What’s the difference between Access Point mode and Router mode on the Deco?
After setup the Deco network successfully, the Deco units will work in Router mode by default. When the Deco works in Router mode, it performs as a gateway device, so it has some gateway features like Antivirus, Parental Controls, QoS, and DHCP Server, etc.
Users can select Access Point mode when there is an existing router in front of the main Deco. In this case, the existing router will work as a gateway device and the main Deco is used to share the internet connection by connecting to the LAN port of the existing router. In Access Point mode, the gateway features will disappear on the Deco app.
If you want to configure the Deco to Access Point mode, please refer to this link.
Below are the feature differences between the Router and AP mode.
Note:
- Different Deco models may differ in features.
- The Deco models with the HomeShield feature do not support the Monthly Report feature when working in the AP mode.
- Currently, some Deco models do not support the ECO mode, and they will support this feature via firmware updates in the future.
|
Features |
Router mode supported |
AP mode supported |
|
Test Internet Speed |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Network Optimization |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Block List |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Update Deco |
Yes |
Yes |
|
WPS |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Monthly Report |
Yes |
No |
|
Managers |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Fast Roaming |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Beamforming |
Yes |
Yes |
|
LED Control |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Operation Mode |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Connection Alerts |
Yes |
No |
|
Smart Actions |
Yes |
Yes |
|
ECO mode |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Antivirus |
Yes |
No |
|
Parental Control |
Yes |
No |
|
QoS |
Yes |
No |
|
HomeShield |
Yes |
No |
|
IPv4/IPv6/LAN IP/DHCP server/MAC Clone |
Yes |
No |
|
IPTV/VLAN |
Yes |
No |
|
Address Reservation |
Yes |
No |
|
Port Forwarding |
Yes |
No |
|
DDNS |
Yes |
No |
|
SIP ALG |
Yes |
No |
|
UPnP |
Yes |
No |
|
VPN Server/Client |
Yes |
No |
|
Static Routing |
Yes |
No |
|
Device Isolation |
Yes |
No |
|
IoT Network |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Reboot Schedule |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Notifications |
Support Update Firmware, Security Database Updated, Antivirus Alerts, Parental Controls, Monthly Report, Device Alerts, and Promotional Messages notifications |
Support Update Firmware, Monthly Report, Device Alerts, and Promotional Messages notifications |
Note:
When the Deco system works in Router mode, the Main Deco is a gateway router, other Deco units are similar to normal client devices, they are connected to the main Deco through wireless or Ethernet cables.
When the Deco system works in Access Point mode, there has to be the main Router in front of the main Deco, providing Internet. In this case, the main Deco and other Deco units are basically equal, they are clients of the main Router.
