@Alex-F 

Let me help you troubleshoot this latency issue with the following steps:

1. Test your modem connection: Connect your PC or laptop directly to the modem for comparison. If the latency spikes persist when directly connected to the modem, please contact your ISP for further assistance.

2. Check QoS settings: Open the Deco app, navigate to MORE > QoS, and ensure that the QoS bandwidth matches your subscribed Internet speed.

3. Verify client device settings: In the client list section of the Deco app, select your gaming device and verify that 'Speed Limit' is disabled and that 'Connection Preference' settings are not mistakenly configured (connection preference should be 'auto' by default).

4. Check Parental Controls: In the 'Parental Control' section of the Deco app, ensure that your gaming devices are not accidentally restricted by parental control profiles.

5. Check satellite unit signal strength: If your gaming devices are connected to Deco satellite units, ensure that the satellite unit's signal strength is at least 2 bars, as a signal strength of only 1 bar may cause latency or stability issues. If your satellite units are connected via Ethernet backhaul, double-check the Ethernet connection (connect main and satellite units directly, without going through switches, if possible) and ensure that "Ethernet Backhaul" is correctly displayed in the Deco app.

6. For wired gaming devices: Connect the device directly to the main Deco for comparison, and try different Ethernet ports on the Deco unit.

7. For wireless gaming devices:
   • Ensure they are connected to the nearest Deco unit with a strong signal and are using the 5GHz or 6GHz band instead of 2.4GHz, as 2.4GHz is not recommended for latency-sensitive activities like gaming.
   • Ensure they are connected to the main network rather than the guest or IoT network.

If you require further assistance after trying these steps, please reply back to this post 

  @Alex-F 

Advanced Deco App & Feature Tweaks

• Try toggling/disabling features that can add overhead or cause jitter:

• Disable Fast Roaming, Beamforming, and MU-MIMO (if available in Advanced Wi-Fi settings). These sometimes introduce micro-stutters in gaming.

  community.tp-link.com

• Turn QoS off entirely for testing (or set the bandwidth higher than your actual speeds if you keep it on). Misconfigured QoS is a common cause of bufferbloat and spikes.

   

• Run Network Optimization in the app (it can detect and adjust for interference).

• Switch to Access Point (AP) mode (if you're not already using the Deco as your main router). Put your ISP modem/router in bridge mode (or disable its Wi-Fi) and let the Deco handle only Wi-Fi. This avoids double NAT, which can worsen gaming latency. Many users report better stability in AP mode for mesh systems.

  community.tp-link.com

• Check for firmware issues — you're on 1.1.7. Confirm it's the absolute latest via the app or TP-Link site. Some BE25 firmware versions have introduced instability/latency problems; others fixed them. If possible, note when it updated relative to when issues started.

  community.tp-link.com

Backhaul & Placement

• Prioritize Ethernet backhaul if feasible (even for one key satellite). Wireless backhaul (especially if on the same bands as clients) is a frequent culprit for spikes in mesh systems. The app should show "Ethernet Backhaul" status.

   

• Ensure satellites have strong backhaul signal (ideally "Good" or better, not just client signal). Move them closer or to better line-of-sight if needed.
• Test your gaming device wired directly to the main Deco (different ports) vs. satellite.

Device & Interference Checks

• Change DNS on the Deco (or per device): Try Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.1.1.2) or Google (8.8.8.8). Default ISP DNS can cause occasional delays.
• Disable IPv6 temporarily in the Deco app for testing — it sometimes causes issues on certain ISPs.
• Look for 2.4 GHz interference or devices (wireless headsets, cameras, microwaves, etc.) near Decos. One user fixed packet loss by moving a Deco away from a wireless headset mixer.

  community.tp-link.com

• Ensure your gaming device is locked to 5 GHz or 6 GHz (not auto or 2.4 GHz) and on the main (not IoT/Guest) network.

Testing & Isolation

• Run continuous ping tests (e.g., ping -t 8.8.8.8 on Windows or tools like PingPlotter) while gaming to log when spikes occur. Correlate with other activity (uploads, other devices streaming, etc.).
• Monitor for background activity: Cloud backups, updates, smart devices, etc., can saturate upload and cause spikes.

If none of the above work I will tag a member of the tp-link staff to see if they have any ideas 

  @Alex-F 

Even in Access Point (AP) mode, your Deco will create its own Wi-Fi networks. Because your main router doesn't have Wi-Fi, the Deco system will act as the wireless bridge for all your devices while your main router continues handling IP addresses and network traffic.

So if you haven't returned them yet and your still willing to trouble shoot please try the aboce and see if it makes a difference, 

Thanks 

  @Alex-F 

Hi, 
There is a pre-release firmware for the Deco BE25 V1, which adds some new features and improves the security and stability of the system. If you still have the Deco BE25 and are willing to troubleshoot, please give it a try.
Firmware 1.1.99 for Deco BE25 Adds Channel Selection, DoH/DoT & Fixed WAN Port!
Best Regards

  @Alex-F 

Just so you're aware, there's an open beta running right now for certain hardware versions of the Deco XE75 Pro if you're interested in testing it out.First, you'll want to find the hardware version of your XE75 Pro units. The following FAQ will show you how to find your hw version.

Once you have it, use the link below and check the "Applies to" section to make sure your hardware version is listed there.

Firmware 1.4.0 for Deco XE75/XE5300/XE75 Pro V2/V3 Adds Wi-Fi Access Control, WireGuard VPN & More!