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WiFi setup

EHindes63 — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:43:18 GMT

Hello all. I’ve just purchased the TP-link deco m4 mesh system to enhance my WiFi capabilities, setup through the app was very straightforward and everything working as it should except I now have what appears to be 2 separate WiFi networks i.e BT and Deco which isn’t really a problem except if I need to check speeds or WiFi connection in the BT app I then have to switch between the Deco network and BT, is this normal or do I need to do anything else for it to work as one network?

Re: WiFi setup

licquorice — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:53:19 GMT

The Deco won't form a mesh with the BT hub.

Re: WiFi setup

NorthernNico — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 15:58:14 GMT

You need to turn off / disable wifi on your BT smart Hub (assuming that's what you're using)

You won't be able to use the BT App to check speeds and wifi connectivity as this will now be done through the Deco App

Re: WiFi setup

EHindes63 — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:03:19 GMT

Ah ok…I brought this on the advice of an Openreach engineer who visited yesterday to check my slow internet speeds. As I said the system is working, however I now have 2 networks. So I guess I just leave everything as it is then?

Re: WiFi setup

NorthernNico — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:06:42 GMT

I would personally turn off wifi on the BT Hub.

On the Deco I'm assuming you set this up in Access Point mode as opposed to Router mode?

Is your internet FTTC or FTTP?

Re: WiFi setup

EHindes63 — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:10:07 GMT

Yes I am using BT smart hub, I’ve looked at the hub settings and can’t find where to turn off or disable WiFi in there?

Re: WiFi setup

EHindes63 — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:23:29 GMT

Not entirely sure how it is set up, I just plugged the Ethernet cable into the BT hub and followed the instructions in the Deco app. I’m on FTTC

Re: WiFi setup

licquorice — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 16:28:26 GMT

Its entirely up to you whether you leave the hub WiFi on to provide extra coverage or turn it off. If you do wish to turn it off, the setting is in advanced WiFi settings.

Re: WiFi setup

chrisjp — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:58:52 GMT

"The Deco won't form a mesh with the BT hub."

That's correct but, AFAIK, it doesn't need to. The Deco units will form their own mesh and just need an ethernet feed from the BT hub. It's also best to turn off the WiFi that the BT hub emits to stop it interfering with the Deco system WiFi

Re: WiFi setup

licquorice — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 20:45:02 GMT

There's no need to turn it off, as long as it is on a different channel it won't interfere and will give extra coverage if required.