Deco M5 Ethernet Backhaul Speed Limit Explained
When you are setting up a mesh WiFi system like the TP-Link Deco M5 the goal is very simple to have better coverage, stronger speed and fewer dropouts that to especially in bigger homes or the areas with weak WiFi signals. But one of the issues which is faced by many is related to the Deco M5 Ethernet Backhaul Speed Limit. Even the Ethernet cables are properly connected between Deco units and the network speed often not goes beyond 100mb. This can be confusing and especially if you are subscribed to a much faster internet plan.
This guide will help you understand exactly why your Deco M5 backhaul speed capped at 100MB, how it affects your home internet and what to do about it.
What is Ethernet Backhaul?
In a mesh system like Deco M5 mesh with ethernet backhaul also termed as nodes communicate with each other. They can communicate wirelessly or through the ethernet cable. When you are using ethernet, it is known as Ethernet backhaul. This is supposed to be more stable, less affected by interference and faster overall. That is the general rule. But in the case of Deco M5 mesh with ethernet backhaul , things little bit of more complicated.
Why is the Deco M5 Backhaul Speed Restricted at 100MB?
Let’s discuss about this:
The Deco M5 has a speed limit on Ethernet Backhaul as it uses the fast Ethernet ports instead of Gigabit ethernet ports.
Let’s understand:
- Fast Ethernet supports speeds up to 100 Mbps.
- Gigabit Ethernet can go up to 1000 Mbps.
your Deco M5 backhaul speed capped at 100MB than that is not an error, not your ISP’s fault and not a setup mistake but it is just how the hardware was built.
Does It Indicate My WiFi is Also Slow?
WiFi and backhaul speeds are linked with each other. Let’s say your phone is connected to a Deco node upstairs. For instance your Deco unit is connected through ethernet to the main unit downstairs. If the ethernet backhaul is limited to 100 Mbps, which is the maximum speed your upstairs unit can have from the main network. So even if your device supports faster WiFi such as 300 Mbps, 400 Mbps or more it is still limited by the Deco M5 Ethernet Backhaul Speed Limit.
Why TP-Link Didn’t Include Gigabit Ports in Deco M5
The Deco M5 is one of TP-Link’s earlier and budget friendly models. When it was first launched then 100 Mbps was considered enough for almost every households. To keep the price low and attract budget-conscious buyers, TP-Link chose for fast ethernet instead of Gigabit.
Deco M5 is suitable for people who:
- Have internet plans at or under 100 Mbps
- Who desire for better coverage over high speed performance
- Make use of system in small to medium homes
But if you are paying for 300 Mbps or 1 Gbps speeds but the Deco M5 will not allow you to use the full speed and it will slow down things. This is one of the reasons behind the Deco M5 Wifi speed restricted issue.
How to Check Your Deco M5 Ethernet Backhaul Speed
You can test the speed of Deco M5 with the help of Deco app:
- Make sure to pen the Deco App and select the individual Deco unit.
- Cross-check the connection type (wired or wireless).
- Run a speed test from a device connected to that node.
- If your internet speed stops around 90 to 100 Mbps then it means that your Deco M5 Ethernet Backhaul Speed Limit is affecting your connection.
Also, make sure that you are using at least CAT5e or CAT6 cables. The use of low quality cables can reduce the speed even more.
Understanding the Real Limits of Deco M5 Backhaul
Let’s fix some common myths:
- It must be ISP – If your internet plan supports more than 100 Mbps and you are using a cable to connect to the Deco, then the device itself will slow down things.
- Maybe adjusting settings will help – No setting or update can fix this. The Deco M5 is designed in a way which limits the backhaul speed to 100 Mbps and it is a hardware thing, not something software can change
- Maybe the Ethernet cable is the problem– Sometimes yes. If your cable is damaged then it can result into slower speeds. But with good CAT6 cables, you are still limited to 100 Mbps because of the port itself.
Steps You Can Take To Solve It
- Upgrade your mesh system: TP-Link has newer models like Deco X20, X60 and XE75. All have Gigabit Ethernet ports and support If speed matters, that’s the way to go.
- Use wireless backhaul: In some cases, the wireless mesh connection may offer better performance than a 100 Mbps wired backhaul if your nodes are properly positioned.
- Accept the limitation: If your internet plan is 100 Mbps or less and you just want better WiFi coverage then the Deco M5 still works.
But if you are someone who transfers files between devices, games online or runs smart home tech then M5 may not be enough.
Final Thoughts
The Deco M5 was a great choice when 100 Mbps was fast enough for most people. It is reliable, affordable and the setup can be done easily. But the internet world moves fast and for many users today, 100 Mbps is not just enough anymore. If you are fine with that speed and just want basic and stable coverage then the M5 still holds up.
But if you are trying to max out a 300 Mbps plan or more, then look for a system with Gigabit ports and newer specs. The Deco M5 Ethernet Backhaul Speed Limit is real. The Deco M5 Wifi Speed is restricted as a result. And unless TP-Link releases a hardware update the only way forward is to upgrade or adapt.