If you would like to use the TP-Link Deco device with your existing router you will need to configure your Deco unit in Access Point Mode. In this mode, the Deco will create a mesh WiFi system with your existing router and extend wifi coverage for your home network.
IMPORTANT!
You must first configure the primary (main) router to access the internet and then connect the Deco unit to form your mesh network. The existing router will serve as the gateway device and the Deco is used to share the Internet connection by connecting to the LAN port of the existing router.
Need help to configure your router?
If you would like to know How to set up your Huawei Fibre Router for a PPPoE connection or How to set up your Huawei Fibre Router for a PPPoE connection, please read our Help Centre articles for further assistance.
What you will need:
- 2 x TP-Link Deco devices.
- 1 x Fibre ONT/CPE.
- 1 x Existing Fibre router.
- 1 x Ethernet cable.
- TP-Link Deco app.
Follow these steps to set up your TP-Link Deco in Access Point mode:
- Download the TP-Link Deco app.
- Connect the TP-Link Deco to your Fibre router.
- Setup your TP-Link Deco device via the app.
- Add a second Deco as a WiFi access point.
- Set the Deco device to access point mode.
1. Download the TP-Link Deco app
IMPORTANT!
The TP-Link Deco can only be set up through the TP-Link Deco app.
Ensure you have the latest version of the TP-Link Deco app downloaded to your mobile device in order to set up your mesh network.
Download the app now!
iOS users can download the app from the Apple App Store and Android users from the Google Play Store.
2. Connect the TP-Link Deco to your Fibre router
With the main router already configured and ready for use, you can link the Deco device to connect in a cascade arrangement and create your mesh network.
- Disconnect both the router and ONT/CPE from the power supply.
- Plug the ethernet cable to one of the two ports on the Deco. The Deco will then auto-detect the connection.
- Plug the other end of the ethernet cable into the LAN port on the fibre router and then reconnect both your router and ONT/CPE device to the power.
Once all devices are powered up:
- Allow both your router and ONT/CPE to start up, wait approximately 2 minutes until the light indicators of both router and ONT/CPE are steady green.
- Wait until the LED on the Deco is pulsing blue which indicates that it is ready for setup.
3. Setup your TP - Link Deco device via the app
- Once the app is installed on your mobile device, open the app.
- Tick the check box to accept the ‘Privacy Policy’ and ‘Terms of use’.
- Tick the check box to accept the ‘User Experience’.
- Select ‘Agree’.
Please Note!
You are required to create a ‘TP-Link ID’ which allows you to manage your TP-link home network and devices. This ID is used for password resets when users are unable to log in to the router software. Read here to find out How to create a TP-Link ID using the Deco app.
- Log in to the app with your TP-Link ID or sign up for a new account if you do not have one.
- Select ‘LET’S BEGIN’.
- Select the corresponding icon according to your Deco’s model number.
The following screens will appear to verify the following:
- ‘What you’ll need’ - All items will be supplied in the box.
- Select ‘NEXT’.
- ‘Power off your modem: We have already done this in the steps above. Ensure your device is off.
- Select ‘NEXT’.
- ‘Plug in your devices’: We have already done this in the steps above. Please ensure all your devices are connected and the power is on.
- Select ‘NEXT’
- ‘Check your modem’: Ensure that light indicators of both the router and ONT/CPE are steady green.
- Select ‘INTERNET LED IS STABLE’.
- ‘Power on Deco and wait until the LED pulses blue': Make sure that the Deco LED light is pulsing blue, which indicates that it is ready for setup.
- Select ‘DECO’S LED IS PULSING BLUE’.
You will be prompted with the screen to accept location.
- Select ‘ALLOW ONLY WHILE USING THE APP’.
Note!
Access to your location data is required to find and connect to the Deco. If you deny the location permission, you won't be able to complete the setup.
- The Deco will create a WiFi network. (Deco_XXXX)
- Select ‘Connect’ to join that network on your phone and the Deco connection will automatically be detected.
No Connection detected?
If the prompt to connect does not appear, connect your mobile phone to the Deco’s WiFi network manually.
- Choose a location for this Deco. If the location is not listed, you can create a new one by selecting ‘Custom’.
- The Deco app will search to detect what type of internet connection you have.
IMPORTANT!
PPPoE is used for an Openserve & Vodacom connection only. DHCP is used for all the other fibre providers.
What is the difference between DHCP & PPPoE?
DHCP connects by obtaining an IP address and then connects automatically and should not require set up. PPPoE connects via an ISP and requires a username and password.
In ‘Access Point Mode’ DHCP functions are managed by the existing router and the Deco device aims to expand the existing network.
- Connection Type: Select ‘Dynamic IP’.
- Click ‘NEXT’.
- Create your Wi-Fi network name and password.
- Select ‘NEXT’.
- Confirm your newly created WiFi Network and Select ‘CONNECT’ to join the network.
No Connection detected?
If the prompt to connect does not appear, connect your mobile phone to the Deco’s WiFi network manually.
Once the connection has been established, go back to the app, and select ‘I Have Connected’. The app will begin to search and detect the TP-Link Deco device.
