How Deco Fast Roaming Affects Ring Doorbell’s Connectivity

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Hashir

Last updated: November 19, 2024

Expert verified

What’s Deco Fast Roaming and what does it have to do with your Ring Doorbell connectivity? In this article, I’m going to walk you through TP-Link’s Deco Fast Roaming feature. We’ll cover what it is, whether you should keep it on or off, and how to manage it. Plus, I’ll give you some tips on fixing Ring Doorbell issues with mesh Wi-Fi. Let’s get started!

What is Deco Fast Roaming?

Basically, Deco Fast Roaming is a feature designed to give you a smooth Wi-Fi experience as you move around your home. Imagine walking from your living room to your bedroom without any Wi-Fi interruptions.

Fast Roaming makes this possible by using smart technology (specifically, the 802.11k, 802.11v, and 802.11r protocols). These protocols help your devices quickly switch from one Deco unit to another without dropping the connection.

1. 802.11k: This protocol helps the Deco system periodically gather information about the surrounding wireless environment. It provides clients with a list of nearby Deco nodes to facilitate quick transitions​​.
2. 802.11v: Deco evaluates the wireless connection quality and recommends clients to roam to a better node when the current connection is poor. This helps prevent clients from sticking to a specific node​.
3. 802.11r: Reduces the time needed for a client to switch between Deco nodes by speeding up the authentication process. This is particularly beneficial for latency-sensitive applications like video calls​.

Should You Keep TP-Link Deco Fast Roaming On or Off?

Deciding whether to keep Fast Roaming on or off depends on your situation. Here are a few scenarios where you might want to keep your Deco Fast Roaming on or off:

Turn it On if:

🏠 You have a large house with several Deco units: If your home is large and has multiple Deco units spread across different floors or rooms, enabling Fast Roaming can help your devices switch smoothly between units as you move around.

🚶‍♂️ You frequently move around the house with your devices: If you use mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, or laptops and move around a lot within your home, Fast Roaming ensures uninterrupted connectivity.

🔄 You notice your devices disconnecting when moving between rooms: If your devices often drop their connection when you move from one room to another, turning on Fast Roaming can help maintain a stable connection.

Turn it Off if:

🏡 You live in a smaller space with just one Deco unit: If your home is small and a single Deco unit covers the entire area, Fast Roaming is unnecessary and can be turned off.

🖥️ Your devices don’t move around much: If most of your devices are stationary, such as desktop computers or smart TVs, Fast Roaming isn’t needed.

📶 Some devices have trouble staying connected when Fast Roaming is on: If you notice specific devices frequently disconnecting or experiencing issues when Fast Roaming is enabled, turning it off might resolve these problems​.

How to Turn On/Off TP-Link Fast Roaming

To turn on or off TP-Link Fast Roaming, access the Deco app, go to ‘More,’ select ‘Wi-Fi,’ and ‘Fast Roaming.’ Toggle the switch to enable or disable the feature according to your needs.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you turn Fast Roaming on or off:

1. Ensure your phone is connected to your Deco Wi-Fi.
2. Open the Deco app on your phone.
3. Tap the More icon at the bottom right of the app screen.
4. Scroll down and select Advanced.
5. Tap Fast Roaming.
6. Use the switch to turn it on or off.
7. Confirm your choice if the app asks you to.
8. After making the change, restart your devices to ensure they reconnect properly.

How to Fix Ring Doorbell Issues with Mesh Wi-Fi

To fix Ring Doorbell issues with mesh Wi-Fi, improve signal strength by placing Deco units closer, reduce interference, update firmware, turn off Fast Roaming in the Deco app, and assign a static IP to the doorbell.

Below, I have explained in detail all the effective tips that have helped me fix most Ring Doorbell issues with mesh Wi-Fi:

🔧 Resolve IP Address Conflicts

Dynamic IP addresses can sometimes cause conflicts, leading to disconnections. This may make your Ring Doorbell lose connection and get disconnected from the Wi-Fi network. To fix this issue:

1. Open the Deco app and go to More > Advanced > Address Reservation.
2. Select your Ring Doorbell from the device list and assign a static IP.
3. Confirm the settings and restart the doorbell​.

🔄 Ensure Fast Roaming Compatibility

Some devices, including the Ring Doorbell, may not handle fast transitions between nodes well. To stabilize Ring Doorbell Wi-Fi network during a fast roaming transition:

1. Open the Deco app and go to More > Advanced > Fast Roaming.
2. Toggle the switch to turn off Fast Roaming.
3. Restart the Ring Doorbell to see if the connection stabilizes​.

🚫 Get Rid of Interference

As I already said above, other electronic devices or thick walls may interfere with the Wi-Fi signal. This will prevent your Ring Doorbell from connecting to the Wi-Fi properly or at all. To prevent such interference:

1. Identify potential sources of interference, like other electronics.
2. Move the Deco unit to an open area, ideally within line of sight of the doorbell.
3. Test the connection at https://fast.com/ after relocating to ensure improved signal strength​.

🛠️ Firmware Updates

Outdated firmware can cause compatibility and connectivity issues— and a number of other issues! So, it’s worth checking and updating your Ring Doorbell and Deco firmware. Here is how to do it:

For Deco:

1. Open the Deco app.
2. Go to More > System > Update Deco.
3. Follow the prompts to install any available updates.

For Ring Doorbell:

1. Open the Ring app, and go to the Main Menu.
2. Tap Devices and select your device.
3. Navigate to Device Settings > General Settings > Firmware Update.
4. Update the doorbell’s firmware if an update is available​ (the app will do it automatically)​.

