TP-Link Deco X20 Review

These days, our lives are centered on having access to the internet. Whether we like it or not, it is the reality in which we live. Smartphones keep us connected to the internet while we’re on the road, but the home network may be the most highly sought-after conduit. Mesh routers are the most recent technological advancement in the area of home internet access.

TP-Link has jumped into the ring with this new choice of WiFi router that also supports WiFi 6 and is compatible with Android devices. The Deco X20 mesh system pushes TP-Link against the likes of Amazon’s Eero devices and Google’s Nest WiFi, among other competitors. The firm provided us with access to the Deco X20 routers for more than a month, and I was quite satisfied.

Before we get into the specifics of the TP-Link Deco X20 routers’ specifications, let’s take a quick look at what mesh networking is and how it works. As a relatively new introduction to the ordinary home customer, it will contribute to the establishment of the foundation for the system’s advantages.

Mesh WiFi is made up of two components: a router unit that connects to your modem and a network of similar devices that connect to the same connection and blanket the entire house with the same connection. Each “beacon” or access point device uses the same settings, as well as the same SSID name and password for the whole network.

Check Out: Best Wifi Router | Best WiFi Extender | Best Wifi Mesh Network Systems

In order to smoothly expand your wireless connection around your home with little setup, you should adopt a modular strategy. Many of these networks, such as the Deco X20, include “smarts” that duplicate all of the same settings so that all of your connected devices perceive the units as if they were all linked to the same router. It just searches for the closest mesh router with the strongest signal and connects your device to the best available choice. It is simple and effective.

For example, I installed the TP-Link Deco X20 three-pack in three different locations: my office, living room, and bonus room. This provides me with complete coverage throughout my home, with no dead zones. Because my kitchen is the closest room to my office, whenever I am in that area, I connect to the main Deco X20 that is connected to my modem. When I travel upstairs, my devices are instantly transferred to the extra room X20, and when I enter the living room, my devices are sent to Deco, which is the nearest.

Design

Deco’s mesh Wi-Fi modules are growing increasingly tiny, which is a welcome development. In contrast to the massive, by comparison, Netgear Orbi units and the smaller disc-shaped Deco M9 units that we previously evaluated, the X20 are compact cylindrical units with an all-white finish and a design that doesn’t appear out of place in a modern house, as we found out in our testing. The two antennas are both inside, and the devices are just 110mm in diameter and 114mm in height, making them extremely compact.

Each device is equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet connections as well as a power supply. There are no sync buttons or USB connectors, but there is a little reset button on the underside in case everything goes Pete Tong on you. To the front of the device is an LED status light, which will be one of four colors: green, red, blue, or white, depending on the current status of the unit in question. You may turn off the LED light completely via the App, or you can go to night mode.

Performance

With the Deco X20 routers, TP-Link has done a good job at striking a balance between a technological vibe and a home décor style. These cylindered pieces can easily be mistaken for something else, such as an air freshener or a wireless speaker, when they are placed on a shelf. The X20s are able to mix in nicely with any environment or room layout because of this.

The Deco X20 router’s business operations are located around the rear of the device. There is a proprietary barrel port for charging as well as two ethernet ports in this location. If your service provider supports gigabit data rates, each of these network ports is capable of transmitting data at up to gigabit speeds.

In my mind’s eye, there is one omission and one omission. If a typical router manufacturer such as TP-Link were to provide a USB port, I’d be delighted. A feature like this might distinguish the Deco X20 from more recent products like Google and Eero. The proprietary charging cord is a glaring omission. Since USB-C is now the de facto standard, any product such as the Deco X20 routers in 2021 should conform to this specification.

The general public’s response has been outstanding. Throughout my house, I’m experiencing continuous network dependability that is, simply, superior to that of my Google WiFi setup. A somewhat broader coverage area is provided by the Deco X20 three-pack, while WiFi 6 is enabled for use by newer devices that support the latest protocol. In comparison to WiFi 5, this enables greater multi-device performance and more simultaneous connections.

My download and upload speeds have been satisfactory on both wireless and wired connections. My Ethernet-connected PC is continuously achieving the maximum 300mbps throughput of my network without difficulty. Wireless connections vary depending on my location and environmental factors, but I frequently get speeds that are comparable to those of my connected systems.

