Merging Deco W6000 with Prior Deco M5 Mesh Network, Subscriptions now?!?!

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Merging Deco W6000 with Prior Deco M5 Mesh Network, Subscriptions now?!?!

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.
Merging Deco W6000 with Prior Deco M5 Mesh Network, Subscriptions now?!?!
Merging Deco W6000 with Prior Deco M5 Mesh Network, Subscriptions now?!?!
2022-10-08 19:11:43 - last edited 2022-10-09 01:55:04
Model: Deco W6000  
Hardware Version: V2
Firmware Version: 1.0.1 Build 20220412

Hey everyon,

 

I have a 3-pack Deco M5 mesh network and it works great. The parental controls are wonderful and easy to use.

 

I have two rooms with poor reception. So, I figured instead of buying older Deco M5's to expand, I would add newer Deco's to the mesh network. I've read that all Deco's work well together.

 

I purchased the Deco W6000 2-pack (2x W3000's). I was able to switch my main Deco M5 with one of the new Deco W3000's, it took a little time and effort, but I got it working.

 

As soon as things synced up, the Deco Android app changed. Figured it updated through the Play Store or updated itself to accommodate the W6000's capabilities.

 

Going through the settings and setting everything up again... wait... what... a SUBSCRIPTION?!?! This was all free before! Now, TPLink wants me to pay $6/mo to do the same things I was doing before (limit my kid's internet to 2 hours a day). That's not gonna fly.

 

So, question... can I place one of my M5's in front of the router and the first W3000 and keep the old setup, but use the new Wifi6 and other tech in the W3000's?

 

Also, does this allow to remove BufferBloat (SQM or AQM)?

 

Note: This new set cost me $150+tax. I have no issues in returning this and getting another model that does not require a subscription. So, if you know of another more recent model than the Deco M5 that does NOT require a subscription, please let me know. No issues returning this for something with more function and the same parental control.

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Re:Merging Deco W6000 with Prior Deco M5 Mesh Network, Subscriptions now?!?!
2022-10-09 01:56:52 - last edited 2022-10-09 02:01:14

So, I've answered some of my question:

So, question... can I place one of my M5's in front of the router and the first W3000 and keep the old setup, but use the new Wifi6 and other tech in the W3000's?

 

I did make one of my older Deco M5's the main again and connected my modem to it. I then connected the M5 to the W3000.

 

I now have control like I used to as far as my kid's internet again.

 

But, the second part of the question, does the new wifi6 functions still work to extend my wifi?

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Re:Merging Deco W6000 with Prior Deco M5 Mesh Network, Subscriptions now?!?!
2022-10-09 05:46:30

  @JohnMor 

No, you can still enjoy WiFi 6 fast speed if your devices are WiFi 6 capable when connecting to W6000. 

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Re:Merging Deco W6000 with Prior Deco M5 Mesh Network, Subscriptions now?!?!
2022-10-09 14:39:48

  @Heidi_Alp 

 

Thank you for that.

 

Do you know if the W2400 set also requires a subscription for parental controls?

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Re:Merging Deco W6000 with Prior Deco M5 Mesh Network, Subscriptions now?!?!
2022-10-09 14:45:15
I guess maybe not... https://www.tp-link.com/us/homeshield/ The link above shows the Deco models supported.
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Re:Merging Deco W6000 with Prior Deco M5 Mesh Network, Subscriptions now?!?!
2022-10-10 04:59:14

  @JohnMor I had the same problem when updating to W7200's. 

I'm still not clear. If I make my M5 the Main Deco I'll still get the bonus of the w7200 superior range but I'll bypass the ridiculous subscription?

 

I'm past my date to return these Deco's so trying to find a way back to the free software that worked briliantly.

 

Thanks.

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