Ethernet backhaul Via AV1000 not working
If you have been setting up your home mesh system and ran into trouble getting ethernet backhaul to work through your AV1000 powerline adapters, you’re not alone. This issue has frustrated many users trying to improve their home network using devices like TP-Link’s Deco mesh system.
AV1000 Powerline is an affordable way to extend your network by using your home’s existing electrical wiring. You can combine this with a Deco mesh system and can potentially enjoy better coverage and faster speeds across rooms without the need of new Ethernet cables across the house. But when things don’t go as planned such as the ethernet backhaul does not start working then it becomes really frustrating and confusing. In this blog we will cover the reasons of why Ethernet backhaul is not working and how to fix that.
Understanding the Ethernet Backhaul
It is when your mesh units (like TP-Link Deco nodes) connect to each other with the help of an ethernet cable rather than WiFi. It is a faster way and more reliable, especially in homes who have thick walls or multiple floors.
Now, AV1000 adapters help create a wired like connection by using your home’s electrical lines. One adapter connects to your router and the other goes near the second Deco unit ideally giving you a wired path between the two.
But the real problem begins when this setup doesn’t work as expected.
Why AV1000 Ethernet Backhaul Might Not Be Working
Powerline connections can act up sometimes. Here are a few common reasons why:
1. Different Electrical Circuits
If the two AV1000 adapters are on different breakers or phases, they may not be able to connect with each other properly. You might think they are connected properly, but your Deco units will fall back to wireless backhaul.
2. Poor Powerline Quality
Old or noisy electrical wiring can mess with signal strength. Even if the lights on your AV1000 look fine, the actual data transmission may be poor.
3. Wrong Port Usage
Make sure that you connect the AV1000 to the correct ethernet ports on the Deco units. One wrong port and it just won’t register the backhaul properly.
4. Firmware Mismatch or Outdated Deco Units
If your Deco units are on outdated firmware, or if your AV1000 adapter is not fully compatible with the system, it could block the connection silently. Always visit tplinkdeco.net and perform a proper deco login to check for updates.
Basic Things to Try First
Before you start unplugging everything out of the wall, let’s do a few simple checks:
- Log in through tplinkdeco.net and confirm if your Deco units are using Ethernet or Wireless for backhaul. It will show you this under “Network Map.”
- Check if the AV1000 units are paired properly (lights should be solid and not blinking).
- Swap the adapters as sometimes one faulty unit can silently fail.
- Use a regular Ethernet cable between Deco units first to confirm Ethernet backhaul works. Then replace it with AV1000 to compare.
- Restart the Deco system after plugging in the AV1000. Sometimes the connection is only recognized on reboot.
If all these fail, then it is the time to explore more advanced troubleshooting.
Advanced Tips: What to Do If Ethernet Backhaul Still Won’t Work
Here is where things get a little tricky, but these steps are often what actually fix the problem.
Tip 1: Test Powerline Speed
You should use the TP-Link utility software to check the actual transfer speed between your AV1000 adapters. If it is too low like under 20Mbps than Deco may ignore it and stick with WiFi.
Tip 2: Use Same Outlet Room for Testing
Plug both AV1000s into the same room’s sockets and test again. If it works here but does not across rooms you have got a wiring or circuit issue.
Tip 3: Disable WiFi Backhaul (Temporarily)
Login through tplinkdeco.net, access your deco login panel and go to advanced settings. Temporarily disable WiFi on one unit and see if it forces Ethernet connection. If it fails, you will know the powerline is not cutting it.
Tip 4: Update Everything
Always keep your firmware fresh. This includes both Deco firmware and any TP-Link Powerline utility updates. You can manage firmware from the Deco app or by visiting tplinkdeco.net after a deco login session.
Still Stuck? Alternatives to Consider
If AV1000 is still acting up then there is a need to consider alternatives:
- Upgrade to AV1300 or AV2000 adapters for better bandwidth
- Use MoCA (if you’ve got coaxial wiring) instead of powerline
- Or go for a reliable option and use a real Ethernet cable which can be little messy but works well.
While tplinkdeco.net and the deco login portal can help you monitor your setup, sometimes no software trick can fix bad electrical wiring.
Wrapping It Up
Ethernet backhaul through AV1000 sounds a brilliant fix and sometimes it really is. But when it does not work properly, it is often due to invisible factors like old wiring, electrical noise or mismatched circuits. Use tplinkdeco.net as your first checkpoint. Perform a proper deco login and check backhaul status. If it shows “Wireless,” even when you expect Ethernet don’t ignore it. That is your sign to start checking things out.
At the end of the day, mesh WiFi with proper backhaul is a game changer. But like any good tech, it needs the right environment to shine.