Archer routers, Deco mesh (AP mode)SOHO routerExtra setup
Hotspot-Box with TP-Link Archer / Deco
TP-Link Archer routers and Deco mesh systems work with Hotspot-Box in access point (AP) mode. An Archer connects to the box's LAN side and bridges its Wi-Fi; with Deco the main unit is switched to AP mode and the whole mesh sits behind the box. The login screen, SMS verification and Law 5651 records stay on the box; the built-in 'guest network' feature of Archer and Deco is not used. Menu names vary with model and firmware, so we describe each setting by its function.
The one setting that changes on the AP
Switch the Archer or the Deco main unit to access point mode and connect it to the box's LAN; the main SSID becomes the guest network and the built-in guest network feature stays off.
Step by step
- 1
On an Archer choose access point as the operating mode; on Deco set the main unit's operating mode to AP from the app.
- 2
Connect the Archer or the Deco main unit by cable to the box's LAN side (or to an access port of the guest VLAN that goes to the box).
- 3
Broadcast the main Wi-Fi SSID under the guest name; turn off TP-Link's separate 'guest network' SSID.
- 4
If available, enable AP isolation / blocking of client-to-client access.
- 5
DHCP is off in AP mode; confirm that parental controls, security services and DNS settings in the Deco app are not applied to the guest network.
- 6
Test: join the SSID, the box's screen should open, and the SMS code should get you online; with Deco, repeat near a remote unit.
Common traps
The TP-Link guest network feature isolates but keeps no identity-bound records and cannot tag a VLAN; use the main SSID bridged onto the box.
If Deco stays in router mode it collapses all guests behind its own NAT into one address; the box cannot tell people apart.
In AP mode Deco's cloud-based security and parental services are limited; this is expected, records are kept on the box anyway.
After switching an Archer to AP mode its management address changes; you reach the device at the IP the box gave it.
If remote Deco units link to the main unit wirelessly, guest speed drops; use Ethernet backhaul where possible.
Frequently asked
Can I leave Deco as the router and hand only the guest network to the box?
Deco's guest network cannot tag a VLAN, so it cannot be carried to the box on its own. Either the whole Deco runs in AP mode behind the box, or guest Wi-Fi is broadcast by a separate AP.
Can an Archer be both the router behind the modem and the guest AP?
Not both on the same device in a way that works with the box; in router mode guest traffic never reaches the box. If it stays a router, use a second AP for guest Wi-Fi.
How many Deco units can I use?
Deco's own unit limit applies; the box does not care. The number of simultaneous guests is set by the box's licence (250 simultaneous users).
Menu names and locations change with firmware versions; this page describes each setting by its function. Screenshots are available from your installer or from us.