Frequently asked questions about Deco Mesh Wi-Fi

Q&A of functional explanation or specification parameters
Updated 07-01-2024 07:52:18 AM FAQ view icon431163
This Article Applies to: 

Before You Buy

  1. Choosing the best Deco product for you?

https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3735/

  1. What are the differences between the various Deco models?

Please refer to the FAQ below:

https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/faq/2423/

  1. What are the benefits of a Deco Mesh system?

A Deco Mesh system is a Mesh router system that adapts with you as your Wi-Fi needs change.  For all the details on the benefits of a Deco system, please refer to: https://www.tp-link.com/whole-home-mesh/

  1. Can Deco work without a modem?

No, like a traditional router, a customer will need a modem, gateway or ONT to use a Deco system.

  1. Can Deco work with existing home routers?

Yes, Deco can connect to your existing home router via an Ethernet cable to access the internet.

*Note: It is recommended to use AP mode when connecting Deco to the existing router.  

  1. What are the advantages of Deco models that support HomeShield?

HomeShield is a built-in home networking protection software suite that covers network security, parental controls, and QoS, and provides comprehensive reports. For more details, please refer to: https://www.tp-link.com/homeshield/

  1. Can I manage my Deco network remotely?

Yes, the Deco system can be managed remotely on the Deco App as long as the network is online.

  1. Will Deco Wi-Fi Backhaul, Ethernet Backhaul, and PLC Backhaul work together?

PLC and Wi-Fi backhaul will work together at the same time.  Ethernet backhaul will not.  If a customer uses Ethernet backhaul then only it will be active.  PLC and Wi-Fi will not be enabled if there is an Ethernet connection between nodes.

  1. Can Deco be mounted on the wall?

Only the Deco X50-POE and Deco X50-Outdoor support mounting

  1. Does Deco support MU-MIMO

Yes, but support varies by model. You can go to TP-Link's official website to see what models have support for MU-MIMO

 

 

Network Configuration

  1. Do I need to create a TP-Link ID/Account to configure the Deco Mesh system?

Yes, Deco Mesh systems require a TP-Link ID to set up and manage the system.  To learn more about TP-Link IDs, please refer to: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1439/

  1. Can I share my Deco network with other TP-Link IDs?

Yes, using a network owner’s account you can add other TP-Link IDs as a manager account using the Deco App.  For steps on this process please refer to this article: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1597/

  1. Can the Deco Mesh system be configured or managed on the computer or website?

No, Deco was designed with ease and simplicity in mind.  Thus, Deco can only be managed through the Deco App.

  1. Can I set up Deco as an extender to bridge/extend my existing home Wi-Fi network?

No, Regardless of what mode you use, the main Deco must stay connected to your home modem/router via an Ethernet cable to act as a main unit. Other Deco units can connect to the main Deco wirelessly.

  1. Can Deco work with other mesh systems?

No, TP-Link Deco Mesh Systems are only compatible with other TP-Link Deco units.

For more details, please refer to: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3749/

  1. How many Deco networks I can add to the Deco app?

There is no limit on how many separate networks can be managed or owned through the Deco App

  1. How many Deco units can I add to my Deco mesh network?

In most cases, we recommend 10 or fewer Deco units for a single network.

  1. Can different Deco models work together?

Yes, for the details, refer to FAQ2248

  1. Can I enjoy all features supported by the main Deco If different Deco models work together?

No, the following feature requires support on the individual node as well.

  • •IoT Network
  • •6GHz Band
  • •Signal Source
  • •Wi-Fi Access Control
  1. Can multiple accounts manage a Deco network at the same time?

No, to ensure network security and stability only 1 management account can access the system at a time.

  1. How can I switch the main Deco without resetting the whole Deco system?

You have the option to change the Main unit through the Deco App.  Follow this FAQ for guidance: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2400/

  1. Can I change the WAN parameters of the Deco system?

Yes, you can change them in the Deco App. Please open Deco App->go to More->Internet Connections->IPV4->Tap Internet Connection Type.

  1. Can Deco PX50 build PLC Backhaul with Deco P9 and P7?

No. Deco PX50 uses the G.hn powerline standard while Deco P7/P9 uses the HomePlugAV powerline standard.  They are not compatible with each other.

However, the Deco P9 and Deco P7 can build the Powerline Backhaul together.

  1. Can the Deco system connect with the existing powerline network directly to access the internet?

While it is possible it is not recommended to connect a Deco system through an existing powerline network directly. If PLC is the best choice for your network environment it is recommended that you  use the Deco PX50.

