Networking issues with TP-Link Deco devices.
Networking issues with TP-Link Deco devices.
For my home network, I’m planning a router, a switch, and three TP-Link Decos. The switch connects to the router, and each Deco connects to the next via Ethernet. The first Deco links to the switch. My electrician placed the CAT6 cable in a way that forces each Deco to connect separately to the switch. Is this setup working? Will it create three separate Wi-Fi networks? If so, can devices on different Decos still communicate through the same switch? I’m not sure and need guidance since I’m new to networking.
The electrician seems competent to me. Usually, all Ethernet drops should be directed at the switch.
The Decos most reliably operate in a star layout with an Ethernet backhaul connection. Check out this guide from TP-Link’s support for general inquiries about Ethernet Backhaul on your Deco. There may be some configuration variations depending on whether the device runs in Router or AP mode, though it's feasible.
To ensure proper mesh functionality, you don’t require an extra router upstream from the main Deco. The primary Deco connects straight into the modem, while additional satellite Decos link in via Ethernet—either directly or through a switch. Your central Ethernet drop point can serve as the hub for links between the primary Deco and satellites across different rooms.
I've worked with Decos before—initially in router mode, then later for more advanced settings in AP mode. In router mode they linked straight to the modem, and because my P9s each had two Ethernet ports, I moved from the main Deco to a switch for additional wired connections. If you need a dedicated router, place the decos in Access Point mode. It's best to set them up in router mode first, then switch to AP mode after initial Wi-Fi setup, followed by configuring the new router and connecting the primary deco to it.
I want to explain clearly the issue I’m encountering. My home has four floors, and I’m not happy with the solutions provided. The wifi router must remain in place since it’s essential. The router needs to stay connected to the fibre cable, which will link to the switch. A switch should then be set up to manage devices that use ethernet, while all mobile phones and laptops connect via Decos. My current setup uses a Netgear AC1200 Dual Band Wifi Router. I originally planned to connect the primary Deco to the switch first, then link the satellite Deco to it. However, my electrician hasn’t installed the wiring for this arrangement. Now I’m forced to connect each router individually to the switch, which will consume three of my switch ports. I’m unsure if this setup will function smoothly with all devices using both ethernet and wifi. I’ve attached an image showing the initial plan versus the current configuration. Thank you for your help.