Securing the S4

Securing the S4

18 Reply
Re:Securing the S4
2025-07-15 17:26:09

  @CjJ05 

 

No switches.  Direct ethernet cable from my modem #3 DNS slot to the S4. 

 

The ethernet line works fine, it was previously connect to my TV and did connect (S4) to my cell phone in a non secure mode.  I think we are good there.

 

Probably can't respond for a couple hours from now (~2:30 ish CT USA)

  0  
  0  
#12
Options
Re:Securing the S4
2025-07-16 03:04:49

  @CjJ05 

 

I’m going to have you open a ticket up with support because I’m not sure why it’s not working for you

You’re just supposed to run an Ethernet cable from your modem to the S4 and set it up in the deco app.

Once it’s added to the deco all your supposed to need to do is Click on more at the bottom of the app then Advanced followed by Operation Mode and change the mode from Wi-Fi Router to Access Point then after a reboot and 2 or 2 mins it should allow you to use the same SSID and password you normally use but you would have the extra range you want.

Here are the instructions for opening a ticket

1. Email support at support.usa@tp-link.com.
2. Include the model number of your Deco router, as well as the hardware and firmware versions.
3. Describe the issues you are facing and send the email.
4. Within a few minutes, you will receive an automated response with a TKID number.
5. Upon receiving this email, please access the Deco web UI by entering "tplinkdeco.net" in your browser. Navigate to Advanced > System > System Log, select "ALL" in the log type, and save the file to your local computer. Then, reply to the email you just received, attach the log file, and kindly request that your ticket be escalated to a senior engineer for further assistance.

 When you reply to the email, also give them this link 

https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/832074?sortDir=ASC&page=1

Need help with the Deco app, setup, Ethernet backhaul, network switch or rolling back firmware? Router or AP mode? https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/699816?page=1
  0  
  0  
#13
Options
Re:Securing the S4
2025-07-18 21:22:15

  @CjJ05 

Thanks so much for your help.  I was able finally to connect, even with your instructions I was thrown off on how to proceed.  I felt it was making a Mesh setup instead of an AP.

 

When you have time, please help me by answering a few questions;

 

1.) I had to create a new name (these are fake for illustration); current modem/router name is "Rocky" it would not accept the same name in the S4 App, had to change to "Rocky2".  And, I errored entering the wrong password of my main modem/router.  Will the S4 TPlink app allow me to correct it to my same modem/router password or is that a no, no?  Is there a security danger to that?  Can I edit the name too without a hassle of starting over?

 

2.) Can I put the S4 (AP) on a timer (power on/off) without human effort it initiate / activate again?  Would a timer hurt the S4 unit life?

 

I wish TPlink would do a better job step by step in explaining the two different set ups for Mesh systems and access points.  I would have really appreciated each app image to get to setting up an access point instead of the whole mesh.  You gave me good instructions from "MORE" but to get to "MORE" I was confused because I only wanted AP not a mesh system.

 

Thanks for your help.  I'm a novis at this stuff but can muddle through with help.

 

Craig C

  0  
  0  
#14
Options
Re:Securing the S4
2025-07-19 08:14:46

  @CjJ05 

 

I apologize for the delayed response. I have been conducting some research, and the information I found is somewhat conflicting. Some sources suggest that it is possible to use the same SSID and password as your current router, while others indicate that you may need to change the SSID to a different name, as in the example you provided.

A recommended approach I came across is to switch your Deco unit from router mode to access point mode. Then, using the Deco app, you can modify the SSID and password to match those of your main router.

However, this setup can cause wireless interference since both your main router and the Deco unit would be broadcasting Wi-Fi signals simultaneously. To mitigate this, it is advised to disable the Wi-Fi broadcast on your main router, set your Deco to access point mode, and configure it with the same credentials used on your primary router. This way, your main router functions purely as an Ethernet-connected device, while the Deco handles the wireless broadcasting.

Please note that to implement this configuration effectively, you may need to purchase an additional Deco unit to serve as a satellite. The original Deco unit must be connected to your main router via an Ethernet cable to ensure proper operation.

Below are the links to the posts from which I obtained the above information.

https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/247716

https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/236898?replyId=519398

Regarding your other question, I believe you can achieve your desired functionality by using a smart plug. You can plug your Deco unit into the smart plug and then configure the smart plug's schedule for the specific days and times you want it to be powered on or off. When the smart plug is off, it will cut power to the Deco unit; when it is on, it will supply power. Essentially, this acts as a timer. To the best of my knowledge, the Deco app does not offer a built-in scheduling feature for power management, which is why I recommend using a smart plug.

 

 

 

Need help with the Deco app, setup, Ethernet backhaul, network switch or rolling back firmware? Router or AP mode? https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/699816?page=1
  0  
  0  
#15
Options
Re:Securing the S4
2025-07-19 19:08:52

  @CjJ05 

 

Thanks again. 

 

If same naming  might casue interferrence I will stick to my current setup.  My set up greatly improved my wifi.  My Roku screams now and my new phone no longer drops wifi.. 

 

My wife's phone, exact same phone as mine, same mirror image, same settings, and same age never loses wifi!  The S4 in the AP mode fixed my issue.  Now my next battle will be with Samsung for them to explain how when my 3 Samsung phones sitting side by side, my phone is the only phone that disconnects wifi.  The S4 is helping me stay sane!

 

I still would like tTP-Link show the whole, start to finish, process for setting up access points only.

 

Thanks,

Craig 

  0  
  0  
#16
Options
Re:Securing the S4
2025-07-19 19:29:08

  @CjJ05 

 

What model is your phone? There were issues a few months ago with one of the samsung models and decos

Need help with the Deco app, setup, Ethernet backhaul, network switch or rolling back firmware? Router or AP mode? https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/699816?page=1
  0  
  0  
#17
Options
Re:Securing the S4
2025-07-20 18:35:02

  @CjJ05 

 

The S4 is working great with my problem phone.  It is a Samsung A16 5G.

 

Both of our phones are the Samsung A16 5G's.  Her's held the wifi and mine did not.  Both are mirror image's of each other. I took the phone in to a Samsung repair shop per my technical service call.  They found nothing wrong!  But, it still does not answer my question why one hold WIFI the other does not.  The S4 fixed my problem phone.

  0  
  0  
#18
Options
Re:Securing the S4
2025-07-21 04:07:48

  @CjJ05 

 

Did some looking around it was the s20 that was having issues with decos. I recomend you open up a ticket with support they have way more knowledge than i do 

 

Here are the instructions for opening a ticket

 

1. Email support at support.usa@tp-link.com.
2. Include the model number of your Deco router, as well as the hardware and firmware versions.
3. Describe the issues you are facing and send the email.
4. Within a few minutes, you will receive an automated response with a TKID number.
5. Upon receiving this email, please access the Deco web UI by entering "tplinkdeco.net" in your browser. Navigate to Advanced > System > System Log, select "ALL" in the log type, and save the file to your local computer. Then, reply to the email you just received, attach the log file, and kindly request that your ticket be escalated to a senior engineer for further assistance.

 

When you reply to the email, also give them this link 

 

https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/832074?sortDir=ASC&page=1 

Need help with the Deco app, setup, Ethernet backhaul, network switch or rolling back firmware? Router or AP mode? https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/699816?page=1
  0  
  0  
#19
Options