With its Deco series, TP-Link has established itself as the undisputed leader in the mesh networking sector, and the Deco X60 is no exception.
Featuring Wi-Fi 6 and an estimated coverage range of up to 5,000 square feet with just two nodes, this is one of the most capable tiny mesh systems available on the market.
TP-Link provides a broad selection of Deco routers depending on how much speed you want, but the X60 with its AX3000 connection is the most popular choice for most people.
Mesh systems are still not for everyone, and even with a robust Wi-Fi 6 backhaul, reaching your full internet speed across your home is a struggle.
However, the Deco X60 comes near to meeting this need. Most Deco routers come with TP-HomeCare Link’s software, which may further enhance your connection by providing increased security and a powerful parental control solution.
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It is not without flaws, and for many individuals, the lack of control that comes with a mesh system may be a deal-breaker rather than a positive.
Design
It has an appearance that is both similar to and distinct from other Deco Mesh systems at the same time. While the Deco E3 unit has the appearance of a tall cylinder and the M9 Plus unit has the appearance of a flat cylinder, the X60 unit may be put anyplace in the center of the two.
Even though the units are cylinder-shaped, their height is quite near to their diameter. Because it is a design feature that you don’t want to hide, both are small and adequately identifiable from one another.
The Deco X60 was created with the concept of simplicity in mind. The housing is composed of white matte plastic with clean lines and no controls, nor do any antennae protrude from the top or bottom. The Deco logo is situated on one of the sides (consider it to be the front). On the other (rear) side of the device, there is a power slot, two Ethernet ports, and the TP-Link logo above each of these ports.
To configure the device, we will need to use the TP-Link Deco mobile app, which is accessible for both iOS and Android devices. Please keep in mind that the mash-ups are managed by the app, not the Tether app that we are used with from previous TP-Link routers.
You may, however, continue to use your previous TP-Link account, which you might have used to operate other routers. After completing the installation, running the program, and logging into it, all that remains is to follow the instructions outlined in the Setup Wizard. There are no particular abilities necessary, and even an inexperienced user may do the work.
Once one of the given devices has been configured, the next (or subsequent) devices can be linked in the same manner. However, if you disregard the norms and simply put the second one into the socket, it will function as expected and will immediately integrate into the wireless network as well.
This will be shown by a green LED in the app as well as a matching notification in the app’s notification center. Due to the fact that the second unit does not require any further modifications and simply increases the coverage area, it is preferable to locate it at a reasonable distance from the first unit.
Both of the units supplied are interchangeable; “the first” and “the second” are relative terms, and the sequence in which they are connected has no bearing on their functionality.
Performance
Because of the AX3000 standard, the Deco X60 should theoretically be capable of delivering up to 574 and 2402 Mbps in the 2.4 and 5GHz bands, respectively, according to the manufacturer. In actual life, however, such ideals are difficult to realize for a variety of different reasons.
Nonetheless, when compared to the performance of other devices that we’ve had the opportunity to evaluate, the Deco X60 is really quick. When using an incoming gigabit internet channel, Speed test returns around 700 Mbps (that is, internet), although a series of measurements in WiFi Speed test Pro returned an average value of 721 Mbps (that is, the test without consideration for the external channel).
As a result, because intranet performance tests are largely reliant on the devices being used, the measurements we took a few years ago should either be repeated on the same cellphones (which are already old) or should not be compared in absolute figures with the latest tests.
If all of this has left you perplexed, here’s a brief summary: the Deco X60 is not inferior to the flagship TP-Link Archer AX6000 in terms of some metrics. There are a lot of variables in field research, but the X60 is clearly capable of keeping up with the pace.
Specifications
WIRELESS | |
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Standards | Wi-Fi 6 IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a 5 GHz IEEE 802.11ax/n/b/g 2.4 GHz |
WiFi Speeds | AX3000 5 GHz: 2402 Mbps (802.11ax) 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps (802.11ax) |
WiFi Range | 4-7+ Bedroom Houses (3-pack)TP-Link Mesh Technology Optional Ethernet backhaul work together to link Deco units to provide seamless coverage 4× 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 Capacity | HighDual-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 6 Streams More than enough bandwidth for connected devices |
Working Modes | Router Mode Access Point Mode |
HARDWARE | |
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Processor | 1 GHz Quad-Core CPU |
Ethernet Ports | 2× Gigabit Ports *Per Deco Unit Supports WAN/LAN auto-sensing |
Buttons | Reset Button |
Power | 12 V ⎓ 2 A |
SECURITY | |
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WiFi Encryption | WPA-Personal WPA2-Personal WPA3-Personal |
Network Security | SPI Firewall Access Control HomeCare™ AntivirusMalicious Site Checker Port Intrusion Prevention Infected Device Isolation Notification and Log |
Guest Network | 1× 5 GHz Guest Network 1× 2.4 GHz Guest Network |
SOFTWARE | |
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Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
Service Kits | HomeCare™ Learn More> |
Parental Controls | HomeCare™ Parental ControlsCustom Profiles Content Filtering URL FIltering Time Limit Time Schedule (Bed Time) Log Insight Usage Monitor Monthly Reports |
WAN Types | Dynamic IP Static IP PPPoE PPTP L2TP |
Quality of Service | HomeCare™ QoSQoS by Device QoS by Application |
Cloud Service | OTA Firmware Upgrade TP-Link ID DDNS |
NAT Forwarding | Port Forwarding UPnP |
IPTV | IGMP Proxy IGMP Snooping Bridge Tag VLAN |
DHCP | Address Reservation DHCP Client List Server |
DDNS | TP-Link |
Management | Deco App |
PHYSICAL | |
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Dimensions (W×D×H) | 4.33 × 4.33 × 4.99 in (110 × 110 × 114 mm) |
Package Contents | Deco X60 (3-pack) 3 Deco X60 Units 1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable 3 Power Adapters 1 Quick Installation Guide Deco X60 (2-pack) 2 Deco X60 Units 1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable 2 Power Adapters 1 Quick Installation Guide Deco X60 (1-pack) 1 Deco X60 Unit 1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable 1 Power Adapter 1 Quick Installation Guide |
OTHERS | |
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System Requirements | Android 4.4 or later iOS 9.0 or later |
Certifications | CE, FCC, IC, RoHS, RCM, JPA, JRF, VCCI |
Environment | Operating 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 | |
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WiFi Transmission Power | CE: <20 dBm (2.4 GHz) <23 dBm (5 GHz) FCC: <30 dBm (2.4 GHz) <30 dBm (5 GHz) |
Verdict
TP-Link has managed to create a mesh system that is both simple to use and up to date. With a user-friendly and effective mobile application, outstanding performance, a comprehensive collection of HomeCare services, and a visually appealing design. However, it lacks USB compatibility, has a limited number of Ethernet connections, and has a subpar online control panel.
The pair of gadgets that make up the set The Deco X60 is priced at a premium, with the Deco X60 costing precisely the same as the Archer AX6000, which is the company’s flagship model. Furthermore, for the same money, you may get as many as two sets of Deco M5 pens.
The X60, on the other hand, is speedy, fresh, technologically modern, and will blend in nicely with the new smartphones. Yes, it’s a specialist solution that isn’t applicable for tiny areas, but it’s a fantastic pick within its category.