Configuration Guide How to set up Ethernet Backhaul with your Deco devices
Ethernet Backhaul is a feature that makes it possible to wire the Deco units together to optimize the bandwidth and network stability.
Normally, after wired Deco units with an Ethernet cable, the Ethernet backhaul will take effect automatically.
Typical connection structures for Ethernet Backhaul
QA
Q1: Which switch models support Ethernet backhaul?
Most of the switches on the market support Deco's Ethernet backhaul feature. If you don’t have a switch or if your switch is verified not compatible with Deco Ethernet Backhaul, the following models will be a good choice:https://www.tp-link.com/home-networking/all-soho-switch/
Q2: To use the Ethernet Backhaul feature, do I need to wire all my Deco units?
Nope. The following network layout works as well.
Q3: How do I know if Ethernet Backhaul takes effect?
Q4: Why my satellite Deco's signal source shows "Wi-Fi" instead of "Ethernet" in the Deco app even if the main Deco and the satellite Deco are connected to the same switch?
Please refer to the suggestions on this link:Ethernet Backhaul not working
Q5: Why my Deco units become unstable once they're connected via a switch?
The Deco Ethernet backhaul feature is based on the standard IEEE 1905.1 protocol. However, we find that some switches, mainly the D-Link switches, will not forward packets based on IEEE 1905.1 protocol, causing all Deco units in a network loop and becoming quite unstable, you might consider changing another switch or contacting switch’s support directly. TP-Link Switches are mostly compatible with our Deco’s Ethernet backhaul.
Q6: Can I set up different Deco models such as M5 and M9 Plus together through Ethernet backhaul?
Yes, just configure and add different Deco models in the same Deco network. After that, you can wire them to set up the Ethernet backhaul connection.
You could refer to the link to learn how to add different Deco models in the same network.
Q7: Can I use one Ethernet port on the Deco for Ethernet backhaul and the other to connect a computer?
Yes. For more details, please refer to How to use Ethernet Ports on Deco?
Q8: Can I use a pair of powerline adapters to build Ethernet Backhaul, like Main Deco---master Powerline adapter~~~extended Powerline adapter---satellite Deco?
Yes and please keep in mind that the Ethernet Backhaul speed now will depend on both the Ethernet cable quality and Powerline rate.
Related Article: General questions about Ethernet Backhaul feature on your Deco
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Hello,
Will be buying the Deco M5, 3 units for my home.
Will be setting up a star network intened for Ethernet Backhaul per your diagram below (CAT6 cables between Main Deco to Switch and between Slaves to Switch).
All TP-Link switches I was looking at, did not mention supporting IEEE 1905.1 protocol that is required for the Deco M5 Ethernet Backhaul feature to work...
Please suggest the switches that DO support this protocol...
Thank you!
Mesh804
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I wanted to share my experiences with the Deco line and using hardwired backhaul.
I am an experienced networking person, so my home network is always optimized, and I always prefer to hardwire my access points for the best results.
The Deco line does make for easy deployment, so I had some M5's I wired (star topology) into my network in AP mode (I use an IQrouter as the primary router to combat bufferbloat). Works great!
I recently tried some Deco P9's, as a neighbor needs a mesh solution, but does not have any ethernet for the backhaul, so I figure a powerline model would work for him. While testing the P9, I found out my electrical system kills powerline links (I have whole-home power-factor correctors and surge protection that kills RF on the electrical lines) so I was getting red indicators for powerline quality. I just plugged in some ethernet to the home LAN (I have ethernet in every room), and even the P9 falls back to wired ethernet, nice.
Some have asked about switches, and I can say the TP-Link TL-SG108 is my favorite all-purpose small switch, at $20 on Amazon, a much better value than the 5-port. Works fine with the Deco's
My Network has a mix of switches, including some semi-pro HP models, and the Deco backhaul runs through all of it fine.
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@KarstenB The IEEE 1905.1 protocol is similar to an application-level protocol like https and dns, which should be forwarded by all switches by default. No special support required.
However, we don't know why some D-Link switches don't forward such packets. Except for these D-Link switches, all the other switches including TP-Link Switches should work with Deco without any problem.
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I used Deco M9 plus (Pack-3) now I sold 5 port TL-SG105 switch now my question is which port use main Deco to Slave Deco(2&3)
Port-1
Port-2
Port-3
Port-4
Port-5
Which port use Ethernet input & output.
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How do we know our internet IP code
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Just for your (and others) information, I've had the same problem with a Zyxel GS1200-8 managed switch with a Deco P9 set.
Replaced it with a Netgear GS108 switch and it's working fine now.
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@TP-Link Deco Question:
I have 3 Deco M9's in my network but want to use a switch in the future.
Will the folliwing setup work:
[ROUTER] -> [Switch] (with 2 deco's wired connected, one of them will be main deco). -> Switch -> Deco ?
Thanks in advance
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Should be fine as long as you use them in AP mode. But guess you already do that.
And make sure you use a TP-link or Netgear switch.
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Hello TP,
I want to get started with Deco M5 MESH Wifi.
Is the setup as below good to get started to get backhaul working from the 3 Deco's and the EAP225 in MESH?
It is in dutch's but "Modem Ziggo" is my internetconnection.
Hope to hear from you,
Kind regards, Stephan
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