This is possible without any problems, because Deco units can be used completely independently of each other. Each set contains completely identical units that can also be used individually. You can even mix all Deco models with each other. For example, it is possible to use a Deco E4 with only 100 Mbit network connections as a low-cost WLAN mesh and connect an M4 with 1 Gbit Ethernet to the modem or router of the Internet provider, in order to benefit from a fast Gbit Internet, for example. If the Internet connection today only offers a maximum of 100Mbit, you can use the E4 system; later, a Deco Mesh can be expanded at any time.

Der E4 hat 100Mbit Ethernetanschlüsse, der M4 1 GBit Anschlüsse. https://www.tp-link.com/ch/support/faq/2423/

That's not bad either. Cool when the product goes so well.

I also have the M4 version in a set of 3. Unfortunately, there is no function in the configuration, which I also missed. I have now installed a time switch from OBI behind each DECO. This works perfectly and the WLAN DECOS start again in the morning without any problems.

Yes, the base deco must be connected via RJ45

Yes, you can connect the mesh system to a router provided by the provider, such as the Sunrise "Connect Box 3". The Deco M4 units can be operated as access points and connected to the router via Ethernet cable to ensure a stable and fast connection.

I have Sonos in the whole flat (2× One, Arc, Sub, 2x Era 100) and absolutely no problems. Of course, the WLAN should only run via the Decos. I have deactivated the WLAN on the modem/router.

It is best to switch off the WLAN in the normal router and connect one of the Deco's as a master to the router via a network cable. The easiest way to configure the Deco's is via mobile. When they are placed, check the transmission rates with the tool and, if necessary, move the devices slightly and test them again. This can increase reception and data rates considerably, especially if you want to distribute them over several floors. I bought a set of 3 and only need 2 devices due to the optimisation and have one as a reserve, so to speak, in case something happens.

Yes, this works with every router, simply switch off the WLAN at the router, the mesh system then takes over the WLAN and network function. The TP-Link M4 is not bad, but for almost the same price you also get a top modern WiFi 6 mesh system that can also manage up to 256 devices and provide a 3 x Gbit switch at each mesh router. Expandable up to 10 devices and equipped with the latest WPA3 technology and each mesh router has a 5 core processor built in. My recommendation: Xiaomi Mesh System AX3000 (2-Pack) Although there are now only 2 routers for mesh in it, they are much more powerful than those from TP-Link.

Via WLAN (radio).

https://www.tp-link.com/ch/home-networking/deco/deco-m4/#specifications

Yes that is possible, the two LAN ports on the Deco M4 are normal LAN ports and when the Decos see each other and are connected, it is like running a LAN cable directly from the flat to the laundry room.

Solid question 🙀 I can't give you an expert answer... in any case, I have a router connected upstream! Greetings

One is set as the router and connected via LAN. All the others connect via WLAN. At the moment I only have 2 in use, as they were sufficient for 2 floors. However, my connection is over one floor high and about 15 metres apart. So next to the flat above me is another small one-room flat and then comes the room with the 2nd Deco. In the second flat, almost the full 50K of my connection also arrive.

Each Deco M4 has two Gigabit Ethernet connections. This means that a network printer can be set up directly via Ethernet. But WLAN printers can also be used with it, because the printer simply receives an IP address from the M4 Mesh System via which a printer can be addressed either in the WLAN or LAN.

Each Deco M4 unit is exactly identical. To set up the mesh system, a Deco M4 must be connected to the modem. This Deco unit becomes the master. The other Deco units are then simply added to the system and the mesh network is expanded accordingly. A configuration on the modem is not necessary. It is important to know that if the Mesh WLAN Deco System is used, then every device connected to it or connected under one of the Deco Mesh Routers will receive a DHCP address, i.e. if there are still LAN connections on the modem and devices are connected there, these devices will not be able to communicate with the Deco Mesh IP Address Range. The Deco Mesh Router system provides its own DHCP address range. If it is necessary for all devices to see each other, all devices connected to the modem must be connected to Deco Ethernet ports. Since each Deco device has 2 LAN ports, you can also connect a Gigabit Ethernet switch to a Deco device and then connect the LAN devices previously connected to the modem to the switch. This would ensure that all devices can see each other again.

This is a matter of settings. If you set the same SSID and password for your mesh as for the previous WLAN, you usually do not need to adjust anything on the end devices.

This is possible via the app. The Deco's are very easy to maintain.

It is an M4, there is an error in the description.