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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After setup of the Deco M3-s in Wireless mash - it all works. But when I hook up a cable to unit 2 (or 3), the unit will show a RED led (I think it is rebooting) before coming online. After one minute or so, the process (reboot) repeats.
- initially, I accidentally had a DHCP server on the network, but that is no longer the case
My setup :
It works with disconnected M5 #2 and #3
When I hook up M5 #2 reboot loop starts.
Deco M5 firmware: latest (1.1.6 build 20171103 rel 47257) on all Deco's
So M5#1 : in router mode
I have tried starting up network with other nodes switched off. It seemed to be stable for a short while.
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Dear Adriaan,
Thank you very much for your email requesting information about our product.
Sorry for all the inconvenience caused to you.
As we can see in your network, there are three switches which are connected to the main deco. Would you please do the following test with me?
1. Disconnect all of your switches in the network, connect the Deco#2 to the main one with an Ethernet cable directly and check if the connection is good.
2. If yes, please try to connect one of the switch (called it switch #1)to the Deco#2 and test the connection again.
3. If still works fine, please add another switch(called swicth #2) to the swicth #1 and check if the connection is good.
You can add one device in each step until we find the one which making the system reboot.
Have a nice day.
After having performed these steps (in multiple variations, also with new cables) I have concluded that Deco M5 works is not compatible with Switch#1 D-Link DGS-1008D 8 port unmanaged switch (reboots occur with just 2 Deco M5 notes and this switch connected)
Two different switches (D-Link DGS-1005D and a 5-port switch from SiteCom) could be inserted between Deco M5 nodes without problem. Also connecting my remaining network equipment through a secondary switch worked.
My remaining problem is what switch to use as primary switch (I would need to buy a new switch for this purpose). Also I'm not happy with 'reboot loop as a diagnostic indication'. The firmware stability does not give me confidence.
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I have to say consumer care was very helpful through email. I hope app and firmware will evolve to address missing functionality - also w.r.t. problem diagnostics. Rebooting as an indicator is not what I expect.
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It's a D-Link DGS-1100-26 managed switch. When I connect 2nd Deco to the D-Link switch, they just keep rebooting.
I replace it with my old Cisco switch, it works fine.
Don't know why.
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i tried multiple options and none work. Only connecting both decos directly.
I've tried connecting both directly to my router ZTE H298. also connecting via a D-Link DGS-1008D swith. I even tried using another router as a switch (TPLink AC1200). No luck either.
I think there is something wrong with this functionality. It's not normal that it's not compatible with so many different network equipments...
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Damo01 wrote
Here is the reply from tp-link support. Interesting that the dont post it them self. ”Recently we get some feedback that Deco cannot work properly while connected to some D-Link switches. After a series of tests, we find that it's because some D-Link switches cannot handle and forward the Ethernet II control packet that based of the standard IEEE 1905.1 protocol, which is adopted by Deco to set up a wired network. TP-Link and other brands of switches can forward these packets normally.Regarding this case, it's recommended to replace the D-Link switch with another one for a check. Or contact D-Link support for a solution”I dont buy this answer... so because I have bought a set of deco, i need to replace my other switches just to get the deco to work? As i recall, there was no pre req about this..
Having been in the same situation - I share your frustration. But - since in my job I also cope with interoperability issues caused by one manufacturer - I understand the TP-Link position. Standards are important, and one cannot be held responsible for the failures of other manufacturers. The D-link switch did it's job well for me until recently, but only now I recognize why my previous NAS had issues with jumbo frames (and the same - pretty old switch)
Where I believe TP link should improve:
- diagnostics (and since all Deco's are connected to one account and have IP communication - I believe this should be well achievable)
- a step wise setup for wired backaul from app would be very helpful)
- graceful degradation : if no IEEE1905.1 then... sorry - your infrastructure seems not compatible - ignoring ethernet connection
- I do miss the standard things from web interfaces (DHCP troubleshooting, syslog server,...)
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