 

Basic & Advanced Function

  1. Some Deco models show tri-band or quad-band, what does that mean?

This indicates the Deco model supports 3 or 4 separate Wireless network bands.  For Wi-Fi5 and Wi-Fi6 Decos, you will have access to 1 2.4GHz and 1 5GHz band.  An additional 5GHz band is available and can be used  for Wireless Backhaul traffic. 

Wi-Fi6e and Wi-Fi7 Decos will provide 1 2.4GHz, 1 5GHz, and 1 6GHz band.  The 6GHz will by default be set to Backhaul only but can be set for clients and backhaul through wireless settings.

Quad-bands offer 1 2.4GHz, 1 or 2 5GHz, and 1 or 2 6GHz bands, depending on the model.

  1. What features do Deco QoS and parental control support and what are their advantages?

QoS (Quality of Service) is an advanced feature that helps you set priority for specific applications and devices so that they can perform better with lower latency.

Parental Controls allow you to filter online content for your children, control when they can access the internet, restrict the total time they spend online each day, and track the websites they visit and apps they use.

To get more details about the two functions, please refer to:

https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1598/

https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1601/

  1. Does Deco support the Address Reservation function?

Yes, Deco products support reserving IP addresses for clients. For more details about this function, please refer to: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1795/

  1. Are the guest network and main network isolated on the Deco?

When Deco is set in Router mode, the guest network and main network are isolated.

When Deco is set in AP mode, the network isolation feature must be enabled or disabled in the Deco app.

  1. What’s the difference between the Access Point mode and the Router mode of the Deco?

Please refer to: https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/faq/2399/

  1. Does Deco support IPv6? How can I enable it?

Yes, Deco does support IPv6 but it's disabled by default. To enable it, go to More->Advanced->IPv6 on the Deco app. For more details, please refer to: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2642/

  1. How Do you change the DNS settings on Deco?

For steps to change DNS settings refer to: https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/faq/1855/

  1. Can Deco work with third-party VPN service providers?

Yes, There are Deco models available that support the VPN client feature. To get the exact supported model, please refer to: https://www.tp-link.com/en/home-networking/deco/?filterby=AND%7C6356

  1. How should I change Deco’s wireless settings?

To change Wireless settings please refer to: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1591/

  1. Can I set different SSIDs for 2.4ghz and 5ghz of the Deco network?

No, 2.4ghz and 5ghz share the same SSID and password on Deco’s network and there is no way to split them into separate networks. 

  1. Can we change the channel/channel width of the Deco network?

With a few exceptions that allow you to change the 5GHz channel width, channel, and channel width decisions are made by the system and based on network conditions. 

  1. Does the Deco mesh system support working with VoIP phones?

Yes, the Deco system can provide internet for Ethernet-based VoIP phones.

  1. Does Deco support port forwarding?

Yes, here is the guidance: https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1797/

 

 

Other

  1. Does Deco support IGMP v1/v2/v3? Does Deco support IGMP snooping?

Deco supports IGMP v1/v2/v3. Deco supports IGMP snooping in both router mode and access point mode. IGMP snooping is enabled by default.

  1. Can Deco be powered by POE?

Currently, the Deco X50-POE and Deco X50-Outdoor support POE.

  1. How much power consumption does each Deco take?

We can calculate the theoretical maximum power consumption based on the output voltage and current parameters of the power adapter. However, the actual power consumption should be lower than this value.

  1. Can I use a DC extension to extend the cable length of the original power adapter?

Normally, we don't recommend using an extension cable due to some possible risks.

1. The quality of the extension cable is uncontrollable, if the contact resistance of the interface is too large, it will cause the interface to heat up and cause safety hazards.

2. The increase in cable loss will increase the output power of the power adapter, resulting in a decrease in the life of the power adapter. If the rated power of the power adapter is exceeded, safety hazards will occur.

If the customer insists on an extension cable, we can provide the parameters of the power cord. However, any problems caused by the extension connection will violate our warranty.

The parameter of the power interface (Male Size)

inner diameter: 2.1mm

outer diameter: 5.5mm

copper column length: 9.0mm

 

For more specific Q&A about the Deco issue, please refer to:

General question about the Wi-Fi range of Deco

https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2716/

General Questions about Deco X50-Outdoor

https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3611/

Common Questions Regarding Wi-Fi 6E Deco

https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3271/

General questions about the Ethernet Backhaul feature on your Deco

https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1794/

General questions about the Smart Actions feature in the Deco app

https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3269/

Common Questions on TP-Link Wi-Fi 7 Wireless Router and Deco Products

https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/3594/

General Questions about the Powerline or PLC Backhaul Feature of Deco

https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2401/

 

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