last fundamental rule for optimal connection with the Linksys Velop node is overheating, which you must consider in advance.
You must not put your Linksys Velop node under your air conditioning, near heaters, behind the TV, near cooking appliances, or the shower steam.
When your Linksys Velop node is overheating, the device will restart, you’ll lose internet access and you’ll need to relocate the device elsewhere.
Note: Avoid placing the Linksys Velop node in a place where direct sunlight can have an impact.
What is the Best Linksys Velop Distance Between Nodes?
The best distance between your Linksys Velop nodes is about 32 feet, but this factor will be decided based on your needs.
So, let’s check specific situations and what you need to do!
Strong Wi-Fi on Only One Device
If you have one device, which is important to have a strong Wi-Fi signal, feel free to install one of your child nodes right next to it.
This will guarantee that the devices in the same room will get the best signal possible and access the internet smoothly.
Also, the direct line of sight is essential to acquire a strong Wi-Fi signal on a selected device, so position your Velop node accordingly.
Strong Wi-Fi on Multiple Devices
If you want to distribute the Wi-Fi signal on all devices throughout your home, it’s best to spread your Velop nodes in a considerable range.
Avoid having two Velop nodes in the same room so that you can cover as many rooms as possible.
If you keep a 32-foot range between the nodes, the Wi-Fi signal will be good on all the nodes, and you only need to consider the connection devices.
Tip: Test your Wi-Fi signal strength by using your smartphone and moving from one room to another to identify dead zones.
How Many Linksys Velop Nodes Do You Need?
If you have a small home with 2-3 rooms, you’ll need the parent node and a maximum of 2 child nodes to spread the signal throughout the home.
If you have a larger home with 4 rooms and a second floor, you’ll need a minimum of 4 Velop nodes positioned accordingly to cover the entire area.
Signal Distribution
The signal distribution is significant so based on the room where you’ve got most devices, place one of your child nodes there.
If you have a room with fewer Wi-Fi devices, you can skip placing a node there and keep the device in another room, near the wall, to cover the other.
You need to balance how many devices are connected simultaneously to one single node to prevent network congestion, which slows the signal.
Additionally, we recommend downloading on devices connected to the modem via Ethernet cable to decrease the congestion further.
Quick Recap:
The best Linksys Velop node placement is in a central location in your home, close to the most essential devices and away from interference.
The maximum range between nodes must be 32 feet, and to cover large homes, more nodes are needed.
Follow us for more Linksys Velop guides, tips and tricks!
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.