Question Best setup for Deco M4 in existing home

[BassBomb]

Hello,

I got TP Link Deco M4 AC1200 (3pc) pack over a year ago but never got a chance to set it up.

Existing Router = Nighthawk R7900P + netgear basic Gigabit hub
Existing Modem = TBD ISP has a router built in, I asked them to disable it but I do not believe it was fully disabled

House is a mixture of older CAT5 and CAT5E wiring (mostly the prior... ) with hard wiring going up multiple floors

Modem and original router is located in basement, pretty far from the typical users


I wasn't sure how to integrate the Deco system into our existing set up. Is it better to use them as repeaters in wireless mode, or use the hard run CAT5's back to the Nighthawk ? Do I get rid of the Nighthawk or can they share SSID with the Deco?

Appreciate any advice

 

[BassBomb]

I am reading that R7900P has tri-band AC3000 whereas the other is AC1200... that sounds like the original router is actually better.

I am wondering if I should do it as two seperate Wifi networks. One for the heavy users and then the Mesh for the further areas of the house. But I think it has to be separate SSID ?

 

[BassBomb]

 

[BassBomb]

All circled rooms are heavy use

I could keep existing router active in basement

Put 1x mesh on upper floor as AP (backhaul thru CAT5?)
Put 2x mesh on main floor as AP (backhaul thru CAT5 for one, other one can't near kitchen)

Can I use the base for Deco as an AP only ?

 

[QuietDad]

Main floor you might have to fiddle on placement as there is no ports where you need them, but on the upper flor you should be ok with one in the loft using a ethernet over cable adapter (Google MOCA). Its a starting point anyway. wou may want to try powerline adapters to get to the dining/kitchen area.