FAQ
TL;DR: Deco M4 supports 1 router + 2 APs or all‑AP setups; "M4 can work as an AP + router." This FAQ helps home users wire three Decos for stable, seamless coverage. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #20456408]
Why it matters: It shows how to cable and configure Deco M4 for reliable coverage and smooth roaming in multi‑room or multi‑floor homes.
Quick Facts
- Modes: Deco M4 offers two modes—Mesh and Access Point (AP). [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19346269]
- Ethernet backhaul works: connect Decos by cable and the system will prefer the wired link. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19348746]
- Keep Mesh enabled when wired to retain fast roaming and easier client handoffs. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19348746]
- Topology options: use an ISP router with all Decos as APs, or 1 Deco as router + 2 as APs. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #20456408]
- Expect better stability and speed from wired APs than pure wireless mesh. [Elektroda, jimasek, post #19347912]
Can I connect three Deco M4 units by Ethernet to my router for top speed?
Yes. Cable each Deco to your router to create a wired backhaul. Leave Mesh enabled to keep fast roaming. After you connect the cables, Deco automatically uses Ethernet between nodes. This avoids repeater bottlenecks and improves stability. Three wired units suit large spaces well. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19348746]
Does the Deco M4 have AP mode (Access Point mode)?
Yes. Deco M4 supports two modes: Mesh or AP. “Deco has two modes: 1. MESH 2.AP.” Choose AP when you want Decos to act as access points behind a router. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19346269]
How do I set up three M4s as wired APs and keep roaming?
- Leave Mesh enabled so fast roaming stays active.
- Connect each Deco to your router or switch with Ethernet.
- Let Deco auto-select the wired backhaul; then place units for best coverage.
“Mesh must remain turned on anyway... and makes switching clients easier.” [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19348746]
Will my phone see one Wi‑Fi name across floors in AP mode?
Yes. With three Decos set to AP mode and cabled to your router, they present one SSID. Devices roam between floors seamlessly in a three‑story home. “This is how it will work.” [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #20578920]
Do I need a separate router, or can one Deco M4 be the main router?
Either works. You can run M4s as APs behind your provider’s router, or use one M4 as the router and two as APs. “M4 can work as an AP + router.” [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #20456408]
Wired vs wireless backhaul: which should I choose if I have Ethernet?
Choose wired. Ethernet backhaul increases stability and effective throughput compared with pure wireless mesh. As one expert put it, “It will definitely be more stable and faster than mesh.” [Elektroda, jimasek, post #19347912]
Can I mix wired and wireless links between Decos?
Yes. Wire the units you can, and leave others wireless if needed. After you connect cables, Deco selects whether to use the wired or repeater link for inter‑node traffic automatically. This allows hybrid layouts. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19348746]
Will neighbor Wi‑Fi cause drops if I rely on wireless mesh?
It can. “It’s enough to have neighbors with Wi‑Fi, and there may be disruptions and problems.” Cabling your Decos reduces interference risk and stabilizes backhaul. Wired APs shine in congested environments. [Elektroda, jprzedworski, post #19348097]
Does wiring disable Mesh features like fast roaming?
No. Keep Mesh enabled even when everything is cabled. “This whole ‘Mesh’ must remain turned on anyway,” which activates fast roaming and eases client switching. You get roaming plus wired stability. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19348746]
Can each Deco be plugged into a different LAN port on my router?
Yes. You can connect multiple Decos by Ethernet to your router. The system will prefer the wired path for inter‑node communication once links are up. This is the recommended approach when ports are available. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19348746]
I don’t want Wi‑Fi coverage to be “split”—will cabled Decos deliver full performance?
With Ethernet backhaul, each AP has a full‑speed upstream link to the router. Clients roam between nodes while maintaining solid throughput. Avoid pure repeater mode because single‑radio repeaters share airtime and reduce efficiency. Wiring removes that penalty. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19348746]
What’s a simple layout for a three‑floor home with Deco M4?
Place one Deco per floor, set AP mode, and wire each to the router. Use a single SSID for all units. Your phone will see one network and roam smoothly between floors. “This is how it will work.” [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #20578920]
