In addition to their ease of use and excellent performance, TP-Link Deco is widely regarded as one of the most effective mesh WiFi systems available today. Because mesh networking is becoming increasingly popular, TP-Link decided to develop an even more cheap version, the Deco E4.
From the outside, the Deco E4 looks quite similar to the Deco M4, which we previously evaluated. It will have the same design as the original, with the only alteration being the inside specifications. Fast Ethernet is the sole port available on the TP-Link Deco E4, which implies that the maximum speed is 100Mbps. The WiFi, on the other hand, is still up to AC1200.
In spite of the fact that the Deco E4 has AC1200, the maximum WiFi speed that you can get with it is only up to 100Mbps owing to the constraint imposed by the Ethernet connection. As a result, I only propose this model to individuals who have an Internet connection that is 100Mbps or slower.
Mesh WiFi Features
Mesh WiFi isn’t nearly as complicated as it appears; a mesh WiFi system works by replacing your old router with a central unit that is connected to the modem and other devices. Then it comes with a number of mesh nodes that work together to form a mesh WiFi network, which allows the coverage to be expanded even further.
Several advantages of a mesh WiFi network, including improved performance and dependability, are available. Because WiFi coverage is inversely proportional to speed, greater WiFi coverage translates to faster speeds in most situations. In contrast to WiFi repeaters, which have a separate WiFi name and IP range for each repeater, Mesh WiFi has the same configuration across the whole network. With the use of rapid roaming and AP steering, it is possible for users to have an almost smooth WiFi experience.
Performance
In terms of the number of nodes included in the package, the Deco E4 competes with the D-Link COVR1203, which is also included in the Deco E4 package. The COVR includes three internal antennas as well as three Gigabit ethernet connections, whereas the Deco E4 only has two internal antennas and two 100 Mbit ethernet ports, respectively. In terms of WLAN, both devices make use of Qualcomm SoCs, and on paper, it looks that the E4 has a superior combo.
When testing bandwidth with a PC-node-node-PC configuration, we were able to achieve approximately 84 Mbps on the downlink and approximately 82 Mbps on the uplink when connected on the 2.4 GHz band, and we were able to achieve 557 Mbps on the downlink and 553 Mbps on the uplink when connected on the 5 GHz band. On the LAN front, the link speed of 100 Mbps is lower than the link speeds of most of the competitive devices we’ve examined. In terms of coverage, the triple node configuration easily outperforms the two-node configuration.
Specifications
| WIRELESS | |
|---|---|
| Standards | Wi-Fi 5 IEEE 802.11ac/n/a 5 GHz IEEE 802.11n/b/g 2.4 GHz |
| WiFi Speeds | AC1200 5 GHz: 867 Mbps (802.11ac) 2.4 GHz: 300 Mbps (802.11n) |
| WiFi Range | 3-4 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 Capacity | MediumDual-Band Distribute devices to different bands for optimal performance MU-MIMO Simultaneously communicates with multiple MU-MIMO clients |
| Working Modes | Router Mode Access Point Mode |
| HARDWARE | |
|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm CPU |
| Ethernet Ports | 2× 10/100 Mbps Ports *Per Deco Unit Supports WAN/LAN auto-sensing |
| Buttons | Reset Button |
| Power | 12 V ⎓ 1 A |
| SECURITY | |
|---|---|
| WiFi Encryption | WPA-Personal WPA2-Personal |
| Network Security | SPI Firewall Access Control |
| Guest Network | 1× 5 GHz Guest Network 1× 2.4 GHz Guest Network |
| SOFTWARE | |
|---|---|
| Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
| Parental Controls | URL Filtering Time Controls |
| WAN Types | Dynamic IP Static IP PPPoE PPTP L2TP |
| Quality of Service | QoS by Device |
| 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 | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 3.6 × 3.6 × 7.5 in (90.7 × 90.7 × 190 mm) |
| Package Contents | Deco E4 (3-pack) 3 Deco E4R Units 1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable 3 Power Adapters 1 Quick Installation Guide Deco E4 (2-pack) 2 Deco E4R Units 1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable 2 Power Adapters 1 Quick Installation Guide Deco E4 (1-pack) 1 Deco E4R Unit 1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable 1 Power Adapter 1 Quick Installation Guide |
| OTHERS | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements | Android 4.4 or later iOS 9.0 or later |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, IC, NCC, BSMI, IDA, RCM, JPA, JRF, VCCI, KC, RoHS |
| 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 | |
|---|---|
| WiFi Transmission Power | CE: <20 dBm (2.4 GHz) <23 dBm (5 GHz) FCC: <30 dBm |
Verdict
The TP-Link Deco E4 is a significant product because it introduces the general public to the realm of mesh WiFi systems. While it does have its limits, the cost of this model is so low that anyone can now create their mesh WiFi networks without paying a lot. Its versatility, which allows you to combine it with other Deco models and use it as a cost-effective solution to increase the coverage of your current mesh WiFi network, is one of its most significant advantages.
Despite the fact that the Deco E4 has basic technology, the capabilities it provides are helpful despite the fact that there are not many of them, and the mobile app for it is simple to use. The only significant constraint is that it is unable to operate at rates greater than 100 megabits per second. Overall, the TP-Link Deco E4 is a fantastic value-for-money router. You should choose the TP-Link Deco E4 if you are searching for a reasonably priced mesh WiFi system and your internet connection is not faster than 100 Mbps.
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