Ethernet Backhaul Setup

For Ethernet backhaul, keep your existing mesh and cable its satellites to the main unit's LAN side, directly or through a downstream switch; Deco in access-point mode also permits connections to the existing router. Our missing-cable pick is Cable Matters Cat6; for extra gigabit ports, choose the TP-Link TL-SG108, which TP-Link explicitly lists for Deco backhaul. (eero wiring, Deco wiring and switches, Orbi manual)

Official instructions checked November 2, 2026. See the existing backhaul diagram and mesh buying advice.

Quick picks: buy only what is missing

Compare specifications and all conditions

Mesh and usable Ethernet already installed

Pick

Keep both

Why / limit

First prove a direct wired connection using your brand's steps below

Missing indoor patch lead

Pick

Cable Matters Cat6, model 160001

Why / limit

Bare copper, RJ45 plugs, snagless boots; choose the measured length

Need more gigabit connections

Pick

TP-Link TL-SG108

Why / limit

Eight gigabit ports; listed by TP-Link for Deco backhaul

Need to retain multi-gig links

Pick

Keep direct connections, or consult multi-gig switches

Why / limit

Match port speeds and backhaul compatibility; see the loop-prevention caveat below

Full comparison table ↔

Swipe to compare. Row labels stay visible.

Your situation	Pick	Why / limit
Mesh and usable Ethernet already installed	Keep both	First prove a direct wired connection using your brand's steps below
Missing indoor patch lead	Cable Matters Cat6, model 160001	Bare copper, RJ45 plugs, snagless boots; choose the measured length
Need more gigabit connections	TP-Link TL-SG108	Eight gigabit ports; listed by TP-Link for Deco backhaul
Need to retain multi-gig links	Keep direct connections, or consult multi-gig switches	Match port speeds and backhaul compatibility; see the loop-prevention caveat below

Your situation	Pick	Why / limit
Mesh and usable Ethernet already installed	Keep both	First prove a direct wired connection using your brand's steps below
Missing indoor patch lead	Cable Matters Cat6, model 160001	Bare copper, RJ45 plugs, snagless boots; choose the measured length
Need more gigabit connections	TP-Link TL-SG108	Eight gigabit ports; listed by TP-Link for Deco backhaul
Need to retain multi-gig links	Keep direct connections, or consult multi-gig switches	Match port speeds and backhaul compatibility; see the loop-prevention caveat below

Sources: Cable Matters, TP-Link.

Before wiring: mode, sockets and spare ports

Record the main unit's model and mode, each satellite's room, and where its wall socket terminates. Label connections before repatching.

1. 1

   Choose the mode

   Decide whether your mesh or your existing router will handle routing; use the brand-specific paths below.

2. 2

   Map each cable

   Trace the room sockets to their other ends and identify the main unit's LAN connection.

3. 3

   Prove a direct link

   Connect a satellite with a known-working patch cable before adding wall cabling or a switch.

4. 4

   Check each satellite

   Confirm its backhaul type in the app or router interface, then repeat for the next room.

Choose the path matching your operating mode.

Sources: eero switches, eero bridge mode, Deco modes, Orbi manual. The Orbi row documents a recommended layout; it does not prohibit every other AP-mode layout.

eero: retain a gateway, including in bridge mode

Connect the modem/ONT to your gateway eero. Connect the gateway's spare Ethernet port to a satellite, or to a switch feeding the satellites. eero also documents chaining one eero to the next. Do not connect the gateway and satellites as peers on a switch before the gateway. (eero instructions, daisy chaining)

If keeping an existing router in charge, set up eero first, then use Settings → Advanced networking → DHCP & NAT → Bridge. eero says connections must still funnel through a gateway eero in bridge mode; advanced routing features are reduced. (bridge instructions)

Confirm it: on the eero app's Home page, inspect the satellite's connection symbol. eero defines a wired node as Ethernet-connected to the gateway directly or through a switch; the gateway's own wired symbol represents its internet connection. Check the satellite, rather than taking the gateway's symbol as proof. (symbol meanings)

Deco: router and access-point wiring differ

First add all units to the same Deco network wirelessly in the app. Then connect the Ethernet cables; backhaul activates automatically. In router mode, attach satellites to the main Deco's LAN ports or a switch behind those ports. Do not put satellites on the router/modem ahead of the main Deco. (Deco setup)

For access-point mode, TP-Link's illustrated app path is More → Advanced → Operation Mode → Access Point → Save, followed by a reboot; screens vary by model/app version. The existing router must provide DHCP, and features including port forwarding and parental controls are unavailable in the Deco app. Satellites can then connect to a Deco or the existing router's LAN network. (AP instructions, wiring rules)

