Can different Deco models work together?

All our Deco models can work together. Under some circumstances, we have more than one Deco models (Deco M5, Deco M9 Plus, etc.) in hand and want to use them together in one network topology.

Q1: What to do if I want to set up a Powerline Backhaul network?

1. If you have more than 2 Deco P7 or Deco P9 units and want a Powerline backhaul network, please choose Deco P7 or P9 as the main Deco. And the powerline connection will be established only between Deco powerline products.

2. It is not recommended to choose Deco M4R/E4R/W2400/AC1200/S4 as the main Deco if you have higher priority models.

Q2: How to set up different Deco models together for optimal performance without considering Powerline Backhaul?

There are two situations and it is recommended to do as follows:

1. When creating a new Deco network

Choose a main Deco in the priority order below, then follow the instruction in the Deco app to set it up.

Deco X60>Deco M9 Plus>Deco X20/W3600 > Deco P9 >Deco P7>Deco M5/M1300> Deco M4R/E4R/W2400/AC1200>Deco S4

After the main Deco is configured successfully, follow the instruction in the Deco app to add the Satellite Deco one by one.

2. When adding a new Deco to an existing Deco network

For example, you have set up a Deco M5 network already, but want to add a new M9 Plus into the existing mesh network to extend your wireless coverage.

In this case, it’s recommended to re-select M9 Plus as the main Deco to ensure the system performance. (Similarly, we recommend to follow the priority order when re-selecting the main Deco: Deco X60>Deco M9 Plus>Deco X20/W3600 > Deco P9 >Deco P7>Deco M5/M1300> Deco M4R/E4R/W2400/AC1200>Deco S4)

Take “add Deco M9 Plus into the existing M5 network” as an example. Please follow the steps below.

1. Update your Deco app

Go to the App Store or Google Play Store, check and update your Deco app to the latest version.

2. Add M9 Plus into the M5 network.

Tap here to add the Deco M9 Plus to the existing Deco M5’s network.

If you fail to setup the Deco M9 Plus, please refer to the link for troubleshooting.

3. Update M9 Plus

Tap “More”, then click on “Update Deco”.

The app will search the firmware updates automatically. If a new firmware is available for Deco, please download and install it through the Deco app.

When the updates are completed, the app will remind that your firmware version is up-to-date.

4. Set M9 Plus as the main Deco.

Make sure your phone is connected to the Deco’s Wi-Fi network, then open the Deco app.

Refer to the link to set the Deco M9 Plus work as main Deco.

Note: When building a Deco network with different models, some features will disappear if one of the Deco units doesn’t support them. For example, if Deco M5 supports Fast Roaming while Deco M3W does not, then the Fast Roaming feature will disappear if you add the M3W unit into the M5 network. But don’t worry, these features will be added in future firmware updates.

If need more help, it’s suggested to contact TP-Link support.