Configuration Guide How to set up Ethernet Backhaul with your Deco devices
Ethernet Backhaul is a feature that makes it possible to wire the Deco units together to optimize the bandwidth and network stability.
Normally, after wired Deco units with an Ethernet cable, the Ethernet backhaul will take effect automatically.
Typical connection structures for Ethernet Backhaul
QA
Q1: Which switch models support Ethernet backhaul?
Most of the switches on the market support Deco's Ethernet backhaul feature. If you don’t have a switch or if your switch is verified not compatible with Deco Ethernet Backhaul, the following models will be a good choice:https://www.tp-link.com/home-networking/all-soho-switch/
Q2: To use the Ethernet Backhaul feature, do I need to wire all my Deco units?
Nope. The following network layout works as well.
Q3: How do I know if Ethernet Backhaul takes effect?
Q4: Why my satellite Deco's signal source shows "Wi-Fi" instead of "Ethernet" in the Deco app even if the main Deco and the satellite Deco are connected to the same switch?
Please refer to the suggestions on this link:Ethernet Backhaul not working
Q5: Why my Deco units become unstable once they're connected via a switch?
The Deco Ethernet backhaul feature is based on the standard IEEE 1905.1 protocol. However, we find that some switches, mainly the D-Link switches, will not forward packets based on IEEE 1905.1 protocol, causing all Deco units in a network loop and becoming quite unstable, you might consider changing another switch or contacting switch’s support directly. TP-Link Switches are mostly compatible with our Deco’s Ethernet backhaul.
Q6: Can I set up different Deco models such as M5 and M9 Plus together through Ethernet backhaul?
Yes, just configure and add different Deco models in the same Deco network. After that, you can wire them to set up the Ethernet backhaul connection.
You could refer to the link to learn how to add different Deco models in the same network.
Q7: Can I use one Ethernet port on the Deco for Ethernet backhaul and the other to connect a computer?
Yes. For more details, please refer to How to use Ethernet Ports on Deco?
Q8: Can I use a pair of powerline adapters to build Ethernet Backhaul, like Main Deco---master Powerline adapter~~~extended Powerline adapter---satellite Deco?
Yes and please keep in mind that the Ethernet Backhaul speed now will depend on both the Ethernet cable quality and Powerline rate.
Related Article: General questions about Ethernet Backhaul feature on your Deco
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Sho_69 wrote
It is possible to use an Ethernet socket in the Deco 5-2 to connect it to the Deco5-1 and on the other Ethernet jack connect a PC?
If you mean [Modem] (ethernet) Deco 1 (ethernet) Deco 2 (ethernet) Computer, then yes, it is possible. That is actually my current setup and it works wonderfully.
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I managed to set up the system and everything seems to run fine.
Hit some problem with the setup of the 1st DecoM5 unit, not knowing what it was asking me.
As my ISP require those modems in front, I thought the app was asking me the IP for the Huawei modem.
Eventually figure out that it was asking. So the first node was setup with "Static IP" and given it 192.168.1.2 (and the rest of DNS detail).
My 2nd Deco M5 unit is at least 10m away with 2 external brick walls and multiple internal walls in between.
The App sometimes tell me the 2nd Deco M5 is not connected (or Offline) but I was able confirm that the wifi is still working.
As I walk from 1st DecoM5 to 2nd DecoM5, I was able to see the WiFi full signal, dropping 2 bars and jumping back to full signal (watching youtube with new buffer filling up).
One thing I had to change is the Desktops are now on DHCP (from static IP).
Does anyone know how to get around this?
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Thanks for the effort in documenting - I find that very helpful when I am looking for a solution.
- with a router from ISP, I recommend to use the Deco M5 in Access point (not gateway) mode. This avoids a double NAT (which could lead to problems)
App has many issues; when background to foreground it often tells me I'm offline. I need to go back to homescreen for it to find it's way.
Configurability is not a strong quality of the Deco M5's. You can freeze DHCP addresses, but not pre-assign them. I recommend freezing the fixed addresses you regularly use.
Good luck!
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It does not appear that the wired backhaul is working to connect the Deco units.
Our basic network layout is this:
Internet -> Router -> Base Deco WAN -> Base Deco LAN -> Switch -> 5 Remote Deco LAN
All units are running firmware version 1.1.6 Build 20171103 Rel. 47257.
We need the remote Deco LAN units to be able to communicate with the Base Deco LAN via the wired Ethernet cable plugged into their LAN port.
Thoughts? Thanks.
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pcmtechcommittee wrote
I setup a network of 6 total Decos in a large, single-story building....
This should be really frustrating. Hopefully a future update brings the ability to verify that wired backhaul is actually being used. In the meantime, maybe you can troubleshoot the problem. If possible, I would leave the Deco unit to be connected via ethernet where it is, and try moving a separate Deco unit to allow for wifi connectivity. Once you can confirm that all are connected via wifi (in the location you want them to eventually be placed), connect the ethernet, wait a few minutes (maybe run some speed tests on a device connected directly to the final Deco to verify backhaul is working), and then try removing the intermediate Deco. Either the final Deco will remain connected (via ethernet, meaning the deco must first be connected via WiFi and then via ethernet with no power interruption), or it will begin to flash (meaning Ethernet backhaul is not working properly).
A pain in the ass, but TP-Link seems to not quite have worked out all the kinks in ethernet backhaul with the Deco.
Good luck and keep us posted!
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Sho_69 wrote
I have the same configuration and it works for me. Maybe the problem is switch, I bought a Netgear GS105GE and I worked perfectly.
Very good point! The Deco does seem to be very picky about the switches it uses. Definitely start by wiring directly without the switch and see if the out-of-range Deco can connect.
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Proposed setup:
Comcast cable -> Deco5-1 (router) ---- Basement switch (D-Link108, 8 port gb unmanaged) ---- Deco5-2 ---- Bonus room switch (D-Link1008G 8 port gb unmanaged)
Deco5-3 (wifi mesh)
From what I can tell, I can daisy chain through the Deco5 1 (comcast in, local network out) and Deco5 2 (local in, local out to 2nd switch). The Deco5 3 unit would be on the 2nd story and connect wireless to the Deco5 1 router.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
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