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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Hi there!
It seems you're trying a setup similar to the one I tried, trying to use the modem/router lan ports as some kind of switch. I even started a new thread about it: Ethernet Backhaul through modem/router
Did yours work?
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dmitryperets wrote
Hi,
Does Deco support the following topology?
|- DECO #1
MODEM/SWITCH |
|- DECO #2
In words: It is basically similar to the start topology described in this post, but the modem and the switch is actually the same device.
I have my modem installed at the entrance of the house, and it can also act as router/switch/whatever. And I have a wired connection from each room to it. It does bridging between all these wires. So I'd like to interconnect the DECOs using these wires.
Will it work...? In your topology, you use separate WAN and LAN ports. But in my case, WAN and LAN port is actually the same... going to the modem/switch.
Hey there, it seems your setup is similar to the one I tried, using the modem/router lan ports to connect two Deco units. I even posted about it: Ethernet Backhaul through modem/router.
Have yours worked? If so, the Deco units were within wi fi range? I mean, has the ethernet backhaul worked or were they only connected through wi fi?
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Here is the answer from TP-Link. I have now set-up my network with TPLink switch and it work find. Still tgere is no way to validate if the network is really using the Ethernet Backhaul.
Mbilodeau wrote
Thanks for the information, I also struggling with DLink switch and trying to make it work with Deco in Ethernet BackHaul Mode. I will try a different brand of switch and it should be OK. This is still very anoying, I have spend several hours to figure this out.
Dear Customer,
Thanks for your feedback.
The issue you mentioned seems an issue with the D-Link switch as we also received several feedback from other customers using D-Link switch as well.
After a test, we have located the root cause. Deco adopts the IEEE 1905.1 standard protocol to create the Ethernet Backhaul network. When Ethernet backhaul is working, Deco will disconnect the Wi-Fi backhaul to avoid the network loop issue.
However, we find that some D-Link switches won't forward the IEEE 1905.1 packets, causing that both Ethernet and wireless connections between Decos are working at the same time, which resulting in a network loop, causing the whole Deco system becomes unstable.
We already tested with switches of some other brands (unmanaged or managed), all work fine except some of the D-Link switches. Even some D-Link managed switches are working fine by forwarding the IEEE 1905.1 packets as expected.
Regarding this case, we recommend to contact D-Link support for a solution. Or change another switch such as TP-Link unmanaged switch which is confirmed working with Deco Ethernet Backhaul connection.
Here is the reference link for TP-Link switches: https://www.tp-link.com/us/business-networking/switches/
Thanks.
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If only I'd read this thread earlier...
I just connected my Deco's to a D-Link DGS-1008A and it broke my whole network.
Luckily I had a spare Netgear GS105 which works beautifully.
TP-Link (and D-Link) should specify the requirement and lack of IEEE 1905.1, respectively!
Also, the Deco app should show whether ethernet backhaul mode is working (correctly.)
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The issue only occurs on some D-Link switches, TP-Link switches can work with Deco properly.
In future updates, will show how Decos are connected in Deco App.
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hi i have a doubt i hope you can help me?
I have 3 units DECO M5 the main one is connected to my Internet provider via ethernet the other units are connected to each other through the WIFI and everything seems to be fine and not give problems.
I have a DVR on top of my house and I connect the Ethernet to the DECO 2 but it works super slow and the DVR takes years to respond then to solve that pull an Ethernet cable to the Main DECO (1) and I see that the DECO have two Ethernet ports then connect it directly to that port being the other is busy to connect to the Internet provider but I do not understand why it does not give me a signal for that port of the DECO Principal or will I have to configure something special or perhaps the DECO Main Does not have the other port in operation because it is the main one?
My other idea is to connect a Swicth in the surplus port of the DECO to pull the cables directly to the other devices.
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Please rephrase your question (questions?) - a >100 word sentence does not make it easy to answer.
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