@SabrinaAtCottag 

In regard to speed of Ethernet backhaul and "slow internet speed check cable" alert.

According to Amazon link you provided, this is the switch you are using: "MokerLink 10 Port PoE Switch with 8 Port PoE+, 2 Fast Ethernet UpLink, 100Mbps, 120W 802.3af/at PoE, Fanless Plug & Play"

Based on its description, its maximum speed is 100Mbps. That will explain why Ethernet backhaul is so slow and why unit "b" complains of slow internet speed.

You should replace that switch with unmanaged gigabit switch if you want faster speeds. Also, to make sure new switch is compatible with Deco Ethernet backhaul, it is recommended to choose switch from TP-Link brand.

  @Alexandre. 
 

thank you so much for your feedback!

would this switch work fine? It doesn't state Deco backhaul capable....

https://www.amazon.com/Ethernet-Splitter-Optimization-Unmanaged-TL-SG108/dp/B00A121WN6/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3SK8Z2HO8OHKF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YtMW0Q8xdF-eO48JSCJUqDSa5dK5hhFC9fLUQNnpPfll4fD4BVI0GEKmdoxgFHxMVafy3f6ehYFVtxTWZL6goINlQIO6oKQ94j9BirPNbGf877R5MKfN8r5CRc7BEp2AEucriiEx7ui8jqciExifWFrjxls6iF5p2lG7abZvfq-aiX9ew-zK-CeeDEjapcapJwUmzEiW-mcaSlmJCf6O1AmryRO-fk6Pz7H748ZNPzQ.cC311sXxLG03UJSJPyVMOWTZH5heDNaTpIkTX1jrIGE&dib_tag=se&keywords=tp%2Blink%2Bdeco%2Binternet%2Bbackhaul%2Bswitch&qid=1713024925&sprefix=tp%2Blink%2Bdeco%2Binternet%2Bbackhaul%2Bswitch%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-3&th=1

I would like 10 ports possibly, can you recommend switches?

 Thank you!!

Sabrina

  @SabrinaAtCottag 

What you have now is POE capable switch. If you feed security camera(s) or other devices with power through the Ethernet cable, it is called POE (Power over the Ethernet) and replacement switch you will need should also support POE.

TL-SG108 seem to be standard unmanaged gigabit 8-port switch. It does not support POE. If you do not need to pass power over Ethernet cable, this switch can do.

I can't recommend specific switch models, only what you should look for. It is Amazon after all, check that switch comes with return policy and then decide based on your requirements, budget, etc. If by unlucky chance it won't work with Deco Ethernet backhaul, send it back.

So, the switch:

1. Must be unmanaged gigabit;

2. TP-Link brand;

3. POE capable, but only if you need that. If not, standard switch is better;

4. For switches with more than 8 ports check that it is fanless. Switches that have more than 8 ports may have fan to dissipate heat. With 10-12 ports it is optional, but after 16 ports fan is usually standard feature. Look for fanless in switch description - fan means noise, you don't want that.

  @SabrinaAtCottag 

One more recommendation: if you can't find 10-port switch to your liking or it is too expensive, consider buying two 8-port switches. You can connect them to different ports of X50, even to different X50s, and that will get you over 10 available Ethernet ports combined. 

You can even get one 8-port and one 5-port switch, you got the idea.

I checked with Amazon, selection of affordable 5- and 8-port switches is large, but over 10-ports is ether limited, bulky or disproportionally expensive.

  @Alexandre. Thanks again. Can't find much on Amazon. One has lights facing wrong way. Others are managed. Does tp-link have store?  Also, this might only fix one of my overall network issues, correct? I'm not sure I want to keep this mesh system in light of all these problems.

  @SabrinaAtCottag 

I expect that using the right networking switch will fix the following problems you mentioned:

- when I am sitting right beside unit "d" is my internet only 68 mbps

- my units disconnect intermittently when I'm looking at the app

- unit "b" stating strong signal, but also stating "slow internet speed check cable." 

Replacing switch with Deco mesh compatible should also bring stability to your Deco mesh.

Replacing switch may or may not fix other problems you mentioned, I can't promise anything. 

-------------------------------------

When you read WiFi mesh marketing materials, and not just from TP-Link, they tend to create impression WiFi mesh "just works." It often does, but when it does not on a first try  - dealing with issues and tuning WiFi mesh requires effort. That experience could be frustrating. Also, good overall performance of any WiFi mesh depends on proper placement of WiFi units and how they connect to each other, and that part is often skipped in sales brochure.

There is good competition in WiFi mesh market from different brands. You don't have to stick with TP-Link Deco if you are not happy with it.

  @SabrinaAtCottag Used my old 5 port gigabit switch and not getting error but now "weak signal". I can't tell if it's using Ethernet or wifi. How can I tell in the app if I have a wired unit?

SabrinaAtCottag wrote

  @SabrinaAtCottag How can I tell in the app if I have a wired unit?

  @SabrinaAtCottag 

In Deco app, open Satellite Deco page. For that Satellite Deco, if it uses Ethernet backhaul you will see it after "Connected to:"

Example, with Satellite Deco Office connected to Living Room Deco over Ethernet:

If it is on WiFi backhaul, you'll see WiFi bands its uses for backhaul, after "Connected to:"

Example, with Satellite Deco Office connected to Living Room Deco over WiFi using 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands: