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
- Copy Link
- Subscribe
- Bookmark
- Report Inappropriate Content
@TP-Link Deco Situation with the Ethernet backhoul is quite understandable for 3 Deco units. But what shall I do, when I have 4 units ? Because there is said that two Deco units can be connected through the ethernet backhaul. I have all Deco Units on the last firmware (1.3.1).
Deco P7
- I am using all deco´s in the AP mode, because I have a router as a main connection
- we have 4 floors, so it needs to be donethat way, that I have 1 deco in the each floor
- Internet connection is made in the ground floor, where the main Deco is sonnected to the internet
I need to wire as many Deco units as I can, because we have such thick floors, so in the end, in the top floor there is really bad connection
- Copy Link
- Report Inappropriate Content
- Copy Link
- Report Inappropriate Content
I have the same setup as you.
From my understanding, if you connect your DECOs to a Switch Hub just like that, DECOs will only work in AP mode, with all routing done on the Router.
It really pains me that DECO wont work in Router Mode in such a configuration.... sigh...
I mean, currently the DECO Mesh relies solely on a single Master Deco to handle all the routing in Router Mode. It is such a waste that the slaves, being of same capability, could not share the routing load.
- Copy Link
- Report Inappropriate Content
@TP-Link Deco is not working here. I have the following topology
I have signal problems in Deco 3 and so I've connected a cable... but it stopped working after some minutes!! When it is wi-fi only everything works fine, but when I connect that cable showed in the picture, it blinks red.
Well, now I realized that all decos are connected to the internet... But I have two good reasons for that:
1) I don`t want other devices lost internet connection if I lose primary deco! I read here that other decos can recover internet connection when I lose primary one... But how they do that if you don`t connect them to the router???
2) There are many other devices in the network that don`t need wifi to work... if I obligate Deco beeing in the middle, all devices will have Deco as a unique point of fail... something that is not necessary and would be bad!
Thanks for everyone.
- Copy Link
- Report Inappropriate Content
Zemmy wrote
@TP-Link Deco is not working here. I have the following topology
I have signal problems in Deco 3 and so I've connected a cable... but it stopped working after some minutes!! When it is wi-fi only everything works fine, but when I connect that cable showed in the picture, it blinks red.
Well, now I realized that all decos are connected to the internet... But I have two good reasons for that:
1) I don`t want other devices lost internet connection if I lose primary deco! I read here that other decos can recover internet connection when I lose primary one... But how they do that if you don`t connect them to the router???
2) There are many other devices in the network that don`t need wifi to work... if I obligate Deco beeing in the middle, all devices will have Deco as a unique point of fail... something that is not necessary and would be bad!
Thanks for everyone.
@Zemmy
Hey mate,
few quick question/notes:
- I assume your decos are running in AP mode.
- How long is the cable between two TL-SG108 switches?
- When you connect cable to deco-03 , what does the app shows?
- Have you tried different port on the switch where Deco-3 connects?
- What firmware version are you running on Decos?
- Copy Link
- Report Inappropriate Content
Just to clarify: based on your diagram, Deco3 is technically connected to the same center Ethernet Switch Hub along with Deco#1.
From my experience, this will work ONLY IN AP MODE! If your Deco is in Router Mode, it will fail.
If you want Router Mode, rewire them like this:
Only DECO#1 (Master DECO) is connected to LinkSys router.
I am not sure if VPN will work for PCs/Laptops as all these devices will have to pass through DECO#1
- Copy Link
- Report Inappropriate Content
- Copy Link
- Report Inappropriate Content
Zemmy wrote
Yep, they are in AP mode. Cable is ~15m Firmware is 1.3.1 build 20190617 I just connect now to answer your questions (and trying to use other port) and it is online yet! I`m sorry, but I really tested it many times before. Don`t know why it is working now! I will return to say if it disconnected... Thanks!
Great , glad it's working now. Ping here if it dropped.
Btw , to test the old port (if it's issue was with the port) connect a pc and check if it's working or not. If not , i suggest avoid pluggin anything to that port
- Copy Link
- Report Inappropriate Content
Hi, I am looking everywhere with no chance.
I was wonderering whether I can connect 2 slaves in a daisy chain behind a switch (himself behind the master)
All connected via ethernet.
Would it work?
- Copy Link
- Report Inappropriate Content
@Jeffaries Yes.
- Copy Link
- Report Inappropriate Content
Information
Helpful: 19
Views: 468281
Replies: 403