Mesh Wi-Fi Issue / Recommendation (Smart Home Setup)

Ltrf on 14/01/2025 - 18:11
Last edited 14/01/2025 - 19:47 by 1 other user

Hi all, I am currently using a TP-Link DECO X68 (2 packs in router mode) setup in my house. coverage is not an issue, but each day the system will have issue that not issuing DHCP IP addresses to devices.

I have around 100 devices on the network, mainly IoT devices on the 2.4g channel. Everyday on a random time almost all devices will dropout from network (not getting DHCP IP from DECO). the only way to bring it back online is to either perform network optimisation (system to channel 2.4g Wi-Fi channel) or reboot the DECO systems. Network optimisation option doesn't always work as sometimes it doesn't detect any congestion, and it won't change channel, or I will have to try few times.

It is very annoying that things are not working when you back home and garage door won't open.

I tried setup another old DECO M5 in AP mode and only connect 5 IoT devices including my garage door opener. After the changes, I found the garage opener became stable and not affected by the random drop off from the main DECO X68.

Questions:

  • Is there a limit on maximum number of connected devices per mesh node? I am wondering is this related since the 5 devices connected on the separate M5 in AP mode are stable.
  • If the issue is relating to maximum number of connected devices per mesh node, does it mean I add more node to the main DECO X68 setup and split the load will likely fix the issue? Anyone have experience on this?
  • If it is not the above, any recommendation? TP-link support told me that they are updating the Wi-Fi 7 DECO software has the ability to set channel for each band, getting the new TP-link say BE65 / BE85 may fix the issue?
  • Can you please recommend a brand/model if you know it can handle 100+ devices without issue?

Thank you all for reading.

Computing Mesh Network

Comments

  • Protractor on 14/01/2025 - 18:20
    -2

    Running a call centre?

    • trf on 14/01/2025 - 21:36

      no.. but just smart home devices are 70+…

      • Protractor on 14/01/2025 - 21:37

        Cool. You've convinced me not to have a smart home anytime soon.I owe you a bevvy.

  • mskeggs on 14/01/2025 - 18:36
    +3

    100 devices, wow!
    I won't ask what happens in a blackout.
    I have a TP-Link mesh as well, and I feel the software is by far the weakest part. You might benefit from a business grade setup designed to manage large numbers of devices.

    • trf on 14/01/2025 - 21:35
      +2

      100 devices sounds alot.. but 2x light switches (direct wifi.. not zigbee), 2x rollerblinds … etc.. here are 50 devices already.

      i know business grade AP can handle this better, but i dont have lan cable throughout the house. that's why i am looking at mesh only. :(

  • AndyC1 on 14/01/2025 - 18:43
    +1

    Can you run OpenWRT on them? Very long shot for this.

    • trf on 14/01/2025 - 21:39

      no, i dont think openwrt support the DECO model.

  • JimmyF on 14/01/2025 - 20:07
    +2

    but each day the system will have issue that not issuing DHCP IP addresses to devices.

    What are your DHCP settings on the Deco units? Do you have enough IPs assigned to the DHCP pool?

    Have you installed all the latest firmware updates?

    Is there a limit on maximum number of connected devices per mesh node?

    TP Link claims 150 devices, so you should be ok.

    • trf on 14/01/2025 - 21:42

      i have assigned 200 addresses for DHCP use, and i only use around 100 of them.
      DECO are on the latest firmware too.
      wondering is 150 per node or 150 per network?

      • JimmyF on 14/01/2025 - 21:54

        wondering is 150 per node or 150 per network?

        You should be ok for either option, if you have 100 devices spread over 2 nodes :)

        • trf on 14/01/2025 - 22:04

          problem is the current setup having a daily random time drop out, not assigning DHCP to devices unless i do network optimisation or reboot the whole system.

          • JimmyF on 14/01/2025 - 22:11

            @trf: Are the nodes hard wired? If not, can you?

            What is the signal like between nodes? Try moving your nodes around a bit to see if that helps.

            • trf on 14/01/2025 - 22:27

              @JimmyF: the 2 X68 are hard wired. signals are good around the house. i can get around 600mbps download anywhere in the house.

              • JimmyF on 14/01/2025 - 22:41

                @trf: Seems a little strange, the Deco range is normally pretty solid.

                You could try a factory reset and setting them up again. Otherwise not sure, add a 3rd one into the mix? You have a M5, so add that to the mesh as well. See if it improves.

                Or make the M5 the master, so it is doing the DHCP instead.

                • trf on 15/01/2025 - 01:58

                  @JimmyF: the X68 is newly replaced by TP-link, brand new units. and i have tried adding the M5 as part of the X68 network, dont see much different. maybe i didn't put the M5 in the correct spot…

                  i have never tried making the M5 as the master unit because TP-link recommend to use the higher spec unit as the master. but you are right, i should give this a go.

                  • JimmyF on 15/01/2025 - 09:47
                    +1

                    @trf:

                    i have never tried making the M5 as the master unit because TP-link recommend to use the higher spec unit as the master. but you are right, i should give this a go.

                    I'm aware the X68 is better spec, but if you're having this issue daily, you gotta try something different to see if it fixes the issue.

                    So start moving the APs around to see if that helps, or switch masters as you have that option to see if the issue goes away.

                    Otherwise, it is toss it all out and start again.

