Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a concept I’ve been thinking about that could significantly improve mesh network setups — especially for those of us who prefer wired backhaul for maximum performance and reliability.

 

The Current Problem with Mesh Systems

 

Most consumer mesh systems like TP-Link Deco work like this:

 

• One unit acts as the main router (handles routing, DHCP, NAT).
• Other units are satellites that connect either wirelessly or with Ethernet.
• Each unit has full routing logic and often needs 2 Ethernet ports.
• If not wired properly, roaming between units can lag or cause temporary disconnection.
• The hardware cost increases because each node is overbuilt.

 

My Proposal: A Mesh Switch

 

Let’s rethink the architecture.

 

Imagine a dedicated device — a Mesh Switch — that:

 

• Acts as the main router and controller.
• Has multiple gigabit ports to connect all mesh nodes via Ethernet.
• Allows every mesh unit to operate in pure AP (access point) mode.
• Eliminates the need for any one node to be the "main" Deco.
• Does not support wireless backhaul — only wired connections for maximum reliability.

 

Key Advantages

 

• No “main” mesh node needed — setup is simpler, scaling is easier.
• Only one Ethernet cable per mesh unit — no need for dual-port units.
• Wired-only backhaul — gives stable, interference-free performance.
• Mesh nodes can be simpler and cheaper — just APs, no routing intelligence.
• Better roaming — centralized control can manage client handoffs smoothly.
• Expandable — you can connect one mesh switch to another if you need more ports.

 

How It Might Work

 

Internet  
→ ONU / Modem  
→ Mesh Switch (Router + Controller)  
→ Wired connection to each Deco / mesh unit

 

• Each unit acts purely as an access point.  
• No wireless relay.  
• No confusion about main and secondary routers.  
• Just one clean, wired system.

 

Why This Matters

 

Wireless mesh sounds convenient but has major issues:

 

• Signal weakens through walls and floors.
• Wireless backhaul cuts available bandwidth for clients.
• Hardware is expensive since each unit is a full router.
• Roaming between nodes is often unreliable.

 

If your home is already wired — or can be — there's no reason not to take full advantage of that.

 

What Needs to Happen

 

• Vendors (like TP-Link) could create a dedicated Mesh Switch product.
• Mesh nodes (like Deco units) could run simplified firmware: AP-only, no routing.
• Central software in the switch would handle DHCP, NAT, load balancing, and roaming.

 

Final Thoughts

 

This setup would bring the reliability of enterprise wired networks into consumer homes, while keeping setup simple.

 

• Fewer ports needed per unit.
• Lower cost for nodes.
• More reliable roaming.
• Easier expansion.

 

If companies build this, it could be a game-changer for people who want high-speed, seamless internet across a large space without the mess of complex mesh setups.

Let me know what you think!