@Waynet84 

Okay, I understand that you have multiple Deco Mesh units set up in Access Point (AP) mode, with the main Deco connected to your Sky router and the rest distributed around your house. You are asking whether it is better to set up the Deco Mesh system in a different way, such as not plugging the main Deco into the router, and if there would be any difference in speed compared to your current setup.

For most Deco Mesh models, including yours, all units in the package are identical, and any of them can be used as the main Deco. The main Deco should be connected to your modem or router to provide Internet access to the rest of the Deco units. The other units act as satellites and connect to the main Deco via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, expanding your coverage and creating a seamless Mesh network.

Key points:
• In AP mode, your Deco Mesh system extends your existing router's network, and all devices connect through your router's DHCP and NAT.
• In Router mode, Deco creates its own network and handles DHCP and NAT itself, which can sometimes offer better performance and more advanced features.
• The speed and coverage depend on the placement of your Deco units and the connection type (Ethernet or Wi-Fi backhaul).

If you are satisfied with your current speeds and coverage, keeping your Deco system in AP mode is perfectly fine. However, if you want Deco to manage your network more directly and potentially improve performance or access advanced features, you may consider switching to Router mode and connecting the main Deco directly to your modem (if your ISP setup allows).

For more details on setup, please refer to the Deco APP instructions or visit the FAQ: https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/faq/2464/

Note: If you have a specific issue with slow speeds or connectivity, please let us know so we can provide more targeted troubleshooting steps.

  @Waynet84 

Hi, whether the Deco is in "Access Point" mode or "WiFi router" mode, the main Deco M4 always needs to connect to the Sky router via an Ethernet cable.

It is recommended to set Deco in "Access Point mode" to avoid a double NAT setup. Can I use Deco with my existing router?

Best regards.