I got 99 problems but my WiFi ain't one

Nope.

The TP Link cannot replace your router.

They replace or augment your existing wireless access point.

The "router" box from your telecoms provider does a few different jobs: modem, router and WiFi access point.

I'm pretty sure it can.

You may still need your old router to act as a modem but it replaces the router element.

2 pack has been fine so far for our 5 bed 3 storey.

Dunno about other models but the M5 seems to think it can

I did differentiate between the router and modem parts of the ‘router’.

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I don't quite get 'In access point mode, Deco connects to a ....router via an Ethernet cable'. Does that mean you need to plug one of them into your router?

You should, yes. You want one SSID for your devices to connect to that is broadcast by a group of access points that are work together.

Connect one Deco to your router with a cable and turn off any WiFi integrated into your router.

Exactly that. Turn the WiFi off in the router, but it will still be connecting to the ISP to get you internet, and distributing IP addresses to devices on your home network. The 2/ 3+ decos create the mesh WiFi network your WiFi devices connect to. But that mesh WiFi network needs connecting to the internet and that is done via Ethernet.

Cheers (both).

Sorry.

I had no idea the Decos have routing capabilities.

As another option, I recently got some of the Amazon Eero's and been impressed. Assuming you're happy to give Amazon more money etc.
They've replaced the router in that I'm with Virgin so I keep the Virgin box in modem mode with the wireless off, and the Eero's do the routing/wireless mesh

Anyone after a Unifi AP, POE box, and 2 powerline adapters?

I've bought mesh because the walls and floor in my flat have been proving troublesome.

It's not a new Unifi AP so it can only do 2.4GHz but it is b/g/n.

This is one of those deals where you're doing me a favour by not making me take it to the recycling centre.

I wouldn't mind a few ciders in exchange though.

I'm in N16.

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Is it one of the ones that is being phased out? End of life? If not I’ll take it off your hands, plus the poe. Let me know..

Would take the tough switch off your hands, if it’s still available. How much do you want for it plus postage to London?

I didn't know there was an EOL issue with some models, I've just checked and as I think this is an UAP V1, it is an EOL model. I don't know what this means long term, so it's up to you.

I've got a UAP LR and it's an EOL, this is the blurb you get when you try an update it.

After March 1, 2021, the devices will become EOL.

End of Life (EOL): Device will be visible, but not configurable, in controllers released after the EOL date.  It will continue to operate with its current configuration, and the controller will be able to forget the device.
Devices will lose controller support in a controller version that is released AFTER the EOL date, and it will be clearly announced in release notes.  In other words, it should be clear to the user before the upgrade happens, that the upgrade will terminate support.

I guess that's only a problem if you buy a controller after 01/03/2021

Or if you need to update your controller software (new features/bug fixes/security). Although it looks like it will continue to work, just can't change the settings.

I was using it as a cheap method of extending the range of my Virgin router/AP, powerline to the deadzone, then ethernet into the Unifi AP and give the Unifi WiFi a different SSID. Worked well for me but I think my electrical wiring in my flat was the problem. The drop from one powerline to the second was 160 mbps > 20ish mbps, which was atrocious. Hence my switch to mesh.

If anyone is looking for a cheap (free) similar solution, then hit me up.

For new features you could perhaps run two controllers. Bit of a PITA though.

Having been inspired by this thread I bought a Deco M4 3 pack to upgrade from my TP-link AV500 and AV600 powerline adapters to get a decent Mesh network through my small flat.

I get 180Mbps+ from Virgin by the router, either direct through Virgin router or the ethernet connected Deco unit. The first bedroom (next door) gets about 90Mbps, and where I'm set up for home working gets around 20Mbps, which is pretty disappointing...

Any troubleshooting ideas? My flat is small, and shouldn't really need 3 deco units, but the walls are thick 1950s council built PFA concrete - is this just swallowing my signal?

I'd say yes as I have what sounds like the same problem.

I'd suggest using a speed tester/wifi channel "analyser" tool to stand in different places in the flat and work out where the speed just starts to drop, or just before, and try and place your 3 units in the best place. I'd suggest buying a long-ish ethernet cable so you play with the position of the main Deco.

Our Virgin WiFi is down and they’re saying a fix may take a week. Work and schooling means that’s not an option, so I need to source a mobile PAYG solution. Any recommendations? Our mobile contracts are with O2 if that helps.

Thanks - I'll give that a go. Very limited options for power sockets unfortunately.

Can you recommend a tester/tool?

speedtest app to see what speed you're getting.

Wifi Analyzer to see how congested the channels are.

It's worth trying out the Wifi Analyzer app all around your flat to see which is the best channel to use on average across the flat.

If there's a lot of traffic in similar channels it can really introduce noise and drop the speed.

I personally think one of the things that's lacking in modern wifi is some sort of automated tool to tune the reach/spread within congested areas.

Back when I was running Tomato open source firmware on an old router/AP, I was able to tune the wifi so it only reached the limits of our flat, but the signal was much stronger as a result.

Three tend to have the cheapest all you can eat, no issue with hotspot SIM cards.

YMMV on coverage in your area though. Expect the connection to fall off a cliff immediately if more than two devices are using it.