TP-Link - Deco M5

Currently using Deco X20 and 3 M5?/3?, hoping to switch to Ubiquiti once they have a U7 Mesh. Running a cloud gateway ultra already so eventual transition to Ubiquiti is expected.

Something like TPLink Deco M5, buy a 3-pack and put 1 on each floor. Basically it's a "mesh", in other words a "wifi repeater". Your computer connects to nearest one, and then the data bounces to next one, then next one, until it reaches modem in basement.

I live in India. I've used a pair of Deco M5s from Act Broadband as one of their plan had this feature . After one month of usage, I had to request the ISP to replace them. They did with a new pair of Deco M5s. And after one month of usage, I had to cancel the whole mesh subscription plan because the Mesh routers had lots of issues after a month of usage - on both the attempts. Love using TP link products, but somehow I no longer trust the Deco series. I'd love to hear your review when you use the Deco series.

A pack of TP-Link Deco M9s or M5s would easily do the job for you. https://www.tp-link.com/us/deco-mesh-wifi/product-family/deco-m9-plus/v1%20(3-pack)/ Available on Amazon.

Are you wondering if using wifi 7 for the backhaul would be more performant that the Ethernet backhaul via MoCa? If there are obstacles to the wifi signal, the high frequency bands will probably not be very efficient, hence wifi 7 would not help much (for the backhaul) compared to wifi 5. Deco M5 use either Ethernet, either wifi for the backhaul. Deco BE65 will combine Ethernet and wifi for the backhaul. You did not explain if your current bottleneck was the ISP connection, the MocA backhaul, or the wifi signal between Deco and devices.

The main Deco must be wired to its source of Internet. I would return the Archer, indeed, and build a mesh only with deco units.

Just for fun, here’s ChatGPT’s take. TL;DR using a business oriented system like Ubiquiti Unifi will be the least hassle long term (bit more expensive and require running Ethernet with POE); a mesh network using TP Link Deco will be the cheapest and simplest to install but not as flexible with QOS and less efficient if using “wireless backhaul” ie using WiFi to connect them all. ——— Absolutely, I can walk you through practical, step-by-step advice for upgrading motel WiFi yourself on a budget. Here’s a comprehensive, realistic plan, with gear suggestions and management tips for fair usage. ⸻ 1. Assess the Situation • Map Out the Motel: Sketch your motel’s layout. Note thick walls, distance between rooms, office location, etc. • Test Existing WiFi: Use a phone or laptop with a speed test app (e.g., Speedtest) in various rooms to spot dead zones. ⸻ 2. Set Goals • Reliable WiFi in Every Room • Easy Management • Prevention of Bandwidth Hogging • Keep It Simple & Affordable ⸻ 3. Choose a Hardware Approach A. Mesh WiFi (Best for Simplicity) A mesh system uses multiple access points (“nodes”) that work together—easy to set up, strong coverage. Recommended Mesh Systems (Budget-Conscious): • TP-Link Deco X55, XE75, or M5 (3-packs; add more if needed) • Eero 6/6+ (Amazon’s house brand, reliable and simple) • Google Nest WiFi (user-friendly, but a bit pricier) B. Business-Grade Access Points For more control, but a little more technical: • Ubiquiti UniFi 6 Lite or UniFi AC Lite (around $99 per AP) • TP-Link Omada EAP225 or EAP245 You’ll need a router and PoE switch (if powering by Ethernet). ⸻ 4. Physical Setup A. For Mesh 1. Place main node near the Xfinity modem (likely in the office). 2. Add mesh nodes every 2-3 rooms or so, especially in dead zones. Nodes should be within wireless range of the next, but not too close. 3. Plug in each node (some allow Ethernet backhaul for even better performance). B. For Access Points 1. Run Ethernet cable from your modem/router to each AP location. • APs should ideally be ceiling-mounted in hallways, central to a cluster of rooms. 2. Mount and power each AP (some can use PoE—Power over Ethernet—if your switch supports it). 3. Connect APs to your router/switch. Tip: If running cable is impossible, consider powerline adapters for a few hard-to-wire spots. ⸻ 5. Network Configuration • Create a guest network (SSID like “Motel Guest WiFi”). • Enable WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. • Hide management SSID (use a separate, hidden network for yourself/office). ⸻ 6. Prevent Bandwidth Hogging • Mesh Systems: Many (like Deco, Eero, and Google WiFi) have built-in “QoS” (Quality of Service) or parental controls. You can limit bandwidth per device, pause connections, or schedule downtime. • Business APs (like UniFi or Omada): • Limit speed per client. • Enable “client isolation” (prevents guests from seeing each other on the network). • Set up bandwidth quotas or rate limits. • Router Level: Some routers let you set limits per device or user. ⸻ 7. Maintenance and Monitoring • Regularly check for firmware updates (on the app or web interface). • Monitor network health via the mesh app or UniFi/Omada controller. • Consider signage: Place simple instructions for guests. ⸻ 8. Estimated Budget • Mesh (Deco M5 or Eero 6): $150-350 for a 3-pack (may need 2-3 packs for 40 rooms) • UniFi/Omada APs: $80-120 each; estimate 6-8 APs = $700-900 plus a PoE switch ($100-150) ⸻ 9. Sample Setup Example (Budget Mesh): • Buy two 3-packs of Deco M5 (~$200 total) • Install one in office (main), one at each end of motel, and remaining three spread evenly • Set up guest network • Enable parental controls/QoS in app to set max bandwidth per device (e.g., 10 Mbps down/2 up) • Monitor and tweak as needed ⸻ 10. Final Tips • Test coverage in every room. Move nodes/APs if needed. • Keep the main router/AP in a locked location. • Educate staff on simple troubleshooting. ⸻ Would you like a detailed wiring guide for access points, or step-by-step mesh setup instructions for a specific brand? Let me know your skill level and which sounds more comfortable (mesh vs wired APs)!

Deco in AP mode disables a lot of the features like QoS, and per device settings too. (if i am not wrong). While the app does not have advanced customisation capibility, it works just fine for what I need, allows editing DHCP settings, port forwarding, and NAT settings as well. I use in router mode, since the ONR is quite slow. However, if your netgear is faster than your M5, use that.

Coming from a Deco M5, I am looking at upgrading to the Be25 as they cost exactly the same as the X60. All of my units are on an ethernet backhaul, but I do appreciate you sharing your results.

I use these. They are superb.

I prefer to have a separate router. Deco in AP mode though (some have it as router too, behind their ISP router, which is awful) I suspect it won't change your speed at all, so leave as is.. However, if you're not using any of the wrt features then it may be nice to avoid having yet another box that could go wrong. At the same time, I dislike the Deco forcing you to use a mobile app to achieve anything, and I'd hate to have internet connectivity issues and only diagnosing the problem via my phone.

Deco in AP mode gives practically nothing via browser. Maybe router mode shows more (it'd have to, or at least should)