TP-Link Deco S4 - Issues with Speed and Stability

jolee3 on 04/05/2022 - 10:48
Last edited 04/05/2022 - 11:06 by 1 other user

I have set up a TP-Link Deco S4 mesh system and I am having trouble with the speed and stability. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong.

It was first set up about 6 months ago and had been working fine for about 5 months. About a month ago I started to get slow speeds and constant drop outs - at first I thought it might be Optus but when I connect directly to the modem it's fine.

I have Optus 5G Home Broadband, the modem is connected to the Main Deco via ethernet cable (they are right next to each other). There are two secondary Decos in other rooms. I set it up using the Deco app, following the prompts, with I assume is basically the most vanilla type of set up. When directly connected to the modem wifi, I am getting ~120Mbps, but the deco is giving me ~15Mbps IF it doesn't drop out completely. This is from about 10 metres from both.

I have tried the basic troubleshooting:

  • Power off power on the modem and the decos: no change
  • Reboot the decos via the app: no change
  • Delete the network and set up network again: Normal speed on set up, but it drops again after an hour or so

Any ideas would be appreciated? I don't know if it's just something silly I am/am not doing.

Internet Mesh Network TP-Link Wireless Router

Comments

  • holdenmg on 04/05/2022 - 10:56
    +2

    Have you updated the Deco S4 Firmware?

    https://www.tp-link.com/au/support/download/deco-s4/#Firmwar…

    • jolee3 on 04/05/2022 - 11:34

      Yep, all updated.

  • oscargamer on 04/05/2022 - 10:59

    In the app, under 'more' (bottom right 9 dots) press the network optimization button. What's the result?

    • oscargamer on 04/05/2022 - 11:01

      As holdenmg says, update deco via the app

      Then hit advanced and tell us the results

      Is your modem also transmitting on wi-fi?

      • jolee3 on 04/05/2022 - 11:35

        Network Status: Perfect.

        Yes the modem is also transmitting wifi, on a different SSID.

        • oscargamer on 04/05/2022 - 11:39
          +1

          Would suggest (as twix says below) to turn off the modem wifi and see what happens. Can't get worse can it?

          • jolee3 on 04/05/2022 - 16:17

            @oscargamer: Just tried now and still very slow…it's doing my head in. I don't get why I can set it up as new and it works great and then it slows itself down within the hour after no changes at all.

  • Twix on 04/05/2022 - 11:03
    1. Turn off Wi-Fi on the Optus 5G modem.
    2. Go to the Deco's advanced settings menu and change the operating mode to Wi-Fi access point.
    3. Tap OK and the Deco will reboot itself.
    • jolee3 on 04/05/2022 - 16:16

      Unticked 'Enable' on for Wireless (2.4GHz) and Wireless (5GHz) on the modem settings, changed Deco settings to Wi-Fi Access Point, Deco rebooted, still slow unfortunately.

      • Twix on 04/05/2022 - 16:32

        That sucks. What speeds do you get with only one Deco and the other two turned off?

        • jolee3 on 05/05/2022 - 22:06

          Same speeds. When I did the last fresh set up I only set up one Deco to see if it would make a difference - again, it was fine at set up but after an hour or so slowed down again.

  • oscargamer on 05/05/2022 - 23:01

    Can you change the nbn cable?
    And the ethernet cable?
    Borrow another modem?
    What are you connecting to the wifi?

    • jolee3 on 06/05/2022 - 21:47

      I have tried another ethernet cable, no dice. Trying to connect phone and laptop, same results. Hmmm…will have a think if I can source a modem to test?

  • mlburnian on 06/05/2022 - 00:02

    Just wanted to say I also have 3 S4s. Recently got offered a 5g modem. Having same issue with stability and speed when connected to mesh, speed directly from 5g modem is around 100mbs. Mesh was working fine when connected to nbn modem

    • jolee3 on 06/05/2022 - 21:51

      Oh interesting! I would have thought being connected to the modem via ethernet cable it wouldn't make a difference what the modem is, but maybe not.

  • the Unforgiven on 06/05/2022 - 01:21

    They are still under warranty, send them back.
    I was going to get the E4's, but I decided on the WAVLINK AC1200 Dual-Band Whole-Home Mesh Wi-Fi Router System instead

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