@Jujjj
Welcome to the community.
Regarding Router Mode vs Access Point Mode:
Since you have your Deco connected directly to your fiber modem, the choice depends on your setup:
• If your fiber modem is just a modem (not a modem-router combo), you should use Router mode on your Deco. This way, the Deco functions as your main router with full features like Parental Controls, QoS, DHCP Server, etc.
• If your fiber modem is a modem-router combo (gateway device), you have two options:
• Keep Deco in Access Point mode (as you currently have it) • This works fine for most users. You'll lose some gateway features in the Deco app (QoS, Parental Controls, DHCP Server, IPTV, VLAN, DDNS), but your network will function normally.
• Switch to Router mode • This creates a Double NAT situation. For most users, this isn't a concern and internet access works normally. However, if you use Deco for gaming or as a VPN server, double NAT can be problematic. In that case, you could either set your modem to bridge mode or keep Deco in AP mode.
Since you've turned off the wireless SSIDs on your main modem, either configuration should work well for your needs.
Now for your last question.
No, you generally cannot connect the main Deco unit wirelessly (via 6GHz or otherwise) directly to your Zhone modem/router as a replacement for Ethernet.
Why This Doesn't Work
TP-Link Deco systems require the main Deco to have a wired Ethernet connection to the modem (or upstream router) for internet access. Deco does not support repeater/extender mode for the primary unit to connect wirelessly to a non-Deco router like your Zhone.
- Wireless backhaul (including 6GHz) only works between Deco units (main Deco - satellite Decos).
- On Wi-Fi 6E models like the XE75/XE75 Pro, the 6GHz band is used (or can be prioritized) for backhaul between Deco nodes automatically when no Ethernet is present between them.
Your Zhone modem likely doesn't support 6GHz anyway. Even if it did, Deco isn't designed to treat a third-party router as a mesh node.
Best Practical Solutions (Without Buying Another Full Deco XE75 Pro)
Here are options from cheapest/easiest to more involved:
- Best short-term fix: Run a long Ethernet cable (or MoCA/Powerline if possible)
- Cat6/6a cable is cheap. Hide it along baseboards, through walls, or use flat cable under rugs.
- MoCA adapters (if you have coax outlets): Excellent for high-speed "wired-like" backhaul without new cables.
- Powerline adapters (AV2 or better): Variable performance depending on your electrical wiring, but many support Gigabit+ and are plug-and-play.
2. Put Zhone in Bridge Mode + Use Deco in Router Mode (with wired main Deco)
Disable Wi-Fi/routing on the Zhone if possible, connect the main Deco via Ethernet, and let Deco handle everything. Satellites can then use wireless 6GHz backhaul.
3. Add a Wi-Fi 6E Range Extender/Bridge (cheaper than full Deco)
Look for a TP-Link RE815XE or similar Wi-Fi 6E mesh-compatible extender. It can connect wirelessly to your Zhone (on 5GHz or 6GHz if supported) and provide Ethernet out to the main Deco.
Performance will depend heavily on distance and line-of-sight (6GHz is fast but poor through walls).
Not as seamless as native Deco mesh, but cheaper than another XE75 Pro.
Alternative: Any good Wi-Fi 6E access point in client/bridge mode with Ethernet output.
Recommendation: Try a long Ethernet cable first or MoCA if you have coax. For a pure wireless bridge, a dedicated Wi-Fi 6E extender in bridge mode is your closest low-cost option. Test signal strength between the Zhone and where you'd place the Deco/extender — 6GHz needs very good conditions for usable speeds.
