Hey @TpNewb,

If I am correct, the nodes for the deco system, choose their backhaul method on boot, this would make sense why you would have to physically unplug the node to force it to reconfigure.

When this is occurring, does unplugging the ethernet cable and replugging not reset the connection? If you do this, you may be able to then manage the backhaul method from within the deco app.

If it is causing an internet slowdown, my attention would automatically be drawn towards the QoS setting in the Deco App. I would recommend testing the app's speed when the issue is occurring compared to normal. If this is the case, please let us know if resetting the QoS Settings or manually setting the speed fixes the degradation in connection you are seeing.

I was also able to find this little piece of information that may help guide you or others on the right path. 

"Switching from Wi-Fi backhaul to Ethernet backhaul may create a short loop in the network for 1~2s, if your switch supports loop detection, it may block the port used by Deco. Please turn off the loop detection function of your switch, reboot your switch and try again."

  @TpNewb,

Does the unit feel excessively warm to the touch? Or is it sitting in a sunny location. I cannot see a slowdown such as this being affected by an overheating issue. Also, the QoS setting by default will run a speed test to configure the default settings. You can force this speed test to alter the default settings(which may be the cause of the few minutes interruption), or set the speeds manually. I am curious to see if forcing this test would bring the router back up to full speeds

  @TpNewb,

Have you compared the temperature to one of the other deco nodes? While the temperature can vary slightly, if it is drastically different I would recommend going through our official support chat, email, or phone lines to see if they can confirm that the problem is related to the unit overheating. This is the information that we have on how to try and minimize the effects of heat on the device. Our support page methods can be found here: US Support Page

Deco M9 Plus/Deco M5 is supposed to get warm under normal operating conditions as an electronic device. Due to their slightly flat design, and with the surface closer to the device's cooling module, Deco M9 Plus/Deco M5 may feel a little warmer than the devices having cylinder design. However, it's confirmed strictly that Deco could work continuously without any problems/safety hazards at a room temperature of 40 °C/104°F due to the test results in TP-Link's lab.

A cool and well-ventilated environment is ideal for Deco products, please:

1. Put your Deco in the open, do not cover your Deco with any objects, avoid placing your Deco in a closed space, and don’t let it suffocate.

2. Avoid placing your Deco on top of any running electronic devices. Putting two electronic devices together would greatly increase the surrounding temperature, which is bad for the Deco and the device beneath it.

3. Keep your Deco away from direct heat (like fireplaces and space heaters) or excessive sunlight.

4. Use the original power adapter that came with the Deco.

5. You may find something that can hang Deco products up, in this case, the heat dissipation will be better than before.

If it is a little difficult for you to find a bracket, you could refer to this link.