General Questions about the Powerline or PLC Backhaul Feature of Deco

Deco PX50 (AX3000 + G1500), Deco PX10 (AX1500 + AV1000), Deco P7 (AC1300 + AV600), and Deco P9 (AC1200 + AV1000) have a built-in powerline chipset that supports Powerline/PLC Backhaul.

Note: Currently, only Deco PX10, Deco PX50, Deco P9, and Deco P7 support the Powerline/PLC Backhaul feature.

Q1: Can different Deco models that support the Powerline/PLC Backhaul feature establish a Powerline Backhaul with each other?

Deco PX10, Deco P9, and Deco P7 can form a Powerline Backhaul. However, the Deco PX50 cannot establish a Powerline Backhaul with the Deco PX10, P9, or P7. This is because the Deco PX50 uses the G.hn powerline standard, whereas the Deco PX10, P7, and P9 use the HomePlug AV standard. Only models that share the same powerline standard are compatible with each other.

Q2: How to enable the Powerline Backhaul feature?

Powerline Backhaul doesn't need to be turned on by any hardware or software switch, and it takes effect automatically as long as:

• When Deco PX50/PX10/P7/P9 is used as the Main Deco.
• Two or more Deco PX50 under the same power grid, or two or more Deco PX10/P7/P9 under the same power grid.

The Powerline Backhaul works between two Deco PX50 units or between two Deco PX10/P7/P9 units.

Q3: Does the PLC Backhaul work between Deco PX50/PX10/P7/P9 and other TP-Link powerline products (such as Powerline Adapters) or powerline products from other brands?

No. Deco products can only establish a PLC Backhaul connection with other Deco units that support the same powerline standard. Deco products cannot form a powerline backhaul with standalone TP-Link powerline products (such as Powerline Adapters) or those from other brands, even if they use the same powerline protocol. While you can use them in the same environment, they will each establish independent powerline networks rather than forming a single, unified powerline topology.

Q4: Can PLC Backhaul, Ethernet Backhaul, and Wi-Fi Backhaul work at the same time?

If there is no Ethernet cable between the Deco units, Wi-Fi Backhaul and PLC Backhaul will take effect simultaneously.

If there is an Ethernet cable between the Deco units, then only Ethernet Backhaul will take effect.

Q5: How to know if PLC Backhaul is established successfully?

• Deco P7

We can determine whether PLC Backhaul is working from the PLC indicator on the power adapter.

If the indicator is solid orange, it means the PLC backhaul connection is bad or cannot be established. In this case, please refer to Q6 for further help.

If the indicator is solid green, it means the PLC Backhaul connection is good.

• Deco P9/ Deco PX10/ Deco PX50

There is no LED on the power adapter of Deco P9/Deco PX10/Deco PX50 to indicate the PLC connection status. However, you can click on the network map on the Deco app, then click on a satellite Deco P9/PX10/PX50 to check which deco it connects to and whether through the PLC backhaul or not.

Q6: What can I do if the PLC Backhaul is not working properly (The LED indicator on the power adapter is orange, or the Deco app shows that the satellite Deco has not established a powerline backhaul)?

• Ensure the main Deco supports powerline backhaul. A powerline backhaul can only be established if the main Deco is a model that supports powerline.
• Check if the Deco models use the same powerline technology. Powerline backhaul cannot be established between Deco units that use different powerline technologies.
• Make sure all Deco units are on the same power grid/circuit.
• Plug the Deco unit directly into a wall socket. Use a wall socket rather than a power strip or extension cord, as these can significantly degrade the powerline signal.
• Avoid interference. If the Deco unit is close to a DSL modem or a DSL telephone line, plug it into a different wall socket away from them. Additionally, keep Deco units away from high-power appliances (such as air conditioners or refrigerators) to avoid electronic noise.
• Maintain a reasonable distance. It is recommended to place the Deco units within 100 meters of each other over the electrical wiring.