Accepted Manual Signal Source Selection on Deco

Background:
Some users might notice that all satellite Deco units are connected to the main Deco, instead of the nearest satellite Deco.
Typical Layout:
Why does the satellite Deco still keep selecting the main Deco as a signal source instead of the nearest satellite Deco?
Deco will choose the best signal source by itself. The selection does not depend absolutely on the signal strength, but also on the connection rate. Sometimes satellite Deco units may get slower speed due to half-duplex mode and interferences caused by connected devices like phones, or other devices. To ensure the satellite Deco gets reliable speed, the main Deco stays selected by Satellite Deco after comparative analysis.
Some users tested that after moving one of the satellites far enough and not being able to reach the main Deco, they finally get the desired connection map:
However, the speed of the satellite becomes slower than what it could get when connecting to the main Deco directly. Due to the working pattern and protocol/regulation of Wi-Fi technology, the more wireless hops, the slower the speed would be. This rule applies to any kind of mesh or extender system. So it is not always good to connect to the nearest Deco unit.
Solutions
Deco Firmware Updates Adding Signal Selection and VPN for Multiple Models
Related FAQ:
How can I find a suitable spot for my Deco?
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Update:
If you are experiencing a performance issue that might be brought by the “inappropriate signal source” and the current firmware does not support changing the signal source either, please email support.forum@tp-link.com with the following information:
1. Please add more details about the current performance issue.
2. Please add a picture of your detailed network layout about the location and distance of each Deco unit like the topology mentioned in the OP.
3. Please save some screenshots of the current network map and signal strength on the Deco APP, such as:
A further notice*:If no performance issues have been noticed, the current selected Deco is actually indeed the best signal source since the distance is not the only factor which decided the signal source, the position of the satellite units and the barriers around all needs to be concerned.
Thank you very much.
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@TP-Link Doesnt work on M9 plus.
the update is shitt!!!!!!!!!!!
All decos keep getting connected to main deco, the logic that has been used to connect is total crap!! Waste of money, its so costly, all in vain.
I have got 200 mbps connection, and i m getting 45 mbps.. Shitt Link, instead of TP Link
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Update:
If you are experiencing a performance issue that might be brought by the “inappropriate signal source” and the current firmware does not support changing the signal source either, please email support.forum@tp-link.com with the following information:
1. Please add more details about the current performance issue.
2. Please add a picture of your detailed network layout about the location and distance of each Deco unit like the topology mentioned in the OP.
3. Please save some screenshots of the current network map and signal strength on the Deco APP, such as:
A further notice*:If no performance issues have been noticed, the current selected Deco is actually indeed the best signal source since the distance is not the only factor which decided the signal source, the position of the satellite units and the barriers around all needs to be concerned.
Thank you very much.
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@TP-Link I have V3.0 of the X60s, is there a specific beta firmware for them?
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I was aiming for Whole Home Wi-Fi, I have a total of 6 Deco (M9 Plus) units to do so.
I have disabled 2.4 GHz band, as I do not want any devices to remain connected to a slower speed.
I have 200 Mbps connection upload & download
I have mentioned the speed I'm getting in my connected device in each room in the below picture
I have mentioned the connection details - which deco is currently connected to which Deco, that too I achieved by restarting 2 or more deco units multiple times
The placement (height) of the Deco Unit in the below picture resembles the actual position of the Deco Unit in the room in reality
I have mentioned the room sizes as well
i have attached the Deco Layout as well
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Thanks for the detailed information.
I have forwarded your case to the senior engineers via email.
Please check your email box for further updates.
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@Tenzin22 Thank you very much for the feedback.
It is suggested to have a look at this link and we have already planned to allow Deco to manually select the signal source.
Did you have any issue with the Deco M9 plus when the satellite unit is not connected to the nearest Deco?
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Hi, did you check the private message?
Please let me know whether the firmware worked or not.
Thank you very much.
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Well, in my case I have three "brand new" never registered, or used Deco X68 and am having the same issue. Installed as instructed, updated firmware, rebooted, removed from the mesh, rejoined them, you name it.
I ended up opening a ticket with TP-LINK support directly. Extremely disappointed with the units as I had high expectations. One of the key factors that made me decide on the Deco units is the capability to expand your "mesh" network by adding other Deco devices.
Evidently, this is not the case. You can expand your WiFi but it will not have the "mesh"capability" which is really the main purpose. For the X68 I have no way to select the device for the "satellite" to connect to (source). And, even though it may be an "intelligent" decision, it does not look like that. For me, this is an actual deal breaker.
I was looking to upgrade from Google AC WiFi mesh network and found myself with more dead spots in the basement due to that. Not good.
When you say "Deco will choose the best signal source by itself", is there a way for me to see the quality of the signal each device gets from the source?
As of right now, the only signal quality seen is the one to the "source" which cannot be changed or even tested with others.
So, in my case, it is impossible due to the location of each of the three devices. Three floors, main located in the third upper floor, and one satellite on each lower floors (Second floor and Basement), pretty much located in opposite sides of the house.
Then, what really does not make sense is that, from the Basement device, there is an "almost direct" line of sight to the second floor device. and then main device located in the third floor, almost opposite side of the house.
Really hope it can be resolved very soon. I like the units but they clearly do not work as a mesh network and more as a WiFi extender which, don't work for me specially after the price tag on the kit. I'll have no other choice than to return them and go with another brand.
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Thank you very much for the feedback and I see that you also raised a ticket to the support team.
I will have a check of the record and forward your case to the senior engineers as soon as possible.
Thanks again for your time and patience.
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