FUTURE BUYERS BEWARE!!
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Fed up with this, we need to warn future buyers.
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If you are thinking of buying a TP-link mesh set (any model), please read this first before buying!!!
1) The mesh routers ONLY function completely when used in router mode. In Access Point (AP) mode there are the following limitations:
- IFTTT does not work at all.
- There are virtually no configuration options available. You cannot even change the wifi channel.
2) You cannot run your own DHCP server when in router mode. There is no way to switch off the internal DHCP router of the tplinks.
3) If you are running them in AP mode, tplink claims to switch off the DHCP server. This is NOT true. The DHCP is 'smart' and is switched on or off when the tplinks sees fit. This will even in AP mode cause problems on your local network causing machines to drop connections.
The problems mentioned above are serious design flaws and are not picked up by TPlink.
4) Newer models ( like the P9) suffer from incomplete firmware and missing app settings. It appears you, the buyer, is the fieldtester for TPlink.
5) There are numerous other unresolved problems, please check this forum.
If you also think TPlink needs to step up to our expectations , please +1 this thread so it will stay at the top of the list.
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@realjax I've been very vocal about some of the flaws in the Deco firmware, the fact that a £200 mesh system doesnt give you the ability to manually select Wifi channels is beyond a joke.
TP Link support really really need to start working on these basic options, the hardware itself seems powerful and reasoably stable, its the firmware that is letting the product down badly.
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@DjD I use 5 x M5 with firmware 1.4.2 and ethernet backhaul on AP mode.
it is now working flawlessly (with the the obvious exception of not being able to select channels and/or encryption level etc.).
I had major instability issues in the past which were "magically" resolved when I updated all units to 1.4.2 and then restored them all to factory settings and setup my mesh from scratch. from that point on things are great as I said.
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Wish I had read this before I bought my M9 plus v2. The M9 plus got good reviews; but I never knew that there were two versions: one that works (v1)and the v2 that lacks lots of software features. Terrible product strategy and terrible customer support. For now I have to "wait" until they release an update...
See: https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/179488
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We could also add the issue to access management UI from both web and app when Deco M9 is switched to AP mode.
(M9 are "unreachable" but still handle traffic) Un-ability to integrate the M9 in a flat network (NATing, DHCP, loopback, issues, ...)
Tp-Link might learn to build proper finished product before selling ...
As learned story, NEVER EVER tp-link again.
A very disappointed customer who just trashed his tp-link switches, smart plugs, Deco M9's.
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Wish I'd seen this thread before I bought mine.
Had nothing but trouble since setting up my P9s in AP mode.
Repeated, frequent connection dropouts and mysterious "connected with problems".
Lots of devices say they have wifi connections but can't access the internet whilst wired devices have no problems.
The deco app is garbage and has next to no functionality.
I'm almost certain the "smart" dhcp server is the problem.
Mine are going back. That will be my last ever tp-link purchase. I'll do more research next time and get something a bit more professional.
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Hi, we are so sorry for the inconvenience caused here.
If you have not returned it, we can do further troubleshooting as mentioned in this thread. https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/177276?replyId=425372
Good day.
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P9 shouldn't have been released before this new update (vaporware?). I did research the deco app and I saw that it showed you which AP each wireless client is connected to as well as which backhaul was being used but I had no idea that their latest AP model wouldn't have those obvious features.
I'll add a few things from my pain with the P9 to help others in the same boat.
Set up your P9's in Router mode, if you try to add a 3rd P9 to a AP mode mesh it doesn't seem to work. You can add 3 P9's in router mode then switch to ap mode. They seem to successfully switch and all reboot. In AP mode however I get all kinds of dropped packets and wifi issues. AP mode just seems buggy. I hate the idea of having a daisy chain of routers but that's the only way it's going to be stable from my experience.
Only when I connect to the "Main deco", by toggling wifi on my phone and being right next to the AP does my speedtest match my real internet speed. The same test near AP's elsewhere in my house which are ethernet wired. If I unplug the ethernet cable it blinks red (shouldn't it switch to powerline/wireless backhaul?). If wireless and powerline is available which one would it prefer? Who knows.
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Kevin, why do you insist on marking any response as an accepted solution.
You did the same thing on the numerous threads related to the widespread Smart DHCP issue on this community forum.
It has been almost a year since the first reports of issues and a growing number of people have reported problems with the same issue. A response of "engineering is aware and will keep an eye on similar feedback and evaluate the feasibility" is simply not a solution. It's a "so what" statement. It tells the customers, that have experienced this issue, that you don't care even to provide a concrete answer on how this can be solved. Regardless of the fact they have spent money on the product.
The last firmware update for the M9 Plus v1 was from August 2019. We are in April 2020! No information on when, or what, is coming in terms of big fixes and feature improvements. Even worse for the poor folks who bought the v2 hardware.
I am joining others here in vowing not to purchase and TP-Link hardware going forward. The Deco range was such a promising product, let down by poor product management and communications with people having real technical issues. The fact there is a "Smart DHCP" feature, hidden and cannot be disabled, dishing out IP addresses most likely not compatible a network setup, says it all really about the lack of considered thinking that went into this product line.
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It will be my last TP-Link purchase as well and unless the configuration and firmware improves. I also will not be recommending TP Link products to anyone else.
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