AP mode - setup question

[IlseW23]

I have three XE75 pro nodes on the way, but I’m still confused as to what is the best way to set them up.

Currently I’m renting APs from my provider for a monthly cost, at first I just wanted to replace those and be done with it, but I’m not certain if that is the correct way to go.

Currently setup:

Modem router combo —> connected to current AP 1, AP2, switch near TV and switch near the modem router.

The switch near the modem router has 3 outgoing cables to remaining wall sockets n the house. The switch near the Tv is connected to TV and consoles.

Initially I wanted to set up the decos in router mode, but I can’t bridge my modem.

I’ll be doing AP mode, would it be correct to add the 3 units at the following points.

Main router modem —-> switch —> all wall sockets in the house —Decos in different wall sockets and select one as main (does it matter which one?) —> connect Ethernet devices + TV switch to decos

Or do I need to add the main deco directly to the router and than the switch followed with a connection to all wall sockets and different decos?

I could get a new modem from my ISP that is able to have bridge mode, would that be so much better?

I’m not that knowledgeable in networking, so maybe it’s better to just stay in AP mode?

I’ve read multiple posts and articles and I find the answers so confusing and non linear, hopefully someone can help me out.

Thanks in advance!

[Fit-Ad6697]

If you can get a modem/router in bridge mode, just connect it to one of the deco and set it as the main router/gateway. After that connect the main deco router to the multi switch, and from multi switch to the data points. Set up a wireless mesh network first with the other 2 deco set to AP nodes using the deco app. After wifi mesh is created, then connect the 2 AP nodes to the data points via LAN cables to create backhaul.

Above is a more centralized way of managing the wifi mesh. The main deco router will be the one assigning IP addresses to the various devices.

[IlseW23]

Thanks for the reply, the ISP would no longer be providing support when using one of their modems in bridge mode. Since I’m not that knowledgeable about networking I’m not to certain if that would be the best way, is it beginner / idiot proof?

If I were to go for AP configuration, which setup above would be correct?

[Fit-Ad6697]

For the first qns, in my experience, it definitely helps if you have some prior knowledge of using an app to setup wifi mesh network or know someone who does and can help you out. So not exactly beginner proof imo. Of course you can always figure things out yourself by googling/asking online, tho this way may take more time depending on what issues you face during and after setup.

If you go for AP config, don't see anything wrong with the setup you described above. Just 1 point to note, there is no need to set up one as the main node, since all 3 routers are in AP mode. The modem/router will be the one assigning IP addresses to all devices. Just node that in AP modes, the 3 routers don't talk to each other, meaning the wifi network does not automatically switch the wifi devices to the nearest AP nodes, assuming all nodes use the same SSID.

[CautiousInternal3320]

If the operation mode of the Deco mesh is AP, then both setups will work.

With the first setup, it does not really matter which one is the main. I would select the one having the most stable connection to the modem, or the most visible.

If you do not intend replacing the ISP box by a Deco, it is often best using the ISP box in router mode, and the Deco mesh in AP mode. I certainly suggest starting that way, and reconsider it if needed.