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Router mode vs AP mode

Router mode vs AP mode

Router mode vs AP mode
Router mode vs AP mode
2025-08-15 15:58:44 - last edited a week ago
Tags: #Network Connectivity #Access Point Mode #Connection Preference
Model: Deco S7  
Hardware Version: V1
Firmware Version:

Been having issues with my Deco s7 with virgin media hub 5. Been set up for the past 18/24months with the virgin hub in modem mode, main deco connected via Ethernet and the other 2 are connecting via WiFi. Recently I have been having my issues where the connection is terrible. I then came across some advice online indicating that the Deco should be in AP mode so I followed it and its not really improved. So my question is, which set up is best? Using the virgin hub in modem mode and deco in router mode or virgin hub in router mode and deco in AP?

Hopefully this makes sense. Thanks very much in advance.

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1 Accepted Solution
Re:Router mode vs AP mode-Solution
2025-08-21 08:10:37 - last edited a week ago

  @novice1111 

Hi, theoretically, no matter in the Router or AP mode, Deco is not supposed to cause any network disconnection.

AP mode is often recommended as the ISP-provided router usually has better compatibility with their service, and AP mode further simplifies the network topology.

 

If you run into any disconnection issue, you can refer to this link to check which case is quite like yours and the recommended suggestions:

Fix unstable connection when connected to the Deco network

 

Thank you very much.

Best regards.

▶Check What's Currently Going on With Deco ▶Deco BE85 1.2.0 Enhanced Mesh Backhaul Stability and Device Roaming Experience ▶Deco BE65/BE65 Pro 1.2.0 Enhanced Mesh Network Stability and System Security ▶Deco BE75 1.1.0 Added WireGuard VPN, Manual Channel Selection and More Try to leave a Message if urgent help is required.
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Re:Router mode vs AP mode
2025-08-16 06:48:06

  @novice1111 

 

When the virgin media hub 5 is set to modem mode is it broadcasting WiFi? Or do you have the WiFi broadcast turned off and the deco is providing the WiFi? Also look at the examples in the link below and let me know which example matches your network set up the best, Example 1,2, or 3?

 

Can you also provide us with the firmware version your decos are running? 

 

 

Need help with the Deco app, setup, Ethernet backhaul, network switch or rolling back firmware? Router or AP mode? https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/699816?page=1
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Re:Router mode vs AP mode-Solution
2025-08-21 08:10:37 - last edited a week ago

  @novice1111 

Hi, theoretically, no matter in the Router or AP mode, Deco is not supposed to cause any network disconnection.

AP mode is often recommended as the ISP-provided router usually has better compatibility with their service, and AP mode further simplifies the network topology.

 

If you run into any disconnection issue, you can refer to this link to check which case is quite like yours and the recommended suggestions:

Fix unstable connection when connected to the Deco network

 

Thank you very much.

Best regards.

▶Check What's Currently Going on With Deco ▶Deco BE85 1.2.0 Enhanced Mesh Backhaul Stability and Device Roaming Experience ▶Deco BE65/BE65 Pro 1.2.0 Enhanced Mesh Network Stability and System Security ▶Deco BE75 1.1.0 Added WireGuard VPN, Manual Channel Selection and More Try to leave a Message if urgent help is required.
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