Expand C2300 router with Deco M5 (compatibility)
Hi All,
I am planning to expand my Archer C2300 with a Deco M5 mesh network, but was wondering about the compatibility and could not find a definite answer in the documentation.
In a perfect world scenario, i would want include my C2300 in the mesh network and expand it with 3 other M5 routers. Is this possible or would i have to disable the (so far excellent) C2300 wifi capabilities?
*EDIT: Ideally I would prefer to not wire the main M5 router, but start the mesh network from my C2300 if possible to make the most out of the additional mesh routers.
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You can use the Deco M5 to boost the wifi signal of Archer C2300; while C2300 does not support mesh feature, if you want to use the wifi network of C2300, then there will be two wireless networks, one is C2300, the other one is the Deco mesh network. Otherwise you can disable the wifi function of C2300 and use the mesh network only.
The Deco M5 can connect to each other by wired cable or wireless, while the main Deco need connect to the modem/internet source by wired cable to get internet first. So it can be Archer C2300--cable--Deco M5 )))(((Deco M5 B )))((( Deco M5 C.
Or you can use the Deco M5 as the main router and use the Archer C2300 to boost the wifi, like ISP cable--Deco M5(router mode) )))(((Deco M5 B )))((( Deco M5 C---Archer C2300. You can configure Archer C2300 as an access point to avoid double NAT.
May it help.
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Hi Kevin,
Thanks, I had already thought of those scenario's but i had hoped to include the Archer as part of the mesh. Unfortunately, if i understand correctly, this is not possible.
It would be great if more routers would be compatible with the mesh protocol to enhance the already existing network. I would guess that the Archer 2300 with all its features is technically no less capable of doing so than the Deco routers themselves.
I assume that if i set them up as accesspoints, i will still be able to make use of the mesh capabilities. Correct? As in connecting one wired and use the rest to create more range without cables.
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Yes, you are right, the Archer C2300 does not support Mesh now.
For the Deco mesh network, it is supported by the router mode and AP mode both. So you do not have to worry about that.
Yes, more and more routers will be compatible with mesh, like the onemesh feature. Below is the compatibility list:
https://www.tp-link.com/onemesh/compatibility/
May it help.
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hi Kevin, I just bought the m5 and I also have the c2300. I have an external drive with media files connected tomthe c2300 that I access them through any smart tv in the house, does this feature will still work if I put the archer as AP or do I need to have two wireless networks? or even better If I turned off the wifi from the archer but provide internet by cable to the m5 router, does the file sharing will be available within the mesh network?
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@Kevin_Z do they need to be chained via cable? Like main goes to second unit, second to third? Or can they all be connecties to the existing router? Or connect to the main unit via a switch, so main unit to switch and other units on switch?
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