Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco

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Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.
Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco
Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco
2020-06-22 07:01:20 - last edited 2020-06-23 08:16:52
Model: Archer VR400  
Hardware Version:
Firmware Version:

Hi All,

I have recently purchased a VR400 to replace my ISP's Bt Home Hub 5 for use with Deco M5 Mesh.  I understood that, in order for the mesh to work in 'Router Mode' and get all the functions, I needed to put my existing Modem/Router in 'bridge' mode or 'modem only' mode.  Apparently the BT HH5 doesnt support this so I went with the VR400 which supposedly does.

 

Im using BT internet (VDSL)

 

Can someone guide me what exactly this means on the VR400 ? Ive set it up following the wizard then disabled wifi but this doesnt seem to be the same thing as mentioned here

https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/179144.

 

The deco is working in 'router' mode but seems that both deco and VR400 are still handing DHCP which doesnt seem right.

Although most connected devices on the are working OK, some things, such as Spotify Connect 'seeing' devices on which to play music (amazon eco / sonos...), are not.

Im no networking expert so be gentle !

 

thanks

Nick

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1 Accepted Solution
Re:Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco-Solution
2020-06-23 07:48:17 - last edited 2020-06-23 08:16:52

@Solla-topee 

ok - made the changes last night and worked fine in the end.

Initially I didnt enable or add anything in VLAN but then found that for BT Infinity is needed value '101'

 

thanks for your help

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Re:Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco
2020-06-22 07:20:37 - last edited 2020-06-22 07:21:34

@nicka777 

 

Hi, did you refer to the FAQ below to configure the VR400 as a pure modem?

How can I set up my TP-Link modem router as a pure modem?

 

If yes, there won't be two DHCP servers in the LAN. You may set up the main Deco in Router mode like below:

Deco Setup Walkthrough​​​​​​​

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Re:Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco
2020-06-22 07:52:11

@Solla-topee 

 

ok - thanks - I didnt see that.

 

But what about the existing connections ?  Do I delete them first (or after?) or leave them there ?

 

If I delete them, where do I enter the username and password for my ISP ?

 

Nick

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Re:Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco
2020-06-22 08:05:05

@nicka777 

 

Hi, you can delete them and enter your internet credentials on the Deco WAN (when configuring the Deco to work as a router, choose PPPoW in the WAN setup).

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Re:Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco
2020-06-22 08:20:51 - last edited 2020-06-22 08:22:20

@Solla-topee 

 

thanks again.  Ill have to try this tonight when no one else is online.

I spent hours configuring all the (40+) devices on the deco over the weekend.  Is there a way to do this without a factory reset and starting over ?

 

I did find 'bridge' somewhere on the quick setup when I first set up the router but the deco wouldnt connect at all.  Just showed a red light.

 

On the deco app under 'More' icon (bottom menu) then 'advanced' then 'IPv4' then click the current selection ('Dynamic IP') then 'Internet Connection Type' (now shows WAN at top of page) are the following choices:

 

  • Dynamic IP
  • Static IP
  • PPPoE
  • L2TP
  • PPTP
  • DS-Lite

 

I assume its then PPTP ?

 

Do I do this before or after setting the VR400 as bridge ?  If after, wont I have lost access to the deco on doing this on the router ?!

I dont want to get locked out of the deco and having to reset it !

 

apologies for all the questions !

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Re:Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco
2020-06-22 08:35:00

@nicka777 

 

Hi, you may change the VR400 to a pure/bridge modem first, then change the 'Internet Connection Type' on the Deco app for the main Deco unit to PPPoE, then input the internet credentials (username and password) and it should be connecting, there is no need to reset all Decos.

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#6
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Re:Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco
2020-06-22 08:57:27

@Solla-topee 

great - will try it out later

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Re:Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco-Solution
2020-06-23 07:48:17 - last edited 2020-06-23 08:16:52

@Solla-topee 

ok - made the changes last night and worked fine in the end.

Initially I didnt enable or add anything in VLAN but then found that for BT Infinity is needed value '101'

 

thanks for your help

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#8
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Re:Archer VR400 / AC1200 Bridge Mode / modem only for use with Deco
2020-10-03 07:36:35

@nicka777 Hi, i have the exact same setup but i am

getting double NAT on my xbox one and doesnt look like its working on ipv6 either.. any suggestions? Archer is in bridge mode and deco in router mode. 

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#9
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