While Wi-Fi extenders are far less expensive than mesh networks, they lack mesh networks’ performance and convenience. When you use a mesh network, you will have smooth Wi-Fi connectivity throughout your crib. Even if you and your devices are not aware of the switching, if you’re running about your property while streaming, the constant switching may cause things to slow down.
I reside on the first floor of a 3,000 square foot (278 square meters) single-story house. The majority of the computing takes place at the opposite ends of a long rectangle, with the Wi-Fi router positioned in the middle of the rectangle.
According to the Wi-Fi gauges on a dozen or so Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Rokus, the single cable modem/router seemed to provide enough coverage. However, there were frequent unpleasant delays and momentary failures throughout our testing. I couldn’t attribute it to a poor or fluctuating Wi-Fi signal, but it seemed to be a possibility, so I decided to experiment with a mesh Wi-Fi system.
Design
Deco M4 seems to be fairly restricted in this aspect, as it lacks a full backend or configuration site and instead relies on a rudimentary smartphone app, which allows users to do just the most basic of functions such as adding devices and limiting use, among other basic functions.
However, the straightforward nature of the first setup should make installation simple and painless for the vast majority of users.
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The primary advantage of the Deco M4R system is that it makes use of a mesh network. When compared to a standard home network configuration, a mesh system, in its most basic form, comprises of extra modules or nodes that operate as relays for expanding the base range of your router’s Wi-Fi.
The Deco M4R system, in particular, has a visually arresting appearance that is worth noting. The two M4R units that are included, each of which stands around 7.5 inches tall, are designed in a manner that is consistent with the numerous popular AI-assisted smart-home systems now available on the market.
The tops of the two units have different ventilation grids with a recessed LED powered logo in the center that changes colors to indicate the state of the network, which is shown in real-time.
The two units include two ethernet connections on the rear, each of which can handle data transfer rates of up to 1Gbps. Finally, the gadget’s bottoms are where the reset button and power input are located, as well as a few rubber feet that serve as stabilizers for the device.
A typical dual-band system is used in the M4R system, which consists of two channels operating at different frequencies (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz). The fastest channel, which operates at 867 Mbps, is used on the M4R system.
Performance
Normally, downloads on my Switch are restricted while docked in my bedroom since the router is located in the living room, which is separated from my setup by a whole wall. This time, I was testing download speeds for the game Xenoblade Chronicles 2, which was a 14.6GB download at the time of testing.
Ordinarily, I get about 3- 5-Mbps, but when I’m close to my original router, it tends to go up to around 8–10MBps or even more. Although not as noticeable as I’d hoped, the average download speed tended to range between 4 and 10 MBps when using the Deco setup, which was far faster than the rates I had when in close proximity to the original router. Using the Deco Mesh technology, the first download from my room was reduced to around 31 minutes, a significant reduction from the original 55 minutes.
Strangely, things started to break apart a little during my last test, which included transferring an 11.4GB movie file over my network drive, which took an incredible 2 and a half hours with the home deco system but just 25 minutes when transferred straight over my ordinary Wi-Fi connection.
To be thorough, I tried switching the Deco system into the pass-through mode, which can be readily toggled via the app, but regrettably, this did not seem to make a substantial difference in the situation.
The Deco Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System, in conclusion, is a more than competent gadget for the ordinary user, particularly for homeowners who need greater coverage with the least amount of work.
In terms of raw performance, the Deco Mesh system performs an adequate job of expanding the basic performance of one’s Wi-Fi connections; but, while doing more heavy jobs, the figures seem to fluctuate and dramatically change, depending on the scenario, which is frustrating.
I have no hesitation in recommending the Deco Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System to people who are just seeking some more coverage for their homes, particularly those who have an excess of Wi-Fi-hungry gadgets in their homes.
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 | 3-5 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× Gigabit Ports *Per Deco Unit Supports WAN/LAN auto-sensing |
| Buttons | Reset Button |
| Power | 12 V ⎓ 1.5 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 M4 (3-pack) 3 Deco M4R Units 1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable 3 Power Adapters 1 Quick Installation Guide Deco M4 (2-pack) 2 Deco M4R Units 1 RJ45 Ethernet Cable 2 Power Adapters 1 Quick Installation Guide Deco M4 (1-pack) 1 Deco M4R 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 |
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