TP-Link Deco M5 Mesh Pre Purchase Help

mreddie on 28/07/2020 - 10:56
Last edited 28/07/2020 - 12:16

Hello I'm thinking of getting one of these 3 pack units for our place…I have HFC cable in from Aussie Broadband

4 questions:

  • Do I still need an existing router to plug into these, or can I feed my NBN straight in?
  • Do they have ethernet ports to run some things "wired", if so how many?
  • I run 3-4 things wired, should I get the TP ethernet switch to pair with the master device (5 ports should be enough)
  • Would 2 device pack be sufficient for double storey townhouse (2 bed and a study).

(NB: currently using old Netgear Router DGN2200 / I don't make phone calls via NBN)

Thanks in advance.

Computing Mesh Network TP-Link Wireless Router

Comments

  • Densor on 28/07/2020 - 11:37

    "Do I still need an existing router to plug into these, or can I feed my NBN straight in?"
    - Depending on your NBN provider, you can program these with your login credentials. I retained my NBN modem in the garage and ran an ethernet cable to the first M5. It removes any questions or problems from my NBN provider claiming they can't fault find on the connection.

    "Do they have ethernet ports to run some things "wired", if so how many?"
    - They only have two ethernet ports. Because I've used one to connect to my router it only leaves me with one spare on the first unit. I could have used this 2nd port to connect to the remote M5 and used ethernet as the back haul but I've found wireless to be totally reliable.

    "I run 3-4 things wired, should I get the TP ethernet switch to pair with the master device (5 ports should be enough)"
    - You may need another switch if you have multiple devices. If you only use wireless to connect the M5's you'll have two spare ethernet ports on each M5.

    My Deco M5's have been totally reliable with 5 adults using multiple devices and lots of streaming.

    • Twix on 28/07/2020 - 11:37

      Deco is suitable to use across all ISPs and not all ISPs require login credentials.

      The ISP can't blame your router when NBN provide you with the NBN connection box & you can fault test directly to said NBN connection box. FTTN or FTTB connections require you to fault test with a new VDSL modem.

      What kind of NBN connection do you have?

    • Twix on 28/07/2020 - 12:17

      Double post.

  • Twix on 28/07/2020 - 12:19
    +1

    1) Hook up the M5 to the NBN connection device.

    2) There is two auto sensing WAN & LAN Gigabit Ethernet ports on a single M5 node.

    3) Purchasing a switch depends on where your Ethernet devices are placed.

    4) Two M5 nodes should be enough for a townhouse.

  • [Deactivated] on 28/07/2020 - 13:36
    +1

    Have had mine for 10 days now, i have a cable from my NBN box to my office wall and 1 Deco plugs into it, the other 2 around the house. Great wifi range and nice and fast.

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