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Mesh Wi-Fi Transition

Purpose: Safely migrate from a single ISP-provided Wi-Fi AP to a Deco mesh system while minimizing user disruption and preserving rollback paths. This is a risk adverse strategy.

Phase 0 — Prepare

Goal: Avoid surprises and lockouts

  • Confirm current SSID exact spelling and password
  • Record ISP gateway admin IP and login credentials
  • Confirm no Ethernet-dependent devices (printers, NAS, desktops)
  • Install Deco app and familiarize yourself with UI flow
  • Identify Deco install locations (QTY 3)
    • One node per floor
    • Nodes roughly above/below each other (best effort)
    • Node near electrical outlet (and ideally network cable)
    • Prefer node in open transitions (e.g., stairwell)
    • Avoid node in mechanical rooms, cabinets, dense obstructions

Phase 1 — Preserve Rollback Path

Goal: Keep old network reachable while staging new one

  • Log into ISP Modem / Router / AP
  • Rename Wi-Fi SSID <SSID> → <SSID>-OLD
  • Leave password unchanged
  • Do not disable radios (yet, Phase 4)
  • Verify primary admin device can connect to <SSID>-OLD
  • Verify ISP admin UI is still reachable

Phase 2 — Install Mesh Network

Goal: Seamless client migration, avoid double NAT

  • Connect Deco #1 via Ethernet to ISP LAN port
  • In Deco app:
    • Set Operation Mode → Access Point
    • Create Wi-Fi using original <SSID> + original password
    • Leave band steering and fast roaming enabled
  • Install remaining Deco nodes (one per floor, see Phase 0)

Critical Checks

  • Client IPs still in ISP subnet
  • Default gateway is the same as ISP gateway IP
  • Walk test between floors (e.g., no drops during video call)

Phase 3 — Evaluation Period (1–4 Weeks)

Goal: Confirm network stability before policy changes

  • Basement streaming works reliably
  • Smart TVs behave normally
  • No recurring “Wi-Fi is weird” complaints
  • Deco app shows all nodes stable and online

Phase 4 — Cleanup + Policy Hardening

Goal: Reduce RF clutter and apply DNS safely

  • On ISP gateway only:
    • Primary DNS: 9.9.9.9
    • Secondary DNS: 149.112.112.112

Old Wi-Fi Retirement

  • Disable ISP Wi-Fi radios or
  • Hide SSID and set strong password
  • Confirm ISP admin UI still reachable via Deco network

Final Cleanup

  • Reboot ISP gateway once
  • Reboot Deco nodes via app
  • Spot-check internet access

Recovery Rules

  • If something breaks → re-enable <SSID>-OLD
  • Never disable DHCP on ISP gateway
  • Never enable bridge mode on ISP gateway
  • Deco must remain in Access Point mode

End State

ISP gateway remains network controller (DHCP + routing).
Deco provides whole-home Wi-Fi coverage without double NAT.

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