A further useful function included with the Deco X20 is automatic frequency selection, which is provided by TP-Link. Deco connects with your devices during the first connection and selects a channel frequency of either 2.4GHz or 5GHz for operation. Each client’s default setting determines what happens here. My home automation gadgets, like my Simplisafe and WiFi outlets, prefer 2.4GHz, and the software automatically configures this in the Deco app without requiring any input from the user.

Specifications

WIRELESS
StandardsWi-Fi 6
IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a 5 GHz
IEEE 802.11ax/n/b/g 2.4 GHz
WiFi SpeedsAX1800
5 GHz: 1201 Mbps (802.11ax)
2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps (802.11ax)
WiFi Range4-6 Bedroom Houses (3-pack)TP-Link Mesh Technology
Optional Ethernet backhaul work together to link Deco units to provide seamless coverage

2× Antennas (Internal)
Multiple antennas form a signal-boosting array to cover more directions and large areas

Beamforming
Concentrates wireless signal strength towards clients to expand WiFi range
WiFi CapacityHighDual-Band
Distribute devices to different bands for optimal performance
MU-MIMO
Simultaneously communicates with multiple MU-MIMO clients
OFDMA
Simultaneously communicates with multiple WiFi 6 clients
4 Streams
More than enough bandwidth for connected devices
Working ModesRouter Mode
Access Point Mode
HARDWARE
Processor1 GHz Quad-Core CPU
Ethernet Ports2× Gigabit Ports
*Per Deco Unit
Supports WAN/LAN auto-sensing
ButtonsReset Button
Power12 V ⎓ 1.2 A
SECURITY
WiFi EncryptionWPA-Personal
WPA2-Personal
WPA3-Personal
Network SecuritySPI Firewall
Access Control
HomeCare™ Antivirus\Malicious Site Checker
Port Intrusion Prevention
Infected Device Isolation
Notification and Log
Guest Network1× 5 GHz Guest Network
1× 2.4 GHz Guest Network
SOFTWARE
ProtocolsIPv4
IPv6
Service KitsHomeCare™
Parental ControlsHomeCare™ Parental ControlsCustom Profiles
Content Filtering
URL FIltering
Time Limit
Time Schedule (Bed Time)
Log Insight
Usage Monitor
Monthly Reports
WAN TypesDynamic IP
Static IP
PPPoE
PPTP
L2TP
Quality of ServiceHomeCare™ QoSQoS by Device
QoS by Application
Cloud ServiceOTA Firmware Upgrade
TP-Link ID
DDNS
NAT ForwardingPort Forwarding
UPnP
IPTVIGMP Proxy
IGMP Snooping
Bridge
Tag VLAN
DHCPAddress Reservation
DHCP Client List
Server
DDNSTP-Link
ManagementDeco App
PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W×D×H)4.33 × 4.33 × 4.99 in
(110 × 110 × 114 mm)
Package ContentsDeco X20 (3-pack)
3 Deco X20 Units
1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable
3 Power Adapters
1 Quick Installation Guide

Deco X20 (2-pack)
2 Deco X20 Units
1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable
2 Power Adapters
1 Quick Installation Guide

Deco X20 (1-pack)
1 Deco X20 Unit
1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable
1 Power Adapter
1 Quick Installation Guide
OTHERS
System RequirementsAndroid 4.4 or later
iOS 9.0 or later
CertificationsCE, FCC, IC, RoHS, RCM, JPA, JRF, VCCI
EnvironmentOperating Temperature: 0℃~40℃ (32℉ ~104℉)
Storage Temperature: -40℃~70℃ (-40℉ ~158℉)
Operating Humidity: 10%~90% non-condensing
Storage Humidity: 5%~90% non-condensing
TEST DATA
WiFi Transmission PowerCE:
<20 dBm (2.4 GHz)
<23 dBm (5 GHz)
FCC:
<30 dBm (2.4 GHz)
<30 dBm (5 GHz)

Conclusion

TP-Link has developed a new mesh network architecture that is both innovative and appealing. It’s possible to upgrade to a better network with WiFi 6, which comes with a fantastic app and good speed. And you can have all of this without having to break the bank, either.

According to Amazon, the starting price is $100 for a single device, $130 for a two-pack, and $200 for a three-pack. Any of these expenditures are justified in the case of the TP-Link X20. These routers will not let you down, whether you’re upgrading from an existing mesh network only for WiFi 6 or you’re joining the mesh throng for the very first time.

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