📍 Change The Location of TP-Link Deco Mesh Node

A poor location of your TP-Link Deco Mesh Node can lead to weak WiFi signals reaching your Ring Doorbell, causing connectivity issues. This happens when the node is too far from the doorbell or if there are physical obstructions like walls and large appliances in the way.

To fix this, move the Deco Mesh Node closer to your Ring Doorbell. Try to minimize obstacles between them. Place the node in a central, elevated position to maximize its coverage area. Test the signal strength using the Ring app after relocating the node to ensure it has improved.

📴 Turn Off Deco Fast Roaming

Fast Roaming is designed to help devices switch quickly between Deco units for the best signal as you move around. However, stationary devices like the Ring Doorbell might experience connectivity issues if they attempt to switch between nodes unnecessarily.

Follow these steps to turn off Deco fast roaming:

1. Open the TP-Link Deco app on your smartphone.
2. Navigate to the Advanced > Fast Roaming, and turn it OFF.
3. Restart your Deco units and the Ring Doorbell to apply the changes.
4. Check if the Ring Doorbell maintains a more stable connection without the Fast Roaming feature.

📡 Beamforming

I tried Beamforming technology, which focuses WiFi signals toward devices to improve connectivity. While it can boost signal strength, it may cause unstable connections if not properly configured or unsupported by devices like the Ring Doorbell.

To fix this, check if both your TP-Link Deco Mesh Network and Ring Doorbell support Beamforming in their specifications. If supported, enable it in the TP-Link Deco app under WiFi or Advanced settings.

If issues persist or your Ring Doorbell doesn’t support Beamforming, disable it in the Deco settings to stabilize the connection. Monitor your Ring Doorbell afterward to ensure a reliable connection.

⚙️ Reset The Whole Device

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the settings but with the device software itself becoming glitchy or corrupted over time. This can cause persistent connectivity problems between your Ring Doorbell and TP-Link Deco Mesh Network.

Here are the steps you can follow to reset the whole device:

1. Start by backing up any necessary configurations or settings for both your TP-Link Deco system and Ring Doorbell, if possible.
2. Open the Deco app.
3. Navigate to More or Advanced settings.
4. Select the option to perform a factory reset on your TP-Link Deco units.
5. Press and hold the setup button on your Ring Doorbell for the duration specified in the user manual to reset it.
6. After resetting, set up your Deco network from scratch, followed by reconnecting your Ring Doorbell to the WiFi network.
7. Test the connectivity to ensure the issue has been resolved.

🗑️ Try Clearing The Ring App Cache

At times, the problem might not be with the network or the doorbell hardware but with the Ring app itself. Honeslty, I had no idea how much space Ring app cache was consuming until I cleared it all. Once I did, it helped me resolved issues like delayed notifications and trouble connecting to Ring Doorbell.

To solve this, you must clear the cache within your Ring app. Here is how to do it:

1. On your smartphone, go to the Settings app.
2. Navigate to the Apps or Application Manager section.
3. Find and select the Ring app from the list.
4. Tap on Storage (the wording might vary depending on your phone).
5. Select Clear Cache. 
6. For a more thorough reset, you can also choose Clear Data, but be aware that this will log you out and may remove any saved preferences within the app.
7. Open the Ring app again and log in if necessary. 
8. Check if the connectivity and performance issues have improved.

All You Know Now About TP-Link Deco Fast Roaming

TP-Link Deco Fast Roaming can make your Wi-Fi experience much smoother, especially if you have a big house with many devices. But it’s not always necessary, and turning it off can sometimes solve problems with devices like Ring Doorbells. By following these tips, you can optimize your network for the best performance.

Here are more smart home guides you should check out:

• Zigbee vs Z-Wave vs Bluetooth vs WiFi – Detailed Comparison
• The Ultimate Guide to Thread and Matter Light Bulb
• Is Amazon Echo ZigBee Compatible? How To Integrate?
• Is Using a 5GHz Smart Bulb a Good Idea?
• Why Your Kasa Smart Plug Keeps Disconnecting and How to Fix It?

I hope this guide helps you understand and manage TP-Link Deco Fast Roaming and fix any issues with your Ring Doorbell. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!

Frequently Asked Questions

Ojash

Author

Hi, I’m Ojash! My journey into smart home technology began with a simple lighting upgrade that quickly turned into a passion. I was fascinated by how connected devices could completely transform everyday living. With over 7 years of experience, I now specialize in creating tailored smart home solutions that enhance comfort, convenience, and efficiency. Through my work at JustSmarter, I enjoy sharing practical advice and insights, helping readers confidently explore the smart home world.

Hashir

Reviewer

Hi, I’m Hashir, a tech enthusiast with a deep love for smart home innovations. My interest in technology has always been driven by the idea of making everyday life more streamlined and efficient. After years of experimenting with smart devices in my own home, I’ve made it my mission to share what I’ve learned with others. I focus on practical, easy-to-understand solutions that anyone can implement to enhance their home. Writing for JustSmarter allows me to connect with fellow tech lovers and help them take their first steps—or next steps—into the exciting world of smart homes.