Backhaul Wiring Mesh Help

quote:

---

Do I need to run an Ethernet cable from the 3rd device all the way back to the router, or can I run it back to the second device?

---

quote:

---

Once the second and third devices are wired for backhaul, do I need to change them to access points or keep them in mesh?

---

quote:

---

If backhaul wiring the Deco devices does not get the WIFI where I want it to be, I am considering buying TP-Link Deco BE25 Dual-Band BE5000 WiFi 7 Mesh (much smaller devices for odd shaped areas). These will probably not be wired, should these be set as APs or mesh?

---

quote:

---

I think AI good give you really good answers to these questions.

---

quote:

---

The first Deco device is plugged into my BGW210 (BGW210 set into passthrough and being used as a modem only) and is the router. The second Deco device is 50' away and is being used in mesh mode. The third Deco device is 50' away from the second device, 100' from the router, and is being used in mesh mode. I want to wire the system for backhaul. My questions are: Do I need to run an Ethernet cable from the 3rd device all the way back to the router, or can I run it back to the second device? Obviously the second device needs to go back to the router itself. Once the second and third devices are wired for backhaul, do I need to change them to access points or keep them in mesh? If backhaul wiring the Deco devices does not get the WIFI where I want it to be, I am considering buying TP-Link Deco BE25 Dual-Band BE5000 WiFi 7 Mesh (much smaller devices for odd shaped areas). These will probably not be wired, should these be set as APs or mesh?

---

quote:

---

Here’s how to wire and configure your Deco system for best results:

--- ###

1. Wiring the backhaul * **Router ? Second Deco**: You’re right, the second Deco must be wired directly back to the router. That ensures a strong, stable feed. * **Third Deco**: You don’t need to run a cable all the way back to the router. You can wire the third Deco to the second one. TP-Link supports a *daisy chain wired backhaul*. So: * Router ? Deco #2 ? Deco #3 works just fine.

--- ###

2. Mode selection (AP vs Mesh) * **Keep them in Mesh Mode.** * The wired connection will automatically be used for backhaul. * Switching them to AP mode changes the network topology (single flat Wi-Fi with the BGW210 in charge), but since you already set the BGW210 to passthrough and the Deco as router, mesh mode is the right choice. * **No need to manually change modes** when you add Ethernet. Deco will auto-prefer Ethernet for backhaul if present.

--- ###

3. If you add Deco BE25 units (wireless only) * **Use Mesh Mode**, not AP. * Mesh mode lets them coordinate with your main Deco router, handle seamless roaming, and optimize paths. * Access Point mode is only if you want your BGW210 (or another router) to run the whole network, which you don’t.

--- ###

4. Practical tip: * If your Wi-Fi coverage still feels thin after wiring, placement is usually the culprit. Ideally, keep line-of-sight or minimal obstructions between units. * The BE25 units are designed for odd-shaped coverage, so sprinkling them in as wireless mesh satellites should extend coverage nicely. They’ll still handshake with the wired Decos just fine.

---

? Bottom line: * Router ? Deco #2 (wired). * Deco #2 ? Deco #3 (wired). * Keep them in **mesh mode**. * If you add BE25 units wirelessly, also **mesh mode**, not AP. Do you want me to also sketch you a simple diagram of the wired + wireless mesh layout so it’s visually obvious where each cable and role goes?

---