How to Put TP-Link Deco in Access Point Mode

What access point mode does

Access point mode turns a TP-Link Deco system into a Wi-Fi access point instead of a full router. The existing router keeps doing routing, DHCP, and NAT. The Deco system handles wireless coverage. This is useful when your ISP modem or main router must remain in charge, or when you want to use one router's advanced features and still get mesh Wi-Fi from Deco. If you keep two routers active on the same network, you can create double NAT, where one router hides the other from the internet. Access point mode avoids that by putting the Deco on the same local network as the main router.

The Wi-Fi portion of the network still follows the same wireless LAN standards used by other access points. If you are also considering using an older router this way, see how to use old router as access point.

When to use access point mode

Use access point mode when the device in front of the Deco must stay. Common cases include a modem-router combo from your ISP, a router with a built-in VPN server or parental controls you want to keep, or a multi-gig router that manages your network. Access point mode also helps when you only need better Wi-Fi in a home office or bedroom and do not want to replace the existing router.

If you do not have a separate router, keep the Deco in router mode and connect it directly to your modem. Access point mode is not the same as bridge mode, so review bridge mode vs access point mode before changing modes. For a new Deco setup in router mode, follow how to set up TP-Link Deco.

What you need before starting

You need a TP-Link Deco system, the Deco app on a phone, and an existing router that is already online. The main Deco unit should be near the router so you can connect an Ethernet cable between them. A wired connection from the main Deco to a LAN port on the router is the most reliable setup. Satellites can be placed around the home and connected by Wi-Fi or network cable.

For best performance, connect any satellite by Ethernet if the building has cabling. This keeps traffic off the wireless backhaul and gives client devices more airtime. See ethernet backhaul explained for details.

Keep these items ready before you start:

• A TP-Link Deco system
• The Deco app
• An existing router or modem-router combo
• An Ethernet cable from the router to the main Deco
• Power adapters for every Deco unit

How to switch TP-Link Deco to access point mode

The exact labels in the Deco app may change with app updates, but the flow is the same. Start with the main Deco connected to your existing router before changing the mode.

• Connect the main Deco to one of the LAN ports on your existing router using Ethernet. Do not connect it to the modem if the router is between the modem and the Deco.
• Open the Deco app and sign in to the account that manages your Deco network.
• Select your network, then open the settings or More menu.
• Find Operation Mode or Internet Mode.
• Choose Access Point Mode and confirm.
• Wait for the app to restart the network. The main Deco should show a solid light once it is online.

Placement and wired backhaul after switching

After access point mode is enabled, place the main Deco in a central spot that is still wired to the router. Satellites should be placed where you need coverage, not too close to the main unit. If possible, connect satellites to the network with Ethernet so traffic can travel over cable instead of a wireless hop. Wired backhaul frees the Wi-Fi radios for client devices; see ethernet backhaul vs wireless backhaul.

The Deco system continues to broadcast one Wi-Fi network name across all units. Roaming between units is handled by the mesh. You can also create a separate guest network from the app if the router and Deco support it. The main router still handles the internet connection and network security, so check the router's firewall and router security basics instead of looking for those controls in the Deco app.

Security and maintenance in access point mode

Access point mode does not remove the need for Wi-Fi encryption. Keep WPA3 or WPA2 and WPA3 transition enabled on the Deco network whenever your devices support it. The Wi-Fi Alliance states that WPA3 offers more robust authentication and is mandatory for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED devices. You can usually find wireless security settings in the Deco app under Wi-Fi settings.

Check for firmware updates for the Deco system and for the main router. NIST develops cybersecurity standards, guidelines, and best practices that can help you keep a home network safer. Basic maintenance includes updating firmware when new versions are available and reviewing connected devices. Read router firmware updates explained and how to update router firmware for step-by-step guidance.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Does access point mode disable the mesh features?

No. The Deco units still work as a mesh. The main unit acts as an access point, and satellites connect to it wirelessly or by Ethernet. Client devices can roam between units using the same network name.

Do I have to use an Ethernet cable for the main Deco?

Connect the main Deco to the existing router with Ethernet for the most reliable setup. The main Deco needs to receive the network from the router, and a cable avoids relying on a wireless hop. If no cable is possible, access point mode may still work by using the router's Wi-Fi, but that creates another layer and may be less stable.

Can I switch back to router mode later?

Yes. In the Deco app, open Operation Mode and choose Router Mode. You can then connect the main Deco to your modem instead of the existing router. The app will guide you through the new setup.

Why would access point mode stop double NAT?

When a second router is placed behind the first, it creates a second private network and another NAT layer. In access point mode, the Deco does not perform NAT, so devices connected to the Deco appear on the main router's local network. This makes port forwarding and local sharing simpler.

Will I lose the guest network?

Access point mode may move some guest network controls to the Deco app depending on the model. Check the app's Wi-Fi settings. Even in access point mode, you can usually keep a separate network for guests. If the main router also supports guest networks, choose one place to manage it.

Does the Deco need a factory reset before access point mode?

No. You can switch modes in the app without resetting. Factory reset is only needed if you want to sell the unit or if the app cannot find the network.