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Adding TP Link 1750 (Archer A7) to an existing mesh network?

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Adding TP Link 1750 (Archer A7) to an existing mesh network?

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Adding TP Link 1750 (Archer A7) to an existing mesh network?
Adding TP Link 1750 (Archer A7) to an existing mesh network?
2020-01-19 12:30:31
Model: Archer A7  
Hardware Version:
Firmware Version:

I have been enjoying a TP-Link Deco M5 mesh network (3 units) in my home for the past 10 months.  But I am starting to miss some of the capabilities of my old router, namely (a) having a USB port for putting a big fat storage device on my home network and (b) having more than one fast RJ45 ethernet ports available.

I purchased a TP Link 1750 (Archer A7) to satisfy this need but I see 2 possible options but not sure which is best.

 

Option 1:   Router mode

Make the Archer A7 the primary router.  Attach NAS drive to the router and the Roku.  Extend the mesh network with my 3 existing Deco M5 units throughout the home.

Question:  Is the Archer A7 mesh network compatible with the TP-Link Deco M5 devices?  

 

Option 2:   Switch mode

Keep my current Deco M5 mesh network in place an use the Archer A7 as a switch.  Connect the Archer A7 via CAT5 to the lead Deco unit and use it as a switch to drive the NAS function and any other hardwired devices such as the Roku.

 

Let me know if you see any other options.

Thanks in advance.

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4 Reply
Re:Adding TP Link 1750 (Archer A7) to an existing mesh network?
2020-01-20 03:04:49

@AnthonyFister 

 

Hello, option 1, you can use Archer A7 as the main router to enjoy the USB sharing function and the LAN ports, the Deco will work as an access point to boost the mesh network. But please notice that the Onemesh from Archer A7 is not compatible with Deco mesh network; and at least one router and one network expansion device needed  to create a Onemesh network. 

 

Option 2: You can use the Deco as the main router and attach the Archer A7 in access point to boost wifi signal and provide more LAN ports. While some advanced features are not supported in AP mode. You can read this to get more differences between router and AP mode. 

 

Good day. 

Nice to Meet You in Our TP-Link Community. Check Out the Latest Posts: Connect TP-Link Archer BE550 to Germany's DS-Lite (Dual Stack Lite) Internet via WAN Archer GE550 - BE9300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router EasyMesh Is Available When Wi-Fi Routers Work in AP Mode as A Controller. Archer AX90 New Firmware Added Support for EasyMesh and Ethernet Backhaul If you found a post or response helpful, please click Helpful (arrow pointing upward icon). If you are the author of a topic, remember to mark a helpful reply as the "Recommended Solution" (star icon) so that others can benefit from it.
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#2
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Re:Adding TP Link 1750 (Archer A7) to an existing mesh network?
2020-09-05 23:42:47
I have an Archer A7 and just bought the Deco M5 3 unit system. Are you saying that if I download the latest OneMesh firmware for the Archer A7, it won't work in One Mesh mode with the M5's? Are there any Deco's that will OneMesh with the A7?
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#3
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Re:Adding TP Link 1750 (Archer A7) to an existing mesh network?
2021-03-26 13:06:20
I bought the Deco three-pack too when I looked at my Tether software and noticed that my Archer A7 V5 had mesh capabilities. Now I find that the two mesh networks are incompatible? Wow, I'm returning the Deco
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#4
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Re:Adding TP Link 1750 (Archer A7) to an existing mesh network?
2021-03-29 06:24:03

@Novice_Linker @NHBob 

 

You are correct. Deco mesh and Onemesh are not compatible, you can refer to the article here for more details about the difference.

 

If you want to build a mesh network with the Archer A7, you need to get an Onemesh RE or Onemes powerline extender. Deco cannot build a mesh network with the Onemesh routers.

Nice to Meet You in Our TP-Link Community. Check Out the Latest Posts: Connect TP-Link Archer BE550 to Germany's DS-Lite (Dual Stack Lite) Internet via WAN Archer GE550 - BE9300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router EasyMesh Is Available When Wi-Fi Routers Work in AP Mode as A Controller. Archer AX90 New Firmware Added Support for EasyMesh and Ethernet Backhaul If you found a post or response helpful, please click Helpful (arrow pointing upward icon). If you are the author of a topic, remember to mark a helpful reply as the "Recommended Solution" (star icon) so that others can benefit from it.
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