TP-Link Deco M4 is one of the most affordable Mesh Wi-Fi systems on the market. And if we consider a set of one module for purchase, then it will turn out even cheaper than a router with approximately the same characteristics. But in the case of Deco M4, we will always have the opportunity, if necessary, to buy another module and expand the Wi-Fi network. Well, get all the chips and benefits of Mesh Wi-Fi technology. If you are just choosing a system for creating a seamless Wi-Fi network, then I recommend first reading the review on TP-Link Deco M4. In this article, I will demonstrate the entire process of installing, connecting and configuring this system.
Deco M4, like other Mesh systems from TP-Link, is very easy to configure. The whole process of configuration and management is carried out through the "Deco" application. You can install it both on an iPhone or iPad, and on any Android device. In the app store, search for "TP-Link Deco" and install the application.
There is a QR code in the small instructions included in the kit. After scanning it from your phone or tablet, you can go straight to downloading the application. Install the application, but do not launch it yet. First, let's connect the Deco M4 module.
Setting up TP-Link Deco M4
First you need to unpack and connect the first module (you may have one). Plug in the power adapter and plug it into a power outlet. Connect the Internet to one of the LAN ports (directly from the provider, or from a modem).
When the module is booting, the indicator is amber. You need to wait a bit. When the indicator is blinking blue, the Deco module is ready for configuration. It may have already been configured and the indicator is not flashing blue. In this case, you need to reset the settings. To do this, press the Reset button (at the bottom of the module) and hold it for 10-15 seconds.
Launches the Deco application. If you already have a TP-Link ID account, then click on the "Login" button and enter it. If not, then click on the "Register" button and create an account. Then log in to the application.
Without closing the application, go to the settings of your mobile device and connect it to an open Wi-Fi network broadcast by the Deco M4 module. The network name (SSID) is indicated on the bottom of the module. Once connected, return to the Deco app and click on the "Let's get started" button.
Choose your system (M4) and follow the instructions for connecting the module. In the window with instructions for connecting to a modem, you can click "I do not have a modem" if the Internet in your case is connected directly to the module itself.
In the Internet connection settings, you need to select the correct connection type and set the necessary parameters. If you have a PPPoE connection, then you will need to specify the username and password provided by your ISP. And if L2TP, or PPTP, then in addition to the username and password, you also need to specify the server address. I have a Dynamic IP, there is no need to manually enter the settings.
The next step is to set up a Wi-Fi network. You need to come up with a network name and password, enter them in the appropriate fields and continue the configuration. When the message appears: "To continue the setup, connect your smartphone / tablet to the Deco Wi-Fi network", then go to the Wi-Fi settings on your device and connect to the network you just created. Using the set password.
Next, the TP-Link Deco M4 system will test the Internet connection. And if you have correctly set the connection parameters and there are no restrictions on the part of the provider, it will display a message that the connection has been established. Then it will offer to complete the setup, or configure the second Deco M4 module. You can start setting up the second module immediately, or in the program menu (see below).
The first Mesh Wi-Fi module is fully configured and ready to go.
Connecting the second Deco M4 module
If you have a set of spirit modules, then install the second module in another room, or on another floor and connect power to it. It should be installed in an area of stable Wi-Fi network coverage from the main unit.
In the application, click on the "+" button. We select our module, then we select the floor on which it is located and the room. Check if the indicator is blinking blue and click on the button "Deco indicator is blinking blue".
Next, the process of creating and optimizing the network will begin. Both modules will be united into one Wi-Fi network. After completing the configuration, click on the "Finish this" button. The main window of the Deco application will open.
TP-Link Wi-Fi Mesh Management
The app home page displays the connected devices. If you click on a device, you can enable "High priority" for it, or add it to the black list (by clicking on the three-dot menu).
And if you click on "Internet" on the main page, then we will see all the Deco modules that are in our network. After selecting a specific module, you can view its status on the network, change its location, reboot, or delete.
If you click on the "More" tab below, then the advanced settings will open. There you can change the Wi-Fi network settings, view the blacklist of devices, update the firmware of Deco modules, or change additional settings (including the settings for connecting to an Internet provider).
In the additional settings, I recommend only to enable the "Fast Roaming" function. If, after enabling this function, problems appear with connecting old devices to the Wi-Fi network, then disable it.
The configuration of the Mesh Wi-Fi system TP-Link Deco M4 from two modules is completed. If you need to connect a device to the Internet via a cable, then simply connect it to the module using the network cable that comes with the kit.
You can turn off the Deco M4 module, move it to another room, turn on the power and it will continue to work. You do not need to configure it again. The main thing is that it is within the range of the Wi-Fi network of the main module.
The Deco app can control the Mesh system remotely. Through the Internet. Your device does not need to be connected to your home Wi-Fi network.
