Today we will get acquainted with the TP-Link Deco M5 modular Mesh Wi-Fi system. Finally, these devices are on our market, and I had the opportunity to test and review them. In this article, I will try not only to tell you about the Mesh Wi-Fi system from TP-Link, but also to make speed measurements, compare it with a router paired with a Wi-Fi signal amplifier (repeater). I already talked about Deco M5 and the Mesh Wi-Fi technology itself in the article Wi-Fi Mesh systems - what is it and why is the future behind Mesh networks? But there I considered only the technical characteristics, since I did not yet have the system itself.
TP-Link Deco M5 is a modular Wi-Fi system with mesh technology. The advantage of this system and Mesh Wi-Fi technology is that we can build a Wi-Fi network from the required number of modules. And most importantly, the Deco M5 system modules interconnect wirelessly, without cables, and create a single Wi-Fi network with seamless roaming. This means that when you move between the modules of the Mesh system, your device will not lose its connection to the Internet for a second. Which is impossible to achieve when using a regular Wi-Fi router and repeater.
You can expand your Wi-Fi network at any time and increase the range by simply adding another module. The TP-Link Deco M5 is sold in three configurations: 1, 2, or 3 modules. If you have, for example, a two-room apartment, then you can purchase a set of two modules (perhaps even one will be enough). If, after setting it up, it turns out that not all apartments have coverage, then you can buy another module.
For large apartments and houses, such a system is just a godsend. Those who have already worn out with routers and repeaters in order to build one Wi-Fi network with a long range will understand me. Three Deco M5 modules provide coverage up to 510 m2. Two modules - up to 350 sq.m. According to my observations, one module covers the same area with a signal as the TP-Link Archer C2 router, but the speed is much higher (precisely with a weak signal). All modules are absolutely identical in characteristics and capabilities. That is, there is no main module in this system (like a router and repeater).
TP-Link Deco M5 Specifications
The modules of this system run on a 4-core processor. They have 32 MB of permanent memory and 256 MB of RAM. 4 built-in antennas are responsible for broadcasting the Wi-Fi signal. Powerful hardware provides high network bandwidth. The manufacturer promises to connect more than 100 devices at the same time.
Each module has two LAN / WAN ports. Gigabit ports (speed up to 1000 Mbps). The Internet can be connected to any port on any module.
Wi-Fi with support for dual bands (5 GHz and 2.4 GHz). 802.11 ac standard support. Speed: up to 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz. The work of Wi-Fi in two bands is very cool. One network, one password. But the device connects to the network using the fastest standard available (which the device itself supports). If the Wi-Fi module in the device does not support 5 GHz, then it will connect to the network at 2.4 GHz.
There is support for MU-MIMO, AP Steering, Beamforming, Band Steering and Auto Path Selection technologies.
The main features of TP-Link Deco M5:
- No "blind spots". Stable Wi-Fi coverage throughout the house. If there is a bad signal in some rooms, or you decide to organize a Wi-Fi network in the yard, garage, gazebo, etc., then just buy another Deco M5 module, connect it in a minute and you're done.
- Seamless Wi-Fi network. No breakage at the time of automatic switching between modules. Just one Wi-Fi network. It's like you have one router installed that provides perfect coverage to every corner of your home.
- Very easy setup via the beautiful Deco app. Through this application, we connect all the modules in turn and can control the Mesh Wi-Fi system. I showed the TP-Link Deco M5 setup process in the article installing and configuring the Mesh Wi-Fi of the TP-Link Deco M5 system.
- TP-Link HomeCare support. This system ensures the security of our network. There is a built-in antivirus, parental control and QoS (data prioritization) system.
- Stylish appearance of the modules themselves. They are quite similar to ordinary and already boring routers.
Despite the fact that the Deco M5 mesh Wi-Fi system is stuffed with various new technologies, functions and consists of modules, it is a very simple device. Simpler and more straightforward installation and configuration process compared to conventional routers. I'm not even talking about the router + repeater bundle.
Package contents and appearance of TP-Link Deco M5
It has been a long time since I unpacked devices that are so interesting, unusual and thoughtfully packed. Deco M5 (3-pack) comes in a small package.
We open it and observe such beauty.
Beneath the Deco M5 modules are beautifully packaged power adapters, a network cable and instructions.
This is how the TP-Link Deco M5 package of three modules looks like.
Power adapters, cables, modules themselves - everything is done very well. Very good plastic and build quality. Cool design. Nice to unpack and connect.
The modules themselves are made entirely of white plastic. The top and bottom are matte and the sides are glossy. At the top is one indicator that can be lit / blinking yellow, green, blue and red depending on the status of the device.
On the side there are two LAN ports (any of them can work as a WAN) and a power connector.
There are cooling holes on the bottom, a sticker with information about the device and a Reset button. There are rubber feet, thanks to which the device does not slip on the table.
Decoration of any interior, which is also distributed by Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi coverage, connection speed, comparison with a router
I tested everything in an ordinary three-room apartment, where I compared the speed of Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. If we consider one module of the TP-Link Deco M5 system, then in terms of performance, Wi-Fi network speed and coverage, it is approximately like a good router from the middle price range. Which costs about the same as the Deco M5 (1-pack).
According to the tariff, I have a speed of 100 Mbps, but when I connected the cable directly to my laptop, I got the following