Hey @phillyj,

I have a feeling that this is related to the Decos not correctly communicating with your modem. I think your Deco app cannot see the nodes during the problem since it most likely switches from the local wi-fi network to using your cell phone signal when it loses internet.

First - When the behavior occurs, does it affect all/multiple devices on your network at once, or is it limited to one device?

AP Mode vs Router Mode - SInce you were able to disable the Wi-Fi, I would also check to see if there is an option to place the modem in bridge or passthrough mode. Normally disabling the WI-Fi will disable the routing functionalities, but it is worth checking as the settings are sometimes differentiated from each other. 

I would recommend taking a look at this article from our EN team as they have done a great job breaking down some of the common problems and troubleshooting steps for unstable deco networks: Fix unstable connection when connected to the Deco network

  @phillyj,

So if your gateway has multiple ethernet ports available, only one of them may be able to provide an ethernet connection at any given time. And the setup that I think you are describing is actually causing the disconnects. You should generally place a switch after the router on your network: 

If using AP mode Decos: Modem/Router Combo > Switch > All Devices and Decos

If using Router Mode Decos: Modem > Main Deco > Switch > All Satellites and Devices

Start with adjusting your connections and switch location to see if the behavior resolves itself before making any other adjustments.

If you have an odd cable configuration with your switches, and the devices are not all in the correct LAN, they will have difficulty sensing and seeing each other. 

We usually recommend using Decos in router mode. Otherwise, you would lose out on a relatively large number of management features and your network becomes far more reliant on your ISPs modem/router combo, which may end up affecting your overall connection. Check out this FAQ to see the full list of differences.

What’s the difference between Access Point mode and Router mode on the Deco?

  @phillyj,

The Unit should automatically configure itself on boot to use the correct backhaul, and if an Ethernet cable is connected to the main deco, it should not move to wireless unless there is a disconnect along the line. The nodes are supposed to favor Ethernet connections over wireless so double-check that your connections are correct.

You may try first changing Ethernet ports on the satellite node, also make sure that the Ethernet from the satellite deco is not wired into the gateway and is instead wired downstream of the Main Deco unit.

Lastly. try moving the satellite node to the same room as the Main Deco and connecting the node there to see if there may be an issue with your backhaul.