@CE-DK-1974 Does setting up your network in "access point" work any better or worse than "router mode?"

Hi. Because of how my house is built, I can't connect the Decos in sequence (#1 -> #2 -> #3) and I also don't have a Switch right now. So my idea is to connect the modem/router to Deco #1, then Deco #1 to Deco #2, and connect the modem/router to Deco #3, all through cables and in Access Point Mode. By the way, they are Deco M4's. Here's the topology so it's easier to understand:

Is this possible?

  @TP-Link Deco I have 3 deco units, and I'm trying to set them up like this:

modem <ethernet> main deco <ethernet backhaul> deco2 <wifi> deco3

But deco3 keeps connecting via wifi to the main deco instead of deco2 (which is much closer). Can I force deco3 to source from deco2 instead?

  @Funky123 

You are definitely right about something fishy with the Ethernet Backhaul with these DECO units.  (Or, at least the M5's. I have 7 of these, and I ripped them all out and put in the trash can).  Even the cheapest no name brand AP out there works FLAWLESSLY the moment you plug in a hardwire cable into the Internet port, and bang, everything works nicely.  The whole purpose of an Access Point is to extend the WiFi signal with hardwire to keep the WiFi stable.  TP-Link definitely need to re-engineer the M5 models at least.  All 7 of my Deco M5's are sitting in the trash bin. If TP-Link don't get their act together, they will go belly up in no time.  Fortunately, novice users depend on IT specialist to recommend whichever Brands that works for them.  Seems like TP-Link is way behind with their technology.  The moment more users are having issues, TP-Link will go belly up in no time if they don't rectify quick enough.  I'm currently looking at getting UniFi or even Netgear that simply work with ANY switch (smart or dumb switch).  Sorry to say, but I have referred all my friends to Netgear or UniFi that works nicely.  No wonder TP-Link sales for last quarter dropped like a hot potato.  

p.s.  And of course, TP-Link tech support will always tell you to make sure FW is updated to latest, blah blah blah - Of course!  No sh*t!  They will also state why they haven't heard of any issues from any of their users.  The reason for this is because the users couldn't get it working and ended up trashing them or returning them.  Most users try to contact tech support and they guide them through the regular FW update B.S. and troubleshooting steps which takes an hour with no outcome.  It is simply a flaw in the product itself sorry to say.  This is why they came out with newer models to fix this issue, but alot of customers already lost trust in them.

  @andresilva-cc 

andresilva-cc wrote

Hi. Because of how my house is built, I can't connect the Decos in sequence (#1 -> #2 -> #3) and I also don't have a Switch right now. So my idea is to connect the modem/router to Deco #1, then Deco #1 to Deco #2, and connect the modem/router to Deco #3, all through cables and in Access Point Mode. By the way, they are Deco M4's. Here's the topology so it's easier to understand:

Is this possible?

Found out that it does not work. I had to use a switch.

  @TP-Link Deco i have the x55s. Do i need to enable iptv or does eth backhaul work w/o this? how can i test my eth backhaul?

TP-Link Deco wrote

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. 

Here are some typical connection structures for Ethernet Backhaul:

 

Frequently Ask Questions

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 know 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. On the main Deco, one Ethernet port should connect to the modem/router to get internet, the other Ethernet port can be used for Ethernet backhaul, or connect to a computer.

 

 

Related Article: General questions about Ethernet Backhaul feature on your Deco

 

I currently have the following setup:

Router --> Main M5 --> Satellite M5 (wired)

                                --> Satellite M5 (Wireless)

            --> PC

I would like to add the PC to the network and also add another wired point for an additional M5 (or other) unit.

I was considering the following setup:

Router --> Main M5 --> Switch --> Satellite M5 (wired)

                                                 --> PC

                                                 --> Satellite M5 (wired)

                                --> Satellite M5 (Wireless)

Is there any issue with connecting the PC to the same switch as the Satellite M5s are connected?

Will the PC show up in the same network?

  @TP-Link Deco  Hi does the TL-SG1008 switch support IEEE 1905.1