Wired backhaul is an excellent way to enhance the performance of your TP-Link Deco mesh system. While these systems are designed to work well wirelessly, adding a wired connection between the nodes can significantly improve speed, reduce latency, and ensure better overall stability. This is particularly useful in environments where wireless signal interference is a concern or when you have high-bandwidth requirements.

In this guide, we will walk you through setting up a wired backhaul for your TP-Link Deco network. Follow these steps carefully to maximize your mesh network’s performance.

What is a Wired Backhaul?

Before diving into the setup process, it’s important to understand what a wired backhaul is. In simple terms, a wired backhaul is when you connect your Deco units to each other using Ethernet cables instead of relying solely on Wi-Fi to communicate. This eliminates the dependency on wireless channels for intra-node communication, freeing up wireless bandwidth for connected devices.

Setting up a wired backhaul requires just a few adjustments and some basic equipment, including Ethernet cables. Let’s outline the process step by step.

Things You’ll Need

  • TP-Link Deco units (at least two nodes)
  • Ethernet cables of sufficient length
  • A network switch (if you need multiple Ethernet connections and your router/modem doesn’t have enough ports)

Steps to Set Up Wired Backhaul

  1. Position Your Deco Units

    Decide on the locations for your primary and satellite Deco nodes. The primary Deco should be connected to your modem, while the satellite units can be placed throughout your home, ideally where they can serve devices in hard-to-reach areas. Keep in mind that any Deco unit you connect via Ethernet cable will automatically use wired backhaul.

  2. Connect the Primary Deco

    Start by connecting the primary Deco unit to your modem using an Ethernet cable. This step ensures your Deco system has internet access. Additionally, connect this Deco to a power source and wait until its LED indicator stabilizes. The primary Deco will act as the central hub of your network.

  3. Run Ethernet Cables Between the Deco Nodes

    Next, connect your satellite Deco nodes to the primary Deco using Ethernet cables. Plug one end of the cable into the LAN port of the primary Deco and the other end into the LAN port of the satellite unit. If you have more than two satellites, a network switch can be used to connect multiple cables to the primary Deco.

    *Tip*: Ensure the Ethernet cables are routed discreetly, avoiding physical strain or sharp bends that may damage the wiring.

  4. Power On the Satellite Deco Units

    After connecting the Ethernet cables, power on your satellite Deco units and wait for their LED indicators to stabilize. In most cases, the Deco devices will automatically detect the wired connections and configure themselves to use wired backhaul. No additional software configuration is usually required.

  5. Confirm Wired Backhaul Is Working

    To verify that the wired backhaul is active, open the TP-Link Deco app on your smartphone. Navigate to the network map or connected devices section and check the status of the satellite Deco units. The app should indicate whether each satellite unit is connected via Ethernet (wired) or Wi-Fi.

    If the connections still show as wireless, check the Ethernet cables and ensure they’re properly plugged into the LAN ports.

Benefits of Wired Backhaul

By implementing a wired backhaul, you can enjoy several significant benefits in your TP-Link Deco mesh network:

  • Higher Speed: Eliminating wireless dependency can dramatically improve data transfer rates between Deco units.
  • Reduced Interference: Wired backhaul avoids interference from other nearby wireless networks or devices.
  • Improved Stability: Connections between Deco nodes remain consistent and unaffected by obstacles like walls, floors, or electronic interference.
  • Freed Up Wireless Bandwidth: Your mesh system can allocate more Wi-Fi bandwidth to end-user devices, ensuring better performance for streaming, gaming, or internet browsing.

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are a few troubleshooting tips in case you encounter issues with your wired backhaul setup:

  • Ensure your Ethernet cables are undamaged and that they meet the required specification (Cat 5e or higher).
  • Make sure satellite Deco units are powered on and connected to the LAN port of the primary Deco or a switch.
  • Reboot all Deco nodes after completing the wired setup to ensure proper configuration.
  • Update the firmware of your Deco units via the TP-Link Deco app to take advantage of the latest features and fixes.

Conclusion

Setting up a wired backhaul for your TP-Link Deco system is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your network’s performance and reliability. Whether you’re dealing with interference or simply want to maximize your mesh system’s potential, wiring your Deco nodes together is a smart solution. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll enjoy a faster, more stable network with minimal effort.

For additional help or resources, refer to your Deco’s user manual or visit the TP-Link support website.