WDS mode should not affect speed.
There is no description about which one you should select in Help?
As I know, there are four-address-format and three-address-format WDS and three-address-format WDS has a better compatibility.

No, There is nothing at help.
I think tp link forgot this on new firmware.

But can you explain a little better? what does it mean four and three adress ?

WDS1---Three-Address Frame WDS: It can WDS root router with Four-Addres Frame WDS or Three-Address Frame WDS.
WDS2---Four-Addres Frame WDS: It can only WDS root router with Four-Addres Frame WDS.
It it hard to describe what does it means. Just remember that the former one has a better compatibility like Mavis said.
If you are interested in it, just search it online.
Auto should be the best option if you are not sure the root router supports WDS1 or WDS2.

Thanks !
As i have 2 wdr4300 , for sure they are compatible.
this make me think that wds2 is the best option. am i right?

Is possible to say that with wds2 the speed between the 2 will be higher?


My 2 routers are configured this way:

router 1 (main router)
cable modem connected in wan
wifi 2,4 and 5ghz ON

router 2 (bridged)
wds enabled in auto mode with same ssid and password from router 1
wifi 2,4 enabled too but with different ssid from router 1
dhcp disabled

is this the best configuration?

Tks

You may try as it won't take too much time...

Hi, i tested with wds1 and wds2.
Seems to be no difference between them.
Same speed transfer between them.

Anyone knows the difference between wds1 and wds2?

If you look around the access point forum and range extender forum here, you will find the answer.

- wds1 mode, corresponding to universal repeater mode on range extender products, it use 3-addr-format to communicate with the main router. This mode doesn't require the router to be WDS capable so that this mode has better compatibility. In this mode all the clients behind WDR4300 will share the same MAC address to communicate with the front network.

- wds2 mode, corresponding to WDS repeater mode on range extender products. This mode use 4-addr-format to communicate with the main router, which creates a standard WDS system and provide MAC layer transparency. But this mode requires the main router to be WDS capable (WDS awared).

-auto mode. Let the TL-WDR4300 detect whether your main router is WDS-capable or not and then it will choose the corresponding mode automatically.

In fact, the throughput performance is almost the same for most applications.