- The Deco will test your connection and go online.
The light indicator of the TP-Link Deco device should be a steady green which indicates that you are now connected to the Internet.
- Select ‘NEXT’.
- You will be prompted with the option to add another Deco device.
- Select ‘GOT IT’.
4. Add a second Deco as a WiFi access point
Now that the main Deco device has been configured, you can link a second Deco device to connect in the cascade arrangement and add to your mesh network.
4.1 Connect the second Deco device to power.
- Plugin the power supply adapter to the Deco and plug it into an electrical power point to power up the second Deco.
4.2 Add the second Deco device using the Deco App.
- If the second Deco that is going to join the Deco network is the same model as the main Deco, (e.g., X50 and X50), simply plug in the new Deco and it will be automatically added to the Deco network within 2 minutes.
IMPORTANT!
If your second Deco was previously configured, please reset it to the factory default settings.
- Select the ‘+’ plus icon at the top right of the screen to add a new Deco unit.
- Select ‘DECOS’
- Select the Deco icon according to your Deco’s model number.
- Select the layout that looks like your home and device location and select ‘NEXT’.
- ‘Power on Deco and wait until the LED pulses blue': Make sure that the Deco’s LED light is pulsing blue, which indicates that it is ready for pairing.
- Select ‘DECO’S LED IS PULSING BLUE’.
- This will allow the devices to scan and pair with each other.
- The light indicator will blink blue. The LED light will turn solid blue when a connection is established.
- Choose a location for this Deco. If the location is not listed, you can create a new one by selecting ‘Custom’.
- The app will then optimise your network and the LED indicator of the second Deco device should remain steady green, which indicates that the connection is successful.
The setup is complete! You can now add an additional Deco unit or exit.
- Select ‘I'M DONE FOR NOW’ to exit.
- Select ‘ADD ANOTHER DECO’ to add an additional Deco. Repeat the process above if you want to connect multiple Deco WiFi access points.
5. Set the Deco device to access point mode
After the configuration is complete, the Deco unit will by default be in Router Mode. You will need to manually change it to ‘Access Point Mode’.
- Select the menu button at the bottom right corner for more settings.
- Select ‘Advanced’.
- Scroll down to ‘Operation Mode’.
- Select ‘Access Point’ as the operation mode.
- You’ll receive a prompt to restart your router.
- Select ‘OK’.
- Once the router has been restarted in the app, wait approximately 2 minutes until the light indicator of the Deco is solid green.
- Place the second router in a location where WiFi coverage is needed.
You have successfully completed the mesh network configuration! You may now connect your device to the network and will be able to get connections throughout the premises where nodes are located.
Tip!
For optimal and seamless uninterrupted WiFi coverage, it is recommended that you enable Fast Roaming.
When using Deco with your existing router, it is recommended that you disable the existing router's WiFi network and use Deco's WiFi network instead to reduce interference.
Need help to disable your existing router’s WiFi?
Please read our Help Centre article for assistance on How to disable WiFi on my existing Huawei Fibre router.
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As a seasoned networking professional with extensive hands-on experience in configuring mesh WiFi systems and integrating devices like the TP-Link Deco into existing networks, I'm here to guide you through the intricacies of setting up your TP-Link Deco in Access Point Mode. My expertise in networking protocols, router configurations, and mesh network deployment positions me well to elucidate the steps outlined in the article.
Now, delving into the specifics of the provided information, let's break down the key concepts involved:
TP-Link Deco in Access Point Mode: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Download the TP-Link Deco App
- Emphasizes the exclusive use of the TP-Link Deco app for setup.
- Highlights the importance of having the latest version of the app.
2. Connect the TP-Link Deco to Your Fibre Router
- Recommends connecting the Deco device in a cascade arrangement with the existing router.
- Describes the physical connection using an Ethernet cable and mentions auto-detection of the connection.
3. Setup Your TP-Link Deco Device via the App
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Walks through the app setup process, including creating a TP-Link ID for network management.
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Screenshots guide users through steps such as powering off the modem, plugging in devices, and checking modem indicators.
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Differentiates between PPPoE and DHCP, crucial for users based on their internet service providers.
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Guides users through selecting 'Dynamic IP' and creating a Wi-Fi network name and password.
4. Add a Second Deco as a WiFi Access Point
- Details the process of adding a second Deco device to expand the mesh network.
- Recommends connecting the second Deco to power and using the Deco app for seamless integration.
5. Set the Deco Device to Access Point Mode
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Instructs users to change the Deco unit from Router Mode to 'Access Point Mode.'
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Guides users through accessing advanced settings in the app and restarting the router.
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Recommends optimal settings for WiFi coverage, such as enabling Fast Roaming.
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Advises users to disable the existing router's WiFi network for enhanced performance.
In conclusion, following these comprehensive steps ensures a successful configuration of your TP-Link Deco in Access Point Mode, seamlessly integrating it into your existing network and extending WiFi coverage. If you encounter any difficulties or require further assistance, my expertise is at your disposal.
