Deco M5 - Switching in from Router Mode to Access Point Mode - Internet Stops Working
So I needed the Deco M5 to work in Access Point Mode and not Router Mode...
When I set it up, it worked fine and pretty quick to connect in Router Mode...
So my connection is as follows :
Internet to Firewall to TP link 16 port unmanaged Switch to all Deco Units Directly.
Remember, this only works when you wish to use it in Access Point Mode.
I am using wired backhaul entirely.
It was honestly a nightmare to have this set up.
I did set it up in Router Mode initially, but the issue was the Deco's set themselves up an IP address of 192.168.68.1 and DHCP in the entire range.
Now, when you are connected to wifi, and wish to check the ip address on your wired lan (mine being on 192.168.1.1 series), it just does not show it, as i was connected to the 192.168.68.xxx series... and another problem being, we are unable to set the IP address on the deco's to work in 192.168.1.xxx series, as it says it cannot work in same LAN and WAN if series is same... I also have my NAS on 192.168.1.xxx series, and i was having serious trouble in connecting with my wifi devices to my LAN network. And Internet also was having a huge slow down and it would just freeze...
Speeds on wireless backhaul, were really pathetic. Sorry TP Link... this is just my frank opinion.
Anyway, i finally decided i need to make a wired backhaul and run the unit in AP mode...
I needed to connect 8 AP's and I finally completed all wiring in all my locations required in my house.
During setup, it initally configures the first unit in Router mode. Do not continue adding other deco units, and then try to change to Access Point mode... it just did not work for me.
Kept tring for about 5 days (as and when time permitted). Finally, i thought lets just configure one unit first, and then add the other deco's to it if it works... Well so the first unit got setup quickly in Router mode. The moment i put it on Access Point mode, the wifi was connecting but no internet. Pretty annoying... But i was not about to give up... Tried the same with the second unit, third unit, fourth unit, fifth unit with no luck and finally in the sixth unit it just worked !
Thereafter, i was able to add additional deco's to the network and it all works now as an access point (wired).
By the way, firmware on all units were updated to latest before setting this up.
Now my deco and wifi devices are all in one network 192.168.1.xxx series.
And now - no issues in my wifi devices connecting with my wired lan systems or my NAS.
Also, my wifi speeds are pretty good now (500mbps upload and download).
Here, point being, if i did not have so many deco units to try to experiment to make it work as an access point, i would have actually thrown these units in the bin as it was just refusing to work in AP mode (no internet)... Another point being, there is NO OPTION on webpage of the router to do ANYTHING... customization options are absolutley poor.
So for others who are struggling to get the unit working in AP mode from Router Mode... Reset all routers, and setup only one first in Access Point mode...
Dont setup all in Router Mode, and then attempt to switch to AP mode... its really frustating when the primary router in router mode refuses to connect with internet in Access Point mode, and you have to reset all the devices again to re attempt. If a deco unit does not set up in AP mode from the default setup of Router mode, reset it, and try with another unit... Hopefully, you will get lucky.