  • Protractor on 14/01/2025 - 20:38

    DDOS

    • trf on 14/01/2025 - 21:43

      what do you mean? you mean i have DDOS attack? from external or internal?

      • Protractor on 14/01/2025 - 21:45

        Twas a jest. 100 devices would be a great swarm for the bad guys,not you. …

        or is it?

        • trf on 14/01/2025 - 22:06

          but i checked through all 100+ connected devices, they are all mine and i can identify where they are. not a single unknown device connected to my wifi network.

  • noogaz on 14/01/2025 - 22:26
    +1

    I have a weird one… I have a deco x75 PRO 2 pack. With about 50 devices… running in router mode. And I noticed that the thing became unstable when I turned off the led lights… I wanted to turn them off because it was to bright in the bedroom… but when I turned back on the led light it got better…..

    I have also noticed that the 6e backhaul wifi degrades over time and need to be rebooted…. I also didn't like that so many features were behind a paywall…

    But now I have bought my self a cwwk n305 mini pc with 6x 2.5gbe lan ports… I installed OPNsense and zenarmor and the Decos are now just APs they work perfectly now…. But only if supported vlan’s

    • trf on 14/01/2025 - 22:33

      i was thinking to upgrade to X75 pro before but TP-link support said won't make much different.

      when i first setup the X68, i was with Telstra and using the Telstra bundled modem as router and DHCP, and X68 are act as AP. And i also experienced the same issue back then.

      i am wondering if there are some limitation on number of devices can be connected (concurrently) per node. if my assumption is correct, adding more X68 nodes may help on this issue. say now each node handles 50 devices.. if i add 2 more nearby, and make each node only handles 25 devices.

      but i worried this could be a money wasting test..if it turned out the same result.

  • bazingaa on 14/01/2025 - 23:48

    100 devices on the network

    this should have been ZigBee mate, are you running wifi with cloud services or local with tuya-local or something like that ?

    • trf on 15/01/2025 - 01:55

      i know.. but electrician supplied the wi-fi version, i found out too late… :(

      all those switches are direct wifi interfaced with homekit. not require tuya or aqara.

  • xcaliba on 15/01/2025 - 07:30
    +1

    Why don't you set up a dedicated router such as a edgerouter, TPLink ER605 or openwrt to handle the routing and DHCP and just run the Deco in AP mode to handle the wifi.
    Another option would be to use a raspberry pi or similar to run a DHCP server and turn off DHCP on the Deco.

    • trf on 15/01/2025 - 10:06

      i have a Synology NAS can act as DHCP server, but the DECO system not allowing me to turn off DHCP. even i setup a second DHCP, i found that devices have connection dropped are not able to reconnect to wi-fi until i run network optimisation or reboot deco.

      • xcaliba on 15/01/2025 - 14:19

        If you run the Deco in AP mode it will turn off the DHCP server but you will still need a router connected to the internet. I also would consider if it is a DHCP issue if the wifi connection is dropped, you can still connect to wifi without an ip address.

  • geekcohen on 15/01/2025 - 08:18
    +1

    I don't run anything mesh related or use the hardware you are using, but at a guess I would say the number of devices you are using is probably a bit much for the solution. My view is that what you are running is more of a small household with laptops, computers and a few portable devices maybe 30 devices ish. Depending on what Firewall solution might be in place as well, there could be network devices being hammered remotely.

    I run a Ubiquiti Dream Machine with 57 devices (wired + wireless) and have no problems. This is arounds 3 buildings via Point to Point and different network switches. Never had a problem with devices dropping off or being unavailable.

    I would say that with 100 devices, you are a very heavy user and would require something a little more enterprise/business ish. Then split your devices into different networks and possible additional security layers.

    Just my two cents.

    You can mesh the Ubiquiti WiFi APs as well if you do consider that path.

    • trf on 15/01/2025 - 10:09

      i thought all Ubiquiti requires all APs to be wired? my house doesn't have lan cable in every room, hard to have wired AP.

      • geekcohen on 15/01/2025 - 10:40

        Nope, they have a meshing options available now. I have all mine cabled, but there is a meshing option available.. Screenshot of my Router here with it being available

        my house doesn't have lan cable in every room

        That is fine, you don't need an AP in every room. Put an AP in every 3rd room or whatever is available for LAN connectivity. You don't even need it in the room. I have my network equipment in my hallway cupboard, easy access into the roof. I have an AP at the front of the house and another at the back, provides full house coverage. The APs just sit in the roof. 1 AP outside on the back shed and then one in the garage. I have WiFi (4 via 4 APs) all around the property, no issues at all.

  • pencilhead on 15/01/2025 - 10:12
    +1

    Are the devices configured to get an ip from dhcp?
    Better option is hard code each them to specific IP address and then set router to have static IP pointing to that device in DHCP.
    You could also move them into their own vlan. This would reduce No of devices. ie All your IOT devices in one vlan, mobiles its in different vlan.

    • trf on 16/01/2025 - 02:12

      all the IoT devices are running on different vlan (TP-link called this IoT Network), still no luck.

  • Ramrunner on 15/01/2025 - 13:56
    +2

    Not all that helpful but no way would I try to run 100 devices off consumer grade TP-link.

    If you need a suggestion I'd go Ubiquiti access points with a controller.

    Been running here almost a decade never have to look at it just works. Probably only half your devices though to be fair.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join