BE550 Easymesh Ethernet Backhaul configuration with third party modem/router

BE550 Easymesh Ethernet Backhaul configuration with third party modem/router

BE550 Easymesh Ethernet Backhaul configuration with third party modem/router
BE550 Easymesh Ethernet Backhaul configuration with third party modem/router
3 weeks ago - last edited 3 weeks ago
Model: Archer BE550  
Hardware Version: V1
Firmware Version: 1.0.12 Build 20240902 rel.22993(4555)

I bought two BE550 routers to set up an EasyMesh network with Ethernet backhaul on two different floors in my house. Topology: my ISP provides a non-TP-Link modem/router that serves as the main router (wifi turned off). Two modem LAN ports are connected to the two BE550 routers via Ethernet.

Normally I would set both BE550 in AP mode, but as far as I can see there is no firmware that supports Easymesh in AP mode for this BE550 device.

  1. Can you advise on a configuration/setup that can make Easymesh work in this topology while maintaining the ISP router function and avoiding double DHCP, NAT, issues? Please note that there is only one Ethernet cable from the modem location to each BE550.
  2. If it is not possible to properly configure (as requested in 1), will there be firmware that supports AP Easymesh for the BE550 routers on the short term? I can still return the product.

 

  0      
  0      
#1
Options
1 Accepted Solution
Re:BE550 Easymesh Ethernet Backhaul configuration with third party modem/router -Solution
3 weeks ago - last edited 3 weeks ago

  @Ppmh 

 

I see. You are right. According to the post you linked to your original idea (Topo 3) should actually work. Thanks for pointing it out. I didn't know that.

 

The satellite units will always work similar to AP mode, they will not add a NAT and also don't perform as DHCP server. 
When you prepare an TP-Link EasyMesh router for being added as a satellite unit you don't switch that router to AP mode. You need to switch it to "Satellite mode" and then leave it like that (i.e. don't log into that router again before it's been added to the EasyMesh network).

A router that is to be used as satellite unit doesn't need to support that "EasyMesh in AP Mode" feature that you have read about. This feature is only important for the router that is used as the EasyMesh main unit.
 

Recommended Solution
  1  
  1  
#4
Options
5 Reply
Re:BE550 Easymesh Ethernet Backhaul configuration with third party modem/router
3 weeks ago

  @Ppmh 

 

Hi,

 

Apart from the router supporting EasyMesh in AP mode or not.

 

If I am not mistaken (someone please correct me if I am wrong) the Ethernet connection colored in red in the sketch below cannot be used as "supply line" and Ethernet backhaul simultaneously. To make wired EasyMesh work the Ethernet cable colored in green that is coming from the Satellite router would have to be rerouted to connect to the Main BE550 router instead of the ISP router.

 

  1  
  1  
#2
Options
Re:BE550 Easymesh Ethernet Backhaul configuration with third party modem/router
3 weeks ago

  @woozle 

 

Thanks.

I had been looking at topo 3 of https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/697572 but I guess you are right and it will not work in my case. 

 

Would the alternative be the setup below? (W is WAN port, L is LAN port) Or should the sattelite routers be connected via the LAN port?

However, such a setup would require me to buy another Router, unless there is an alternative method. 

 

 

I am not an network expert but I do wonder what it means when an router is configured as a sattelite unit. Will it still operate as a full functioning router (including DHCP, NAT)? Normaly such a sattelite device would be set in AP mode, but when I do this it does not support EasyMesh. 

I wonder whether this will work at all and if I shoud have bought a Deco like solution. 

 

  0  
  0  
#3
Options
Re:BE550 Easymesh Ethernet Backhaul configuration with third party modem/router -Solution
3 weeks ago - last edited 3 weeks ago

  @Ppmh 

 

I see. You are right. According to the post you linked to your original idea (Topo 3) should actually work. Thanks for pointing it out. I didn't know that.

 

The satellite units will always work similar to AP mode, they will not add a NAT and also don't perform as DHCP server. 
When you prepare an TP-Link EasyMesh router for being added as a satellite unit you don't switch that router to AP mode. You need to switch it to "Satellite mode" and then leave it like that (i.e. don't log into that router again before it's been added to the EasyMesh network).

A router that is to be used as satellite unit doesn't need to support that "EasyMesh in AP Mode" feature that you have read about. This feature is only important for the router that is used as the EasyMesh main unit.
 

Recommended Solution
  1  
  1  
#4
Options
Re:BE550 Easymesh Ethernet Backhaul configuration with third party modem/router
3 weeks ago

  @woozle 

 

Thanks for explaining that.

I guess in stead of using a BE550 as main router, I could also use a BE230, that supports AP mode in Easymesh. The Wifi fornthis device is turned of anyway.  That is cheaper solution and I can leave my current ISP router in routing mode. 

 

 

  1  
  1  
#5
Options
Re:BE550 Easymesh Ethernet Backhaul configuration with third party modem/router
2 weeks ago

@Ppmh 

 

Hello, I'm happy to notify you all that the official version 1.1.1 Build 20241230 brings a range of improvements and new features to enhance your networking experience, offering better performance, security, and ease of use. This update is gradually rolling out, and users can check for updates on the BE550's web interface or through the Tether App and install the latest version. We strongly recommend upgrading to this version to improve the overall experience.

 

Check the following thread to get more details:

[Official Release] Archer BE550 New Firmware Added Support for EasyMesh in AP Mode, DoH&DoT, ECO Mode, and More

Nice to Meet You in Our TP-Link Community. Check Out the Latest Posts: Connect TP-Link Archer BE550 to Germany's DS-Lite (Dual Stack Lite) Internet via WAN Archer GE550 - BE9300 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 7 Gaming Router Archer BE550 New Firmware Added Support for EasyMesh in AP Mode, DoH&DoT, ECO Mode, and More Archer AX90 New Firmware Added Support for EasyMesh and Ethernet Backhaul If you found a post or response helpful, please click Helpful (arrow pointing upward icon). If you are the author of a topic, remember to mark a helpful reply as the "Recommended Solution" (star icon) so that others can benefit from it.
  0  
  0  
#6
Options