@HelpFixDecoApp, 

 

Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate your suggestion, and thank you for linking the post.

 

I currently have an xfinity gateway router+modem combo. It has WAN and LAN settings locked down pretty tight, so I put it in bridge mode. It's now just a modem with very few settings to interface.

 

I had hoped using the Deco AX5300 as my router would allow me the freedom from ads I dreamed of.

 

Would running the Deco in AP mode allow me the ability to alter my local DHCP settings to set my DNS to an ip from my local ip pool? I guess I'll have to experiment.

 

Thank you again

Somehow the start IP should not include the default gateway. If setting the start IP to 10.0.0.3 does not work, then try 10.0.0.65.

  @HelpFixDecoApp 

I purchased a Unifi Cloud Gateway Ultra and some ASUS Zenwifi XT9s, then did some testing for comparison.

 

Config 1) xFinity Gateway as modem+router, Deco axe5300s as AP:  

The xfinity router doesn't allow me the alter my DNS or DHCP settings, but the Decos as APs provide excellent range and speed. Unfortunately doesn't work for my needs.

 

Config 2) Xfinity gateway as modem, Deco axe5300s as router+AP:  

Deco's don't have a webUI to manage settings, which is pretty awful considering nearly all other brands do, including older to link routers. The Deco app provides 60% of my desired level of functionality. Still can't change DNS settings without an unexplained "Failed" message. Unfortunately still doesn't work for my needs. Can't properly use Adguard home but I can stream 4k movies.

 

Config 3) xfinity gateway as modem, Unifi Cloud Gateway Ultra (UCGU) as router, Deco axe5300s as AP:  

We're up to 3 devices to build out a functional home network now. Boy oh boy, unifi network software is dazzling. I can manage every setting, create vlans, vpn, DDNS, it's great. The Decos work great as APs and provide great coverage. I wouldn't mind keeping this configuration, if it weren't for the fact that my networks functionality depends solely on the UCGU staying alive. If it breaks, my whole stream of DNS operations would crash and I'd be back complaining to you guys on here. Adguard home works and I can stream 4k movies.

 

Config 4) xfinity gateway as modem, ASUS Zenwifi XT9 as router+AP:  

The XT9s do everything I need right out of the box. I can configure VPN, DNS, etc. They provide comparable coverage and speed to the Deco axe5300s. It even has a usable webUI to manage settings. The XT9 lacks the 6GHz band the Decos have, but makes up for it in being much more configurable. Adguard Home works and I can stream 4k movies.

 

Config 5) Just for fun; xfinity gateway as modem, UCGU as router, ASUS XT9 as AP:

This configuration has redundant hardware, but if the UCGU fails, I can fall back on the XT9s as the router+AP. If the XT9 fails, I can get some other APs. Great connectivity and speeds. Adguard works and I can stream 4k movies.

 

Conclusion:  

I'm returning the Deco axe5300s because their functionality is so limited. I'll be running keeping configuration 5. Thank you everyone for your helpful insights. I guess this thread can be closed.

 

Sam