Deco X20 with Hub 5 and Access Point/Modem Mode not Working

[Callumbrown1012]

Hi all,

Last year, I installed 2 x20 hubs into the hosue. The virgin hub previously (I think..) was in Modem Mode, and the Decos were in Access Point mode. The setup was as follows;

Virgin Hub (Modem Mode) > Ethernet to Deco 1 first port > Ethernet from 2nd port to a switch (TP Link 5 port gigabit) > From the switch, ethernet cables going to various devices including Deco 2 which is upstairs in the house. It worked all ok.

Recently, we had our hub changed over as we switched plans and the engineer advised that modem mode is no longer supported? Which seemed absurd considering it is still an option within the settings of the virgin router. Regardless, I put the hub into modem mode and ran the same setup. The setup did not work. Deco 1 was not receiving any signal, nor was Deco 2. So now the problem I have is that the Virgin Hub only works in normal operation mode and all devices are getting confused between connecting to the various areas. I also have more black spots in my house now, and we are continously being asked to enter the password..

Any advice on how to have this working? I appreciate it is difficult to interpret the setup from the above so I have made a diagram below.

[legacy1]

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@Callumbrown1012 wrote:

Recently, we had our hub changed over as we switched plans and the engineer advised that modem mode is no longer supported? Which seemed absurd considering it is still an option within the settings of the virgin router.

Makes me so angry they can't get there facts straight😤

Yes the hub 5 supports modem mode but you my need a router not a mesh to it but it can work with a mesh but other MAC from your network may try to get the WAN IP so try with just the mesh connected in modem mode power off hub in modem mode for 2mins power on wait 5mins unplug replug Ethernet or there is more of a problem due to TP Link likely DHCP offer/ack by broadcast

Connect a PC to the hub in modem mode and get that working

[Callumbrown1012]

I have been messing around with it for a few hours now. Managed to get the first deco connected to the wifi and that is repeating ok. (Modem mode, AP on deco). Only issue I have now is the app won’t find deco 2? I have tried doing it with both decos right next to eachother and also connected via Ethernet? Any ideas? 

[Tudor · Accepted solution]

If you have the VM hub in modem mode the first Deco MUST be in router mode. If the VM hub is in normal, router mode, then the first Deco must be in AP mode. 

[Callumbrown1012]

Hm ok, I guess have understood incorrectly. Do you recommend a specific way to go about it or do they both do the same thing?

[Callumbrown1012]

Managed to get both working now. Thank you. However your comment suggests I’m not doing the system in the most efficient way.

if I have the router on normal mode, that acts as a WiFi source. Deco 1 can be placed at the corner of the house downstairs, connected via Ethernet, and the too will be a ‘source’ wifi connection correct? Same with deco 2? Upstairs, via Ethernet, repeating the signal. Theoretically creating 3 sources of wifi? Or am I understanding incorrectly?

[legacy1]

hub in router mode will add more wifi noise 

if you wanted to do this  "3 sources of wifi" you would of done it then using the hub in modem mode so get another Deco not that you need it

[Tudor]

Yes, three ‘sources’ for WiFi is fine, but they should all transmit on different channels, although as I have no ‘hands-on’ knowledge of the Decos. For 2.4Ghz use channels 1, 6 & 11 (NO OTHERS). For 5Ghz I use 100, 120, 136 and 157. For 6Ghz I use channel 53. Bandwidth 2.4Ghz 20Mhz, 5Ghz 80Mhz and 6Ghz 160Mhz.

[Roger_Gooner]

Mesh systems normally come with a router and work best with that router, so put the hub into modem mode as per your original setup. Don't put a Deco unit into bridge mode unless you want to turn it into a WiFi access point with limited additional functionality.