Bought the 3-pack version of the AXE5300 from Costco to replace a Google Nest WiFi 2-point system. Setup is CenturyLink DSL with the C4000BG modem/router. The Nest WifFi mesh works in this setup, and the modem is not in bridge mode. Its radio antenna is working, and this gives me a backup network if/when the Nest drops out. Hence the replacement. That and improved speed and coverage in the house.

I've run through the setup multiple times and the end result is "no internet connection" from the Deco. I verified CenturyLink uses PPPoe and verified my username and p/w.

One note I found online is the router needs to be plugged in to the #1 port on the C4000BG modem. Didn't help. I've tried different network cables and tried setting up all three of the Deco access points individually as the main point after factory resetting them, since there's nothing in the setup process indicating a specific unit needs to be the primary access point plugged into the modem. I also tried the network cable plugged into different ports on the modem and the Deco unit. I did restart the modem and the Deco after getting all the connections done as the app instructed.

I posted on the homenetworking sub Reddit and was asked if the Deco units are in Access Point mode. There's nothing in the app during setup to verify or change their operating mode.

Found another mention in a Deco help community of needing to clone the MAC address of the prior router into the Deco for it to work. I haven't tried that yet and wanted to ask before going that route.

Does the modem need to be in transparent bridge mode for the Deco, even though it has worked as-is with the Nest WiFi mesh?

Anything else I can try? I'm fairly computer literate, but not too savvy when it comes to networking.