Mesh network sense check

Mekrel · Tuesday at 14:36

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to sense check how mesh networks operate? The reason I'm asking is how I assumed they would work (this assumption could be wrong), and how the UI in the Deco app shows they are working (could be wrong interpretation) differs.

So my assumption is that the information gets passed like a daisy chain from access point to access point, back to the main unit connected to the router. In my example, pure WiFi - there's no ethernet backhaul.
So for example, if I start with the mesh point furthest away in the garage, it'll most likely pass information to the physically nearest point which is in the kitchen, which in turn would pass the information to the access point connected to the router in the living room.

Yet the Deco app just seems to show the access points as each connecting directly to the one in the living room? This website appears to suggest the nodes all talk to each other, so I'm guessing it's just an over simplified UI in the deco app?

App (garage is turned off as only need it when using the Peloton):

upload

Orcvader · Tuesday at 15:22

I believe that's one of the weak points of the Deco mesh kits, I remember this being an issue years back and a requested feature.

Seems like they did release the feature couple years ago so I would see if it's present on your model: https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/624082

Mekrel · Tuesday at 18:17

Thanks for the useful links. It appears the M4 I have does support those settings, but only on beta software.

BUDFORCE · Tuesday at 18:20

If you can , just put on a wired network, you'll never look back and thank yourself in the long run.

Avalon · 2025-08-06T09:15:32+0100

On my x20/x50 units it will do this, you can also manually select by going into the node in question on the app,, clicking connection preferences, turning auto off and manually choosing another node. Not sure if that’s an option with the M series?

One of Deco’s failings is it doesn’t seem to acknowledge when a suitable route is re-enabled. My son’s deco for example regularly drops back to WiFi and ignores the cable providing backhaul, in fairness it’s only really me that notices/cares most of the time.