How to Set Up Hybrid Mesh Backup on your TP-Link Deco

Hybrid Mesh Backup allows you to add a 4G/5G Deco with an active SIM card to your Deco network as a satellite Deco, providing a backup mobile connection for your entire network.

If your main wired connection fails, the Deco network will automatically switch to the 4G/5G satellite Deco’s mobile connection, keeping you online without interruption. Once the main connection is restored, the network switches back automatically.

Key Takeaways

• Hybrid Mesh Backup uses a satellite 4G/5G Deco as a cellular backup for the entire Deco network.
• The 4G/5G Deco must already be added as a satellite Deco and have an active SIM card.
• Deco switches to the mobile connection when the wired internet fails and switches back automatically when service returns.
• Setting a fixed WAN port is recommended when wired clients need internet access during backup operation.
• The Deco app also lets you manage outage detection, mobile data, SMS, SIM security, and supported external antennas.

Requirements

• Update the Deco app and your Deco units to the latest available firmware.
• Add the 4G/5G Deco to your mesh network as a satellite Deco.
• Insert an active SIM card with an available mobile data plan into the 4G/5G Deco.
• Place the 4G/5G Deco where it receives a stable mobile signal.

Set Up Hybrid Mesh Backup

1. Open the Deco app, go to More > Advanced > Internet Backup.

2. Select Hybrid Mesh Backup and enable it.

3. (Optional) It is recommended to set a fixed WAN port to ensure that wired clients can connect to the internet when using the backup network.

Note: Go to More > Advanced > WAN Port. Then disable Auto WAN Port and set a fixed WAN port for your Deco.

4. (Optional) You can configure the following settings as needed.

• Offline Detection: Select Single Detection (DNS Lookup) or Dual Detection (DNS Lookup and Ping) to determine when Deco activates the backup connection.

• Internet: Configure the SIM card's internet settings and check the connection status.

• Data Settings: Monitor mobile data usage or set a usage limit.

• SMS: View, send, and receive messages for the SIM card.

• PIN Management: Set a PIN to prevent unauthorized use of the SIM card.

• External Antennas: Enable this option if external 5G antennas are installed to improve the Deco's 5G signal reception.

Setup complete!

When the main internet connection fails, the Deco network automatically uses the mobile connection provided by the SIM card in the 4G/5G satellite Deco.

To learn more about each function and configuration, please visit the Download Center to download the manual for your product.