Mesh Mish Mash

[Halmyre]

I thought a mesh system worked by picking up the wifi signal from my modem/router and passing it on. However, it seems as if I need to run my modem/router as a modem only and have one of the mesh units connected via an Ethernet cable. Is it sufficient just to disable the two wifi signals (2.4 and 5Ghz channels) or do I need to do something more complicated?

It's a TP-Link VR600 modem/router and a TP-Link P9 Mesh kit.

[brman]

I don't know the kit you are using but just had a very quick read of the manual for the p9.
It appears you have options.
1) use the router/modem in modem only mode. ie turn off all routing functions as well as wifi. Then use the default router mode on the P9.
2) use the router as a router and just turn off the wifi. Then use the P9 in access point mode.

If you already have the router/modem running as you want then I would be tempted to number 2. In fact you could even leave the wifi on on the router and just set up a different access point on the P9. Might cause channel congestion on the 2.4G band though.

btw. I am not an expert so hopefully someone else who as actually used this kit will come along soon

[Troubleatmill]

Im using my Deco M9 this way.

Huawei B525B modem as the modem. Wifi disabled.
ethernet....
Bitdefender 2 Box... ( who doesn't like a nice bit of security )
ethernet....
Deco M9 mesh in access point mode.


Works a treat.

To save reprogramming all your devices - just rename the Wifi on the Deco as to what you had previous.

[Googie]

Guys

Apologies for butting in here but I am a bit of a technophobe and would really appreciate some advice -set up a Deco system the other day but not sure if I have done correctly so would appreciate a steer

System is the tp- link AC 1200 deco E4 and a BT Hub

All decos are showing on my my phone Wi-fi etc but the 2 slave pods are still flashing blue as opposed to a steady blue which suggests that they are not connected to the new network?- they are also showing as unsecured networks

Don’t follow the comments about removing BT Wi-fi or how to do this

Suspect I have screwed up set up but would appreciate comments as to where I have gone wrong

Thanks in advance

[Troubleatmill]

Googie said:

Guys

Apologies for butting in here but I am a bit of a technophobe and would really appreciate some advice -set up a Deco system the other day but not sure if I have done correctly so would appreciate a steer

System is the tp- link AC 1200 deco E4 and a BT Hub

All decos are showing on my my phone Wi-fi etc but the 2 slave pods are still flashing blue as opposed to a steady blue which suggests that they are not connected to the new network?- they are also showing as unsecured networks

Don’t follow the comments about removing BT Wi-fi or how to do this

Suspect I have screwed up set up but would appreciate comments as to where I have gone wrong

Thanks in advance

On your router there should be an admin user id and password. and an address like http://192.1.1.1 or something
( Google your make and model for the exact address and admin id and password )

One in there - you should see some menu options - including disable wifi



Does your Deco app let you configure the Deco stuff as Access Point mode?

[Googie]

Thanks for that Troubleatmill- yes do see the admin password on the hub so will have a look at that

I don’t see a control access point configuration on the App but might be missing it!

Will look to reinstall this stuff over the weekend and report back

Set up instructions on this poor IMO for the non technically minded- like me!

Thanks again

[Googie]

Not sure now I found it but it does have access point mode on the App Troubleatmill- I guess I switch to that mode?

[s2kjock]

I have a Deco E4 set up and it is in router mode.

The ISP router (Virgin cable) is set up in modem only mode, linked to one of the E4 units by ethernet cable.

Works brilliantly, although looking at the app options perhaps it should be in access point mode.

Edited by s2kjock on Friday 29th May 00:15

[Gren]

s2kjock said:

I have a Deco E4 set up and it is in router mode.

The ISP router (Virgin cable) is set up in modem only mode, linked to one of the E4 units by ethernet cable.

Works brilliantly, although looking at the app options perhaps it should be in access point mode.

Edited by s2kjock on Friday 29th May 00:15

Nope. Virgin box in modem mode. Deco in router mode. You have it set up right. You need at least one router in the network and its usually advised to have only the one.

[Halmyre]

Thanks for the replies, will have a bash at trying both modes and see which is best.

Thing is, I'm reasonably tech-savvy (apart from not doing some research first), but the set-up procedure is so bloody vague, and the TP-Link user forums seem to be full of smart-arse geeks trying to outdo one another.

[Googie]

Hi Guys

I am not tech savvy! - agree that the set up instructions are vague but more through luck than judgement have now mated the 2 slave Decos so system does now seem to be working as a network as intended with improved Wi-fi strength all round.

Will leave the access mode bit pending any further feedback but thanks all for your help here- really appreciated

[Halmyre]

Update - finally got round to plugging in the TP-Link Mesh kit.

Running it in AP mode, one unit hard-wired to the router. Used the TP-Link Deco app to add the units one at a time. Disabled the router's Wi-Fi so everything's coming from the Mesh nodes, but the router still handles DHCP and the like. Signal round the house is stronger, and I've got an IP camera and a PC in the garage (20-odd metres away) with a USB WiFi dongle which now has improved connectivity.

Still got a pair Netgear powerline units to connect a Roku; at some point I'll see if the Mesh system is capable of feeding the Roku via WiFi.

Mrs H is hoping her Zoom sessions will be less subject to delay and freezing, but I fear that might be contention on the network and nothing to do with the strength of the WiFi.

Summary - result. Happy with it so far.