What’s the difference between Access Point mode and Router mode on the Deco?

Further Assistance
Updated 09-18-2023 11:13:12 AM 751984
This Article Applies to: 

After setup the Deco network successfully, the Deco units will work in Router mode by default. When the Deco works in Router mode, it performs as a gateway device, so it has some gateway features like Antivirus, Parental Controls, QoS, and DHCP Server, etc.

Users can select Access Point mode when there is an existing router in front of the main Deco. In this case, the existing router will work as a gateway device and the main Deco is used to share the internet connection by connecting to the LAN port of the existing router. In Access Point mode, the gateway features will disappear on the Deco app.

If you want to configure the Deco to Access Point mode, please refer to this link.

Below are the feature differences between the Router and AP mode.

Note:

  1. Different Deco models may differ in features.
  2. The Deco models with the HomeShield feature do not support the Monthly Report feature when working in the AP mode.
  3. Currently, some Deco models do not support the ECO mode, and they will support this feature via firmware updates in the future.

Features

Router mode supported

AP mode supported

Test Internet Speed

Yes

Yes

Network Optimization

Yes

Yes

Block List

Yes

Yes

Update Deco

Yes

Yes

WPS

Yes

Yes

Monthly Report

Yes

No

Managers

Yes

Yes

Fast Roaming

Yes

Yes

Beamforming

Yes

Yes

LED Control

Yes

Yes

Operation Mode

Yes

Yes

Connection Alerts

Yes

No

Smart Actions

Yes

Yes

ECO mode

Yes

Yes

Antivirus

Yes

No

Parental Control

Yes

No

QoS

Yes

No

HomeShield

Yes

No

IPv4/IPv6/LAN IP/DHCP server/MAC Clone

Yes

No

IPTV/VLAN

Yes

No

Address Reservation

Yes

No

Port Forwarding

Yes

No

DDNS

Yes

No

SIP ALG

Yes

No

UPnP

Yes

No

VPN Server/Client

Yes

No

Static Routing

Yes

No

Device Isolation

Yes

No

IoT Network

Yes

Yes

Reboot Schedule

Yes

Yes

Notifications

Support Update Firmware, Security Database Updated, Antivirus Alerts, Parental Controls, Monthly Report, Device Alerts, and Promotional Messages notifications

Support Update Firmware, Monthly Report, Device Alerts, and Promotional Messages notifications

Note:

When the Deco system works in Router mode, the Main Deco is a gateway router, other Deco units are similar to normal client devices, they are connected to the main Deco through wireless or Ethernet cables.

When the Deco system works in Access Point mode, there has to be the main Router in front of the main Deco, providing Internet. In this case, the main Deco and other Deco units are basically equal, they are clients of the main Router.

Related FAQs

Is this faq useful?

Your feedback helps improve this site.

Recommended Products

Community

TP-Link Community

Still need help? Search for answers, ask questions, and get help from TP-Link experts and other users around the world.

Visit the Community >

From United States?

Get products, events and services for your region.