The main disadvantage of Mesh Wi-Fi systems is the price. These are expensive devices, and when choosing a solution for organizing a Wi-Fi network in a house or apartment, many opt for conventional routers. And there is nothing wrong with this if the house is small and there is Wi-Fi coverage from the router throughout the house, and the connection is fast and stable. But if the area is large, or there were problems with coverage on the old router, then of course it is better to immediately buy a Mesh Wi-Fi system so that you do not have to suffer with signal amplifiers later.
TP-Link has put together an excellent TP-Link Deco E3 Mesh system. Deco E4R main unit and Deco M3W amplifier (with Mesh Wi-Fi support). At a cost (about $ 60), the system turned out to be no more expensive than a more or less normal router. At the same time, we get all the chips of Mesh Wi-Fi technology: seamless Wi-Fi, long range of the network, the ability to expand the network by connecting other modules, simple configuration, etc.
TP-Link Deco E3 is slightly different from most other Wi-Fi Mesh we are used to seeing. If usually the kit comes with two or three identical modules, then in our case the system consists of one main module and a wall-mounted additional module (aka repeater, amplifier). But the main difference from a router and a regular repeater is that the main module and the additional module support Mesh Wi-Fi (802.11k / v / r standard).
These two modules provide Wi-Fi coverage up to 220 square meters. So it is written on the TP-Link website. For a large apartment, this will definitely be enough. Of course, a lot depends on the layout, obstacles, interference, etc. Since we have two modules, this makes it possible to place the second module (amplifier) as efficiently as possible. And if necessary, you can always buy another or several Deco M3W amplifiers and expand the network. Moreover, modules from Deco E3 system are compatible with modules from other Mesh systems from TP-Link.
Of course, this is a dual band system (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support). Wi-Fi speed up to 1167 Mbps. Up to 300 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band and up to 867 Mbps in the 5 GHz band (802.11ac standard). Well, and most importantly, after setting up Deco E3, we will get a seamless Wi-Fi network. This means that the network will be one (from two modules) and the devices will automatically and without loss of connection switch between modules.
The main Deco E4R module has 2 LAN / WAN ports that can operate at 100 Mbps. It is a pity, of course, that the ports are not gigabit. There are no ports on the Deco M3W amplifier.
The system is very easy to connect and configure via the Deco app. Through the same application, you can control various system functions and change settings. Deco E3 can work as an access point (when you connect it not directly to the provider, but to a Wi-Fi router). There are parental controls with many different settings.
Completion and appearance
The system is delivered in a box on which you can find all the necessary information about the device.
Inside is another box in which the devices are securely packed.
The package includes the main module (router), additional module (amplifier), power adapter, network cable and instructions.
TP-Link Deco E3.0 Mesh Wi-Fi Modules
Externally, the main module is the same as the TP-Link Deco M4, although it is called Deco E4R. The base of the case is made of white matte plastic. At the top there is a relief insert with ventilation holes, inside which there is an indicator, which is made in the form of the TP-Link company logo.
Below is the connector for the power adapter and the Reset button. And on the back there are two LAN / WAN ports.
An additional module, also known as Deco M3W, is also made of high-quality white plastic. In shape, it is like a regular repeater, maybe a little larger and heavier. The company logo and four indicators are applied on the front.
There are no ports on the amplifier, just one Reset button to reset the settings.
As for the assembly and the quality of the plastic, everything is at the highest level. TP-Link has no problem with this. They know how to do it. But the power supply of the main module would be better made in white. For example, like the Deco M4.
A very interesting solution for the home. Definitely better than a regular router and repeater. If it is not possible to use one router (insufficient Wi-Fi network coverage), then Mesh Wi-Fi system is the best solution in this case. And TP-Link Deco E3 is probably the most affordable option at the moment. Of course, it is not as powerful and efficient as other systems, which are several times more expensive. But as I wrote at the beginning of the article, it gives all the benefits of Mesh Wi-Fi technology.
