Network instability in BE85 mesh network
I recently implemented a new mesh wifi-network using the new Deco BE85 units. The characteristics are as follows:
- The main Deco unit is directly connected to the Zyxel modem/router (viber 1 GB up/down);
- I use a TL-Link switch for all the cat 5e ethernet lines throughout the house (POE is disabled for now);
- The other 2 Deco units are located on the first floor and attic using the ethernet backhaul;
- The network has been set to router mode first (love the features there), but now back to access point mode;
- I'm not using the Wi-Fi 7 or 6E features.
I've seen some strange behaviour for which I need your support:
- Apple HomePods (2nd gen and mini) drop off the network from time to time, always requiring a full factory reset when it happens. They just don't reconnect anymore once they drop off. I've tried using a fixed IP (Deco in router mode), disabling the mesh for these devices and even specifying a preferred Deco unit to connect to;
They advised the network setup as I have implemented and described above; - Downloading apps or iPhones updates does not work anymore, though regular browsing, watching videos etc. is working as expected. When I try to install or update an app for the IOS app store, it doesn't always succeed. It gets stuck when downloading. Same goes for downloading IOS updates. I have not been able to download an update (2-6 GB) after implementing the new network;
- Downloads from the internet fail from a Windows PC even if these are only 200-300 MB.
I'm looking for any help to stop me from returning the equipment. Thanks!
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I am also running into the same issues. To the extent this is helpful, adding some additonal data points.
For Internet, running AT&T Fiber through BGW320-500. IP passthrough to Firewalla Purple.
For router, using a Firewalla Purple. Had both this and BGW in place with another WIFI system prior to going wiith Deco 85.
Using Deco 85 as an access point.
I've tested extensively, and the errors only occur when I go through the Deco 85. Straight off modem, no issues. Straight off Firewalla, no issues.
What was interesting is the erros persist even if I go direct through an ethernet port off the Deco. They are also still there when connect to Wifi.
Per what another user reported, anything Apple is highly suspect to the download connectivity issues. macOS updates, iOS updates, App Store downloads, etc. Not exclusive to apple, but attempting to download big files (for example, a previous macos Version) through the macos App store is a pretty reliable indicator as to whether or not there is an issue.
Anyway, doing all my testing before I landed here, I thought the fact that whether it is wired or wireless through the BE85 might be useful in troubleshooting.
I'm running :
BE85(2.0)
1.0.10 Build 20230815 Rel. 47787
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Update:
Hi All,
The official firmware updates will soon fix this issue. For now, we recommend installing the following beta firmware, which has already resolved the problem;
https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/629446
Thank you very much and best regards.
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@David-TP thanks for the update.
I gave up and returned my BE85s because I needed a functional network.
In my opinion, the BE85 should never have been released in this state. Does TP-Link not do any validation or testing before releasing new hardware? It was trivial for me to reproduce the issue and I have no special knowledge of the hardware or access to the software stack.
Selling a broken product and making customers contend with an inability to even download files properly for five months is not how you build trust in a brand or products.
Even if the new firmware fixes the issue, I won't be giving TP-Link another chance anytime soon, if ever.
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@David-TP Thank you for all of your time and keeping us in the loop.
I wanted to confirm that after running a whole battery of download tests after installing the beta (and then again after the produciton version which showed up on the interface shortly thereafter), I have not seen any issues. Historically, those tests would fail at a pretty high rate. I'm only a few hours in, but am highly encouraged.
WIth those failures hopefully in the past, combined with the incredibly high throughput rates that the BE85 is capable of, all signs right now are that the network is working beautifully.
Thanks again for keeping the lines of communication open. Have a great day!
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Hi David,
Do you know when the official firmware will be released ?
I'm running with Deco BE85_V1_1.0.11 and have still instabilities and data corruption issues.
Many thanks.
Raphaël
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Hi, Raphaël,
Welcome to the community.
Have you tried to install the beta firmware here to see whether it helped:
Optimize Network Stability and Download issues on Deco BE85/BE95
Wait for your reply and best regards.
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Hi David,
Yes it seems to work properly, I will perform some more tests tonight.
Thank you.
Raphaël
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Hi David,
I performed some additional tests with this beta firmware and I observed no data corruption.
Many thanks.
Raphaël
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Hi, It is good to know that . The bug fix will also be added to the official firmware later. Thank you very much.
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Do you know if this fix is included in the most recent release, 1.0.13 Build 20230927 Rel. 38826.
The date appears to be after the Beta, however, when I upgraded to this version the network congestion issues returned. I have since reverted back to the beta, but just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.
Thank you, sir.
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