@TP-Link_Deco 

Hello

just another person joining the chorus to request broadcast channel manual selection for Deco's: in short, what I have experienced so far in scanning and picking least crowded and least interference prone channel by main Deco is not good enough, really. Too many different network topology scenarios out there, I'm afraid and hence too many exceptions to the rule.

I realize your engineers have thought it over and have valid reasons to go full "auto" route but my rationale is following (real life scenario follows): being dependent on a single device scanning capabilities for channel selection for whole network may cover some scenarios (even majority) fine but isn't universally applicable.

For example, in my network topology approx. half of devices connect to satellite M3W which is placed in more network wise "congested" location. I assume (please prove me wrong) my M4R main Deco unit is not able to detect network interferences faced by other units (M3W). Therefore even if main Deco would select a channel, it is based on its surroundings only i.e. what overall conditions it faces in its location.

I already face some issues but let's imagine more complex topologies, like 3+ devices where main Deco sits in the corner on one side where it's "quiet" (it cannot be moved more in the middle for some reason, say fiber optic modem connection is in the corner) and 3 satellites placed in opposite direction of the building where there's much more network congestion and overall interference. Now, is it possible to pick all signal patterns from satellites by main Deco to properly assess whole network congestion (than can be hundreds of square meters)? I guess not (though I would really like that). Unless that happens and Deco scanning logic passes through all units, overall good idea of automation is somehow flawed because environment with Deco units quite far away from each other (even linked in daisy chain, what is a recognized Deco scenario) cannot be currently fully scanned by main Deco. It may happen the channel which is selected based on sampling single location signal patterns is not best for whole network. Improvement opportunity could be "good old" trial and error channel change to find middle ground but unfortunatelly as of now this route is closed.

I really like the product but the feature is seriously on my wish list. It would be great if engineering team would have a look at this again, for above or other reasons. Rooting for this!

Thanks.

P.S. Other issues the team could hopefully look at (I've seen them requested and are on my wish list, in order of personal importance):

* scheduled device reboot (both M4R and M3W, no problem if M3W not changeable from M4R schedule) - periodic device auto reboot to keep best network performance

* changeable DHCP lease time (main Deco)

* more config. options via web interface (main Deco)

@TP-Link_Deco 

ETA for new firmware to change WiFi channel?

This is where DD-WRT would come in handily if they could get access to the hardware. If they had the access that team could get the Decos working like a smooth oiled machine for mesh networking. 

Seriously, @TP-Link_Deco why are you not responding? This is where it's unprofessional. Please stop with the run around and lack of communication. 
 

can someone @TP-Link PLEASE answer this topic with a proper answer? 
 

Why is TP-Link just sweeping this under the rug? 

@GetCart3r 

They are busy finding a cure for the mess they created....

@Saurabh_S 

Mon-Thu this week was national holiday in China. Let's assume full week is off. Topic should hopefully be picked up next week.

@JK0712 

I don't think so.... They haven't replied since a long time.

And the reason is that they don't have an answer.... They are not doing what is requested from them and they don't intend to. 

@Saurabh_S 

Tp-Link has been coming online but not replying to these threads... This has nothing to do with their holidays.... Its pure unprofessional behaviour and attitude which really S U C K S. 

@JK0712 sadly that's not the case. TP-Link is reading the threads but do not reply as they know they have a mess in hand. 

They haven't had a real legit answer since this thread started around a year and a half ago. 
 

they will not admit that the bug they have can be fixed and instead give the run around that it's being worked on. Also they have the fantasy that auto picking is a great idea and that they can improve on it which is a complete waste of time. 
 

TP-Link used to stand for quality consumer networking devices but the lack of professionalism and how they respond is an insult to those that have paid good money for their hardware. 
 

I hope the company can see the light of their mistake and win back its users and correct this bug. 
 

@TP-Link @TP-Link_Deco