Confirm it: open the Deco app's network map and tap each satellite to inspect its backhaul type. An IPTV-assigned port cannot serve backhaul, so use a different port if IPTV is enabled. (verification and IPTV restriction)

TP-Link's documents differ on wireless behavior: its general FAQ says Wi-Fi backhaul disconnects once Ethernet is established, while the BE63 page describes combining wired and tri-band Wi-Fi links with MLO. Use the model's reported connection to verify installation; do not infer that all Deco models handle their radios identically. (general FAQ, BE63 description)

Orbi 770: use the router and satellite model numbers

The RBE773 kit contains an RBE771 router and two RBE770 satellites. Follow their exact manual, rather than another Orbi model's instructions. (kit contents)

1. Connect the internet handoff to the router's Internet port.
2. In the satellite's intended room, connect its Ethernet port to a LAN port on the Orbi router, directly or through the downstream switch.
3. Power the satellite and allow automatic synchronization. The manual allows five to ten minutes on first sync because firmware may update. In this wired setup, blue for about three minutes, then off, indicates successful synchronization and a good wired connection.
4. For several satellites, the manual supports separate router connections, chaining through another satellite, or a switch after the router.

The manual covers wired setup on pages 19–21. For AP mode, connect the existing router's LAN to the Orbi's Internet port, then select ADVANCED → Advanced → Router / AP Mode → AP Mode in the browser interface (pages 68–69). Keep the satellite layout above.

Confirm it: sign into orbilogin.com, choose Attached Devices, and inspect Connected Satellites → Connection Type, plus Backhaul Status (manual, pages 103–104). Check the satellite's connection rather than a client's row.

Count ports before buying a switch

Free-port counts are calculated after the stated connection.

Sources: eero Pro 7, Deco BE63, Orbi router/satellite manual. Connecting a downstream switch also consumes a main-unit LAN port. Budget a switch port for its uplink as well as each satellite or client.

• Yes: eero with Ethernet ports: supports wired backhaul; wired and wireless units can coexist
• No: eero Beacon or eero 6 Extender: no Ethernet ports; leave these wireless
• Partly: PC wired to a wireless eero: the upstream connection still uses Wi-Fi

These distinctions come from eero's Ethernet guide and switch instructions.

Cable Matters Cat6: buy only a missing patch lead

Cable Matters' 160001 is an indoor, unshielded Cat6 patch cable with bare-copper conductors and snagless RJ45 plugs. The linked version is a black, 7 ft single cable; measure your route and use the maker's length selector if you need another length. A bulk spool is a different purchase from a finished patch lead.

Check price on Amazon

Keep working cable: eero explicitly accepts Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a. For new permanent runs and category/distance choices, use our Ethernet cable guide. Count both ends of wall runs: a lead from the main unit/switch to the wall connection and another from the room socket to the satellite.

TP-Link TL-SG108: extra ports for gigabit backhaul

The TL-SG108 offers eight 10/100/1000 Mbps ports, plug-and-play operation and fanless cooling. TP-Link specifically lists it among Deco-compatible switches. Its V9.6 installation guide shows a physical loop-prevention switch with Off as the default; check your hardware revision using the support selector. (specifications, Deco compatibility)

Choose it when a gigabit link is sufficient. Its gigabit ports cannot retain the Deco BE63 or Orbi 770's 2.5 Gbps links. The TL-SG108S-M2 V2 is a different, eight-port 2.5G model with automatic loop prevention; check compatibility before substituting it. (multi-gig specifications)

View the TL-SG108 at TP-Link.

If wired backhaul does not appear

Start with satellite → known-working patch lead → main-unit LAN. Add the wall run, then the switch, checking the satellite after each change. TP-Link recommends bypassing the switch, replacing the cable and trying another port. (fault-isolation instructions)

Sources: Deco troubleshooting and TL-SG108 indicators.

eero recommends unmanaged switches; for an existing managed switch, follow its specific STP/RSTP, IGMP, VLAN and QoS guidance. If Ethernet does not reach the room but coax does, continue with our MoCA installation and compatibility guide.

How we choose

This is documentation research, without physical installation or throughput testing. Wiring comes from each brand's official instructions; Orbi steps cover RBE771/RBE770. Parts are chosen for documented construction, port speed and compatibility. See How we choose.

Verdict

Keep your mesh, choose its operating-mode path and verify every satellite. Buy Cable Matters Cat6 for a missing indoor lead and TL-SG108 for extra gigabit ports. Prove a direct connection first.