@mrod500 

You can use the same network name on your main router and Deco regardless of mode. The Deco won't scan for existing wireless networks and prevent a name from being used. When you set up the Deco units it will always be set up in router mode as that is the default method. Once the Deco has been set up, you can then change the mode to AP Mode. When switching modes whatever name and password was given to the Deco during set up will still be the same.

So you can have your main wireless router have its network name, and the Deco also using the same network name. It will come down to your device on which to connect to if you were moving from the Deco to your main wireless router. 

@Tony Not sure I'm making myself clear.  When i fire up the Deco and pick a the same name as my current WiFi router, it tells me that name is already in use.  All my devices in my house are connected to that name.  I want to keep the same name, whether in AP mode or router mode, so I don't have to create a whole new network name.  Is that possible?  No one seems to know the answer to this...

@mrod500 

The Deco app never prevented you from naming your network anything you wanted it to.

Here is the setup for the Deco: https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/1592/

Are you saying on step 12, the app is saying you can't use the name you want? If so, can you provide a screenshot of what you are seeing?