Router or AP mode for Deco M4
Hello everyone, happy new year first of all!
So after having been in contact with the tp-link support, I still don't understand fully what I have to do to make sure my problem is fixed:
Here is my network setup:
1x Router with 4 Ethernet port outputs
3x Deco M4
When I bought the Deco's, they were initially connected in ROUTER mode, and they were communicating in WiFi with each other as shown on the Deco App (no Ethernet backhaul).
I have recently discovered that it'd be better to wire all of my Deco's in order to have the same WiFi speed through my house. So I have changed to ACCESS POINT mode and connected everything as follow:
- Main Deco (Garage) <---> Ethernet <---> Router (Garage)
- Deco Satellite 1 (Living room) <---> Ethernet <---> Router (through wall plugs, not directly on router)
- Deco Satellite 2 (Upstairs) <---> Ethernet <---> Router (through wall plugs, not directly on router)
Additionally, my Main Deco output #2 goes to my PC (through Ethernet wall plug) and Deco Satellite 1 output #2 goes to a Hue Bridge.
The WiFi Meshing works very good, speed tests around the house show 330-350 Mbps (max 400 Mbps subscription).
However here is the problem: I suffer from network dropouts very often (every 2-3 days, randomly).
From what tp-link support said, it's because network loop are created due to my Deco Satellite being wired to the Router (through wall plugs).
So my questions are:
- Q1: Do I need to use Router or AP (like it is now) as a mode to generate a WiFi signal directly from each Deco rather than extending the Router one? I imagine that provides better speed
- Q2: tp-link suggested to create a "Daisy" or "Star network"; what's the concrete difference? Does it mean that according to my setup I should buy a switch?
According to this thread: https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/1794/ ---> Q.2.3 with AP mode, Satellites Deco can be wired to Main Deco OR Router so I am lost...
Thank you very much!!