David-TP wrote

Can you re-upload the attached Imgur images(maybe in another format) directly through the community here:

The images are with transparent background and I suppose this is causing trouble for you. I will try to upload the PNGs in this thread as well.

David-TP wrote

If both reserved Ethernet cables are from the same main router, you could replace the secondary router with a satellite Deco.

In AP mode, we could have more than one Deco connected directly to the main router, such as:

Fiber internet---main ISP router-----<cable>----main Deco M4----<WiFi>------satellite#1

                                                \------------------------------------------<cable>-------satellite#2

This was my initial idea. However, the TP-Link support talked me out of this because it wouldn't create a mesh network between the two nodes connected directly to the router. That's what I've been told and that's why I dropped this idea. I'd be grateful if I can get 100% clear/accurate information before I make any more hardware purchases.

P.S. The main router is Archer AX1800.

@David-TP? Or anyone from TP-Link? I still need help.

  @summoned 

I am not from TP-Link, but this is relatively simple case.

You do have Deco mesh running in Access Point mode, which means you have Operating Mode set to Access Point in Deco app:

Depending on Deco app version the screen may be slightly different and have Operation Mode instead of Operating Mode.

If Mode is Access Point, you can replace secondary router with Deco unit. You can test that before buying another Deco. Take Satellite Deco M4 from House 1, bring it to House 2, unplug from Ethernet cable and power off secondary router, connect M4 to Ethernet cable and power it on.

If everything is as it should be, you should see in Deco app this M4 reporting Ethernet backhaul, example:

If all is fine, you can now buy additional Deco unit. It does not have to be M4. Deco M5 is also an option.

@Alexandre.,

I am completely aware that this is doable and if I do it I'm sure that I will have internet connection in House 2. However, this experiment would not prove or disprove TP-Link support's statement that such setup would not provide a seamless mesh. That's why I still demand a clear answer from TP-Link staff before I do/buy anything.

summoned wrote

@Alexandre.,

I am completely aware that this is doable and if I do it I'm sure that I will have internet connection in House 2. However, this experiment would not prove or disprove TP-Link support's statement that such setup would not provide a seamless mesh. That's why I still demand a clear answer from TP-Link staff before I do/buy anything.

  @summoned 

Can you provide your definition of "seamless mesh?" Different people may have different understanding of what does that mean.

If, for example, distance between House 1 and House 2 is such as there is no WiFi coverage somewhere between these two houses, when you walk from House 1 to House 2 your device will lose WiFi signal from M4 in House 1. As you keep walking towards House 2, at some point WiFi signal coming from it will be strong enough for device to connect to M4 in House 2.

Is this seamless or not seamless mesh?

@Alexandre.,

My concern is very simple: whether this kind of setup would work as a mesh system (including all nodes) or not. I need an official, clear statement from TP-Link.

About the distance. When I'm in House 1 I can get weak signal from House 2. When I'm in House 2 I can get weak signal from House 1. I.e. I have the perfect problem that a mesh is supposed to solve. I only need the details, and it's so hard to get them.

Tagging TP-Link staff until I get a proper reply:

@TP-Link

@Kevin_Z

@Solla-topee 

@Sunshine 

@Jenny_M 

David-TP wrote

I think the support tried to highlight that the WiFi of Archer AX1800(main router) and Deco M4 WiFi can be used to establish a united Mesh system since M4 doesn't support EasyMesh yet.

@David-TP,

I really hope you meant to write "can't", because I'd get even more confused (if possible). If so...

Yes, I'm aware that my router wouldn't be part of the mesh if I remain using Deco.

But no, that's not what the support tried to highlight.

This is a quote:

"The Deco in House 2 should be set to AP mode since it’s directly connected to your AX20 router; in this setup, it won’t create a mesh with the other Deco units, as it’s connected via Ethernet and set as an access point.
If you plan to add additional Deco units wirelessly, they should be within House 1 to remain connected to the main mesh network.".

Another quote from later communication:

"Avoid connecting the Deco units directly to the AX20 router because it’s better suited as an AP (access point) and won’t extend the mesh functionality as well as you need."

Next one:

"the best option for House 2 is to set up the new Decos as Access Points (AP mode). This configuration will allow them to extend the network from the main router, though they won’t mesh with the Decos in House 1."

David-TP wrote

RE315_V1 supports EasyMesh via Ethernet Backhaul and the current topology would be the first recommendation if you prefer EasyMesh.

I have a wireless RE315 in this scheme. Replying to this with another quote from the support:

"Connecting a range extender to another range extender (either wired or wirelessly) is not recommended."

And of course they claim this setup wouldn't create any mesh at all. When asked to drop the Deco and switch to an EasyMesh solution:

"As for switching to OneMesh/EasyMesh, these would technically work but would create separate Wi-Fi networks, which might lead to some interference and require switching between networks manually as you move. It won’t give you the unified mesh experience that the Deco system is designed for.".

David-TP wrote

Usually, we would suggest useds to disable the WiFi on the AX1800 and use the Deco Mesh only and set M4 into "Access Point" mode. So AX1800 would still be the only DHCP/NAT router(just without WiFi).

Yes, if I keep the Deco I'd actually buy one more set (i.e. 2 more Decos). So, there will be one more ethernet Deco right next to the main router. I.e. I'd have 3 ethernet Decos in total connected directly to the router.

Now, dear TP-Link staff,

I'm having this communication since 18th of October. It's a whole month if you don't want to do the math. I'm exhausted and fed up with these communications that lead to no clear answer to anything. I've invested money in this TP-Link setup, and I'm about to invest even more. Your forum, your support and your articles have so many discrepancies. They all say different things, as you can see. Can someone please take my case seriously finally?

Tagging staff again, as this seems to speed things up:

@TP-Link

@Kevin_Z

@Solla-topee 

@Sunshine 

@Jenny_M 

@David-TP