@Bama-2025 

Thanks for reaching out. I understand that you want to add additional TP-Link routers in Access Point (AP) mode to your Deco Mesh system (with your main Deco XE75 Pro as the router), but you are experiencing network conflicts when connecting an AP router via your unmanaged switch.

When adding a non-Deco router in AP mode to your Deco Mesh network, it's important to ensure the following software adjustments on the AP router:

1. Set the router to Access Point (AP) mode:
• This disables its routing functions and allows it to simply extend your existing network.

2. Assign a Static IP Address to the AP Router:
• Yes, you should manually assign a static IP address to the AP router within the same subnet as your Deco main router, but outside the Deco's DHCP range. This prevents IP address conflicts and makes it easier to manage the AP router later.
• For example, if your Deco main router uses 192.168.68.1 and its DHCP range is 192.168.68.100-192.168.68.200, set the AP router's IP to something like 192.168.68.2.

3. Disable DHCP Server on the AP Router:
• Make sure the AP router's DHCP server is turned off. Only the main Deco router should handle DHCP to avoid conflicts.

4. Connect via LAN Port:
• When wiring the AP router to your switch, connect using one of its LAN ports (not the WAN/Internet port).

5. Wi-Fi Settings:
• You can set the same SSID and password as your Deco network for seamless roaming, or use a different SSID if you want to distinguish between networks.

Note: If you use Deco units as APs, you can switch their operation mode in the Deco app: Connect your phone to the Deco Wi-Fi, open the Deco app, and go to MORE > Advanced > Operation Mode to select Access Point mode. However, in AP mode, Deco features like Parental Controls, QoS, DHCP Server, IPTV, VLAN, and DDNS will not be available.

If you continue to have conflicts, double-check that only your main Deco is acting as the router and that all other devices (including your AP routers) have DHCP disabled and unique static IPs within the correct subnet.

  @Bama-2025 

Thanks for reaching out! I understand that you want to know if you should set up an "Address Reservation" (also known as DHCP Reservation) on your main Deco unit for devices that require a static IP address.

Yes, if you want certain devices—like a NAS, server, printer, or any device that needs a fixed IP address—to always receive the same IP from your Deco Mesh system, you should use the Address Reservation feature. This ensures the device keeps the same IP address even if the Deco or the device restarts.

Here’s how you can set this up:
1. Open the Deco app on your mobile device.
2. Go to MORE > Advanced > Address Reservation.
3. Tap the “+” icon in the top right corner to add a new reservation. You can select a device from the current client list or manually enter the device’s details.

For step-by-step instructions with images, please refer to: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1795/

Notes:
• Most Deco models support up to 200 address reservation entries. *Note I'm 99% sure the limit is no where near 200 and it's different for every deco mode going to reach out to the staff to check this*
• To remove a reservation, press and hold the entry, then tap “Delete.”

This setup is recommended for any device that needs a consistent IP address on your network. Let me know if you need further assistance!

  @Bama-2025 

If I remember right there is a way to get them outside of the range by expanding it then shrinking it.