Accepted Manual Signal Source Selection on Deco
Background:
Some users might notice that all satellite Deco units are connected to the main Deco, instead of the nearest satellite Deco.
Typical Layout:
Why does the satellite Deco still keep selecting the main Deco as a signal source instead of the nearest satellite Deco?
Deco will choose the best signal source by itself. The selection does not depend absolutely on the signal strength, but also on the connection rate. Sometimes satellite Deco units may get slower speed due to half-duplex mode and interferences caused by connected devices like phones, or other devices. To ensure the satellite Deco gets reliable speed, the main Deco stays selected by Satellite Deco after comparative analysis.
Some users tested that after moving one of the satellites far enough and not being able to reach the main Deco, they finally get the desired connection map:
However, the speed of the satellite becomes slower than what it could get when connecting to the main Deco directly. Due to the working pattern and protocol/regulation of Wi-Fi technology, the more wireless hops, the slower the speed would be. This rule applies to any kind of mesh or extender system. So it is not always good to connect to the nearest Deco unit.
Solutions
Deco Firmware Updates Adding Signal Selection and VPN for Multiple Models
Related FAQ:
How can I find a suitable spot for my Deco?
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@Momchoyou really need to get over this negative obsession you have for TP-Link. It can have a negative effect on your long term health:)
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@TP-Link Can you please tell me the manual signal source selection is coming to Deco X20 as well? This would be a great feature because I am not able to use the 3rd Deco unit (which is the furthest from the main unit), always connect to the main unit hence the signal is terrible and the deco unit is unusable.
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@TP-Link Still nothing for Deco M9? No beta or anything? What's the hold up, developers must be using Waterfall model 
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@TP-Link And how about P7? I am having so much problems with one of the remote P7's, the other four deco's are connected via ethernet. Powerline will drop out often, that Deco then tries to connect to the main deco via wireless with only one bar, but there is another deco much closer which it won't connect to. It drives me crazy having paid so much money for this, but i can't make it work due to lack of settings and information.
I would like to see some powerline settings as well.
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@TP-Link
Is there any update regarding this issue?
I have the same problem with P9 v2, i have just received them today, but after some search online, i see that apparently there is no solution planned for this problem so far.
I am just thinking to return them before it's too late and stick with my google wifi solution.
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@moeinio Better return them. I bought X90, because same problems with M9 Plus. And now I have good coverage, however 80% of my WiFi devices are not working with X90.
If Tp-Link says they will fix the issue and offers you a remote session, don't believe them, you will miss your return period (as I did, because of them).
Don't hope to get any updates, they will tell you "This is not advertised, so we don't take responsibility about it".
Better return the device and get something else, which is actually Mesh. Can check my topic here: https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/528536
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@moeinio ok
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Had I known of this issue I would have searched for another product. I would advise you to search for a better product.
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Hi, so far only Deco M5 with 1.6.0 beta has supported manual signal source selection
For other models, this feature is still developing and no update has been provided by the R&D team yet.
During this gap, you are invited to send an email about your current detailed performance issues which might be brought by the “inappropriate signal source” with the information mentioned here. So that our engineers could help you re-select the signal source if needed.
*A further notice, if no performance issues have been noticed, the current selected Deco is actually indeed the best signal source since the distance is not the only factor that decided the signal source, the position of the satellite units, and the barriers around all needs to be concerned.
As for the PLC models, like P7/P9, there is a slight difference. Since the PLC backhaul could only be created between powerline models, as long as the signal source showed ”PLC”, the signal source has to be another P7/P9(normally the main P7/P9, or P7/P9 wired into the Mesh network). In this way, if you are worried that P7/P9 did not select the nearest Deco, please also send us an email with the required information above.
Thank you very much.
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Replies: 155
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