How to connect EE FTTP to TP Link Deco mesh

[JJ2607]

I have had EE FTTP installed today. Previously I was on Virgin BB. I used to have a TP Link Deco mesh for Wi-Fi (Deco P9 connected by ethernet cable to Virgin hub with Wi-Fi disabled - modem-only mode).

Any advice on how I connect the Deco mesh to EE broadband? I have read on other posts that I don't need to use the EE Hub and the Deco can be plugged direct into the ONT modem, but that it requires an EE username and password to be input that can be obtained from the EE Hub's Technical Information page. On that page, I can see a username (bthomehub@btbroadband.com), but no password. I've seen it suggested on BT forums that the generic password is either "BT" or left blank?

Now to my real problem: I can't see anywhere to add a username and password to the Deco. The Deco app Advanced Settings has nowhere I can find to configure the PPPoE settings. The Deco is in Wi-Fi Router mode (and says that the Deco connects to the internet directly via Dynamic IP, Static IP, PPPoE, etc.). On the Deco admin web page it has the settings displayed, but nothing for PPPoE and nowhere to make any changes.

All help gratefully received.

[Mustrum]

@JJ2607  Which Deco system do you have?

Do you have an option to configure it via a browser which normally gives more options.

Otherwise, you already have the right info.

[JJ2607]

I think I've answered my own question, but I'll leave this post here in case it helps anyone else.

I wasn't connected to the Deco Wi-Fi when I was trying to access the settings (I'd connected to the EE Wi-Fi). Once connected to the Deco Wi-Fi, I could add the PPPoE username and password ("BT") in the Deco App: Internet Connection> IPv4 Connection> Internet Connection Type> PPPoE.

All *seems* to be working good now. No changes needed to the settings for the existing Deco mesh network that I had used on Virgin broadband.

[Rajneesh30]

Hello JJ2607,

I am equally in the same situation - coming from Virgin to EE. I had configured Deco X20  in the virgin setup. I did the same steps as you mentioned above on my Deco X20 by selecting PPPoE with BT password. It does not  work. As next steps, I tried password as Blank. Still did not work. Got error message that "it failed to get information. Try later on". Anyone else in the similar situation?

[Mustrum]

@Rajneesh30  Have you connected to the EE router or the ONT?

If the EE router there is no need for PPOE settings, just set it as an access point.

If connected direct to the ONT did you also use the BT username?

[Rajneesh30]

@Mustrum - Thank you for taking out time. I have directly connected to the EE router and configured as access point which works. I have some intermittent internet issues from one of the Deco units for which I will call Deco helpline. As of now, I see both wireless being advertised - one from the EE router and other from Deco. Not sure if they are causing interference. Let us see.

[Mustrum · Accepted solution]

@Rajneesh30   you could log into the EE router and switch the WiFi off if you are able to connect to it via an ethernet cable.

But a better solution would be to connect the Deco direct to the ONT withe it set to PPOE - unless that is you also have digital voice from EE.

[JamesM777]

I have EE FTTP begin installed shortly so interested. Up until now I have had BT FTTC and a deco mesh X20 mesh system plugged into router with ethernet cable and Deco set to be Access Point mode, see deco advanced settings seems to work ok.

However would be interested to see what you did

[JimM11]

@JamesM777 It's all about the DV or landline, if you have one then you need to use the EE Router on a FF FTTP service, if you do not have and the Tp-Link support's router mode and you can set the ppoe username and password then you can remove the EE router and connect the Tp-Link direct to the ONT. x20 is pretty old now but at least in router mode all of the functionality should start to work.