Given the popularity of the Deco M5, this would be a slight upgrade for similar price.
Access to The Good Guys Commercial, JB Hi-Fi Solutions and Samsung EPP / Education portals
Given the popularity of the Deco M5, this would be a slight upgrade for similar price.
Access to The Good Guys Commercial, JB Hi-Fi Solutions and Samsung EPP / Education portals
Good price. But personally I'd prefer X20's over these. More devices have 2x AX/ WiFi 6 antennas than have 3x AC/ WiFi 5 antennas, and that trend will continue over time.
What I find facinating is the M5 is somewhat unique in the Deco lineup in being one of the only products that have dedicated 2.4GHz antennas. Reviews tend to show superior 2.4G speeds against the newer WiFi 6 line-up, despite technically being capable of less maxiumum speed. 2.4G is still very relevant, not only older devices, but also for "smart home" devices which are becoming more common.
If you are buying X20s check they are version 4 or higher.
Lower version have a problem where they can only connect to 1 main node using star topology. This is a known issue and workaround is ethernet connection.
I have version 3 of x20 and still waiting for the firmware upgrade where I can choose the connection preference of each node. No eta by tp link
https://www.tp-link.com/au/support/download/deco-x20/#Firmwa…
Do you know if that limitation applies if the X20’s are only used as satellites off a different Deco router as part of an AIMesh network, or is it only a problem if an X20 is configured as the main router connected to the NBN?
Contemplating purchasing another, different Deco to use as the main router if it can get around the connectivity limitation on my two
V1 x20’s…
If you are using different models and if one of the model doesn't support a feature then rest of the models won't (even if they are capable of). You get the least features from your lowest grade model.
Having said that my v3 version x20 got a firmware update and now I have connection selection preferences and can select client for each deco..
No need to rely on Ethernet now.
@bargain crazy: Thanks - i suspected that was the case but hoped for the best since they are all essentially just different versions of the same model.
Will check available firmware when I get home and hope that there's an update for the V1's as well.
Thanks OP. Took the opportunity to buy some units.
Do these support 5G Internet?
Deco S7 doesn't support 5G broadband on it's own.
You need to plug in the Deco S7 to the 5G modem and configure the Deco's as wireless access points. Turn off the 5G modems Wi-Fi.
I find this mesh wifi space so confusing..
I currently run a Netcomm NF18ACV I got from Aussie (FTTC). I have it downstairs and have ethernet running upstairs. I plugged an old router upstairs to create a second access point but the Wifi strength is terrible and also have to switch SSID.
Should I just grab one of these and switch everything to wifi? It would be a shame as my Xbox is benefiting from a wired connection but I need the upstairs bedroom wifi better for the kids now.
Plug one of these in to the ethernet upstairs. You get the benefits of wired there and mesh nearby.
You can do both.
I have various ethernet outlets around the house, each with their own switch to have as many wired connections as possible, and then a mesh WiFi setup with wired backhaul for everything else.
Does that involve buying additional hardware? Switches?
If you want to connect multiple devices at each outlet, yes. But you can get a 5 port gigabit switch for $16.50: https://www.amazon.com.au/TP-Link-Litewave-Networking-Auto-N…
It's not neccesary, but it is better than WiFi, and free's up WiFi bandwidth and reduces WiFi interference for the remaining devices.
I would prioritise getting wired backhaul for the mesh WiFi system over connecting individual devices. Especially given this model doesn't have dual-band 5GHz (one for clients, one dedicated band for backhaul [the M9 does this]).
Few options:
@uder Get rid of the NetComm NF18ACV. Plug in the Deco S7 to the nbn NCD and a Deco S7 to the ethernet port upstairs. Your Xbox stays ethernet wired to the Deco.
Thanks Twix but how does the Xbox stay wired?
Right now I have the Netcomm in the kitchen (ethernet above the fridge). The NBN box in the garage, where there's also an ethernet port.
Xbox is in the downstairs lounge (wired to ethernet).
Upstairs I have 3 more ethernet ports.
Ok I got this and plugged the Xbox straight into one of the ethernet ports. Works great. Also seem to only need 1 unit downstairs and 1 up so have a spare.
So I am an origin customer. How do I purchase these through the TGG commercial website. They have a separate login.
Have this for about 6 months, works well, good coverage..but somehow, wifi speed limits to ~500mbps on my 1Gbps nbn
Does the device you're testing on have 2 or 3 5GHz antennas (3 is uncommon)? 500mbps is around the max you'll see in the real world for 2x AC 5GHz.
Only 2 antennas, but the speed it's more than enough… very happy with it. https://www.speedtest.net/my-result/a/9456217049
Try turning off 2.4, this drastically increased my speeds. I don't need 2.4 (old devices like printers or something do though)
Have you tried a ethernet cable connecting to the main deco and computer and testing the speed just to verify it is the wifi?
Had 967 Mbps on ethernet connection, its good.
any suggestions with ones that might have phone ports ?
Why do you need one with a phone port (RJ11/RJ12)?
Are you wanting a (VDSL) modem? If so X20-DSL could be your main unit (buy individually).
You could just get a VoIP ATA for your phone and plug that into one of the ethernet ports? eg. Cisco SPA112 or Grandstream HT801.
If your connection is FTTN and you're using your ISP modem/router to connect your home phone then you can also just turn off the ISPs router WiFi and plug the new mesh system into a LAN port, also put the new router into the ISP routers DMZ in the settings if it has that feature.
People will tell you that you're double NATing and that it's bad to double NAT but for the average home user it'll be fine, it's a simple way to keep your home phone connection and upgrade your WiFi
Hoping someone can help a really naive soul for this product. I’m moving soon into a newly constructed, double story house (with various data points in certain areas). Is there value in me purchasing this? Does it essentially work that I’ll sign up to my new internet provider and have a modem in one location, and place these around the house in order to have better signal in all areas? Any help appreciated
These devices will really benefit you getting good Wifi coverage a double storey home can be challenging. Essentially each of these 3 devices can act as a modem or router so you just need to plug one into the wall (NBN FTTP) or NBN connection device (FTTC) and the other 2 devices you place around your home that is only connected to a power point. They will all connect to each other over Wifi.
On your phone the Wifi will appear as 1 connection option (not 3). As you walk around your home, you will automatically connect to the device with the strongest connection without having to do anything. That is the benefit of a mesh system.
Thank you for the explanation! And it’s recommended to get this deal? Where does this sit in entry level vs premium?
I'd say for the general household, it sits as a mid range product. Based on your questions it will probably exceed your needs. It can connect to over 100 devices and transfer speeds of up to 1300 Mbps. To give some perspective, most households are only on 50 Mbps or 100 Mbps internet speed. One of the best things for non-tech savy users is that you control the device settings all through a user friendly app on your phone.
The only point I'd add is that as there's various data points already installed, these will work better if they're connected via ethernet if those points are in the right places.
Yes it is good for this purpose and it is a good price. If you later on you found out 3 is too many, you can sell the extra. They work as a mesh or standalone
Tempting…
Can this be used with FTTN ?
Only if you put a VDSL2 modem before the Deco's.
Option 1 FTTN setup: Use your VDSL2 modem as a modem/router and configure the Deco as wireless access point(s).
Option 2 FTTN setup: Use your VDSL2 modem as a modem bridged and configure the Deco as a router with Wi-Fi.
Disable Wi-Fi on the VDSL2 modem with both setups.
If i have optus fttc, will it work with this mesh?
yes it will
I purchased them and had to return them as they were absolute trash. If anyone has a recommendation of GOOD wifi mesh to extend your range, would love to hear it.
You can buy Ubiquiti gear if you want higher end equipment but this TP Link is not trash, if something else was the issue then higher end gear may not help.
Won't let me create an account :(
$249 on the main website.
Are these better than tenda nova mw5's. Really ateuggle for good speed on them
You really need to pinpoint where your bottleneck is, do you know that the WiFi is the issue and not your incoming connection?
New 250 mbps fttp connection. I get around 200 at main node and 230 using ethernet. But drops to around 50mbps at second node about 5 meters away from 1st node
Although I have no experience with Tenda, that's so bad it sounds like something is faulty.
I've never had a performance drop like that with Deco units so unless there's some bad outside interference in your home, they should be better than that.
Any (budget) mesh devices with USB (ie turn usb HDD into a NAS like you can do with routers)
I currently have 2 old routers as AP to run USB for backup drives
Is there a way to force a device on to the 5Ghz?
If anyone in Melbourne wants to part with just 1 of these pm me
Just bought this to replace my Tenda Nova MW3. Easiest setup ever! Also already noticed improved speed throughout the house. Good deal!
Thanks good price