TP-Link Deco M9 Plus is the flagship Mesh Wi-Fi system from TP-Link. With this Mesh system, you can not only create a fast, stable, seamless Wi-Fi network with a long range, but also use it as a hub for your smart home. By combining all the necessary sensors and devices in one application. And for this you do not need to install an additional hub, its functions will be performed by Deco M9 Plus.
This Mesh system is sold in two versions: two or three modules. I have Deco M9 Plus (2 pack) which provides coverage up to 418 sq. m. But we can add the required number of modules to the network, thereby significantly increasing the range of the wireless network. This makes it possible to create a single Wi-Fi network in a large house, apartment or even office. In this case, all connected devices will always be on the same network, as if they were connected to the same router. No breaks, bad signal, etc. More than 100 devices can be connected to Deco M9 Plus at the same time.
This is a tri-band Mesh Wi-Fi system: up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz (1), up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz (2), and up to 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. The total wireless connection speed is up to 2134 Mbps. At the same time, the connection between the modules themselves occurs via a dedicated wireless channel, which allows you to minimize the loss of speed between devices. And of course, the main feature is the Mesh technology. Fully seamless Wi-Fi network throughout the entire range of the wireless network. One network with automatic, fast and invisible device switching between TP-Link Deco M9 Plus models.
Well, and probably the most interesting feature of Deco M9 Plus is the ability to work as a hub for a smart home. This system supports the connection of various devices and sensors that support Zigbee, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. These are a wide variety of motion, proximity, water leaks, door / window sensors, locks, smart sockets, switches, light bulbs, etc. Deco M9 Plus will provide a reliable connection for all smart home devices and allow you to control their work through a single application. The list of compatible devices is on the TP-Link website, you can see it at this link. I understand that only devices from this list are supported. There are just a huge number of different devices / sensors supporting the same Zigbee protocol on the market. But they are not listed on the TP-Link website.
There is also support for the TP-Link HomeCare function, which includes parental control, prioritization (QoS) and antivirus from Trend Micro. All this allows you to create a secure network with the possibility of personalization.
Overview of the package and appearance of TP-Link Deco M9 Plus
And by tradition, we start with packaging 🙂
Inside, two Mesh Wi-Fi modules are beautifully packed. Let me remind you that there are sets of 3 modules.
Below them are boxes with power supplies, a network cable and instructions. This is the complete set of this Mesh system.
The modules themselves are made in the form of small disks. Very high quality plastic and assembly itself. The devices look stylish and expensive.
Each of the modules has two Ethernet ports, 1 USB port and a power connector.
Above is one LED indicator and the TP-Link company logo.
There are large rubber feet on the bottom, a factory information sticker, and a Reset button to reset the Mesh Wi-Fi system to factory settings.
Cool design and excellent quality in all parts. Even the power supplies and the network cable are very cool. Flagship device.
Setting up TP-Link Deco M9 Plus
The setup process is as simple and straightforward as possible. Before setting up, you must:
- Install the Deco app on your phone from the App Store or Google Play.
- Register an account and log into it (in the application).
- Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your phone.
Then we connect the Internet (cable from the modem, or directly from the provider) to one of the modules to any LAN port. We connect the Mesh Wi-Fi system module to the power supply. The indicator should flash blue. If a minute after turning on it does not blink blue, do a factory reset.
In the Deco application, you need to click on the "Let's get started" button or add a new system. Then we choose our model Deco M9 Plus. Information on connection, search and connection to the Deco module via Bluetooth will appear. When the connection is established, the setup process begins.
You need to select the type of connection to the Internet provider and set the necessary parameters. Leave the standard MAC address, or register it manually (if the provider binds by MAC address). You also need to set a name for the Wi-Fi network and set a password. After completing the setup, connect your phone to this Wi-Fi network.
After configuring the first module, you can go directly to configuring the second module. But before that, connect the second Deco M9 Plus module to the power supply and wait for the indicator to start blinking blue.
To configure the second module, you just need to add it in the application. Your phone must be connected to the Wi-Fi network of the main Mesh Wi-Fi module of the system.
In the process of configuring the second module, you will need to select the "M9 Plus" model and location (floor and room). Then the modules will detect each other and a connection will be established.
You can add "smart devices" in the same way. Once set up, you can return to the app to further configure and control your Mesh Wi-Fi system. I highly recommend enabling the "Fast Roaming" function in the settings, which I wrote about in the article seamless Wi-Fi. Fast roaming (802.11r) in Wi-Fi Mesh system settings. If this feature is disabled, then you will not have a seamless Wi-Fi network. And it is disabled by default for the reason that there may be problems with connecting old devices. Read the article, there I described everything in detail.
