Large Network Advice
Im after some advice on the best network configuration.
This page (https://www.tp-link.com/uk/support/faq/1794) gives some advice, but It's not totally clear to me.
I have a 16 port Ethernet switch (Procurve 1810) where various points around the house are wired. I'm locked into using my ISPs own router, so I've set the Deco into Access mode.
My main questions are (relating to the image below):
- In my arrangement, I'm unsure if I should be following the 2nd or 3rd picture. I've assumed the 3rd picture - noting I'm in Access Modem, not Router Mode?
- With the 3rd image, will the Decos go into Ethernet Backhaul mode when they're connected to the switch and not directly into one another?
- I noticed the Decos have two Ethernet ports, is it possible to connect one port to the switch and the other port to another device (such as a laptop or PC)?
- In Access mode, does the "Main Deco" location actually matter or make any difference, must this be hardwired to the switch/router still, or could it just sit remotely on Wifi?
- Is there an Ethernet switch compatibility list somewhere?
- According to the Procurve manual, it does support loop protection, however im unsure if this is on/off currently. I was experiencing some strange issues with wired connectivity before, and this may be part of the cause. I'll take this away to review.
- I have a really strange issue where none of my Decos are connected to the network (im 99% sure of this), but im still getting an internet connection via the wireless connection. The owner previously had this setup via router mode and also has an existing 2nd internet connection, the cabling was a mess with things interconnected, which ive now disconnected, but I still cant see how the Decos are currently connected to the network when (to the best of my knowledge) none of them are connected to the switches. Is it possible they're piggy-backing off another Wifi SSID or something?
Thanks in advance.
*Edit* looking at the setup video at 3mins here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfghfdarsWA&ab_channel=SomethingTechnicalUK), the user appears to be setting up his access mode to connect to an existing Wifi Network. I think my current owner has done this to his existing Wifi network, which might explain #7?
The problem he's experiencing with the internet disconnecting after connecting a 2nd Deco to the network is something I've experienced, does anyone know if this has been resolved or is it likely to be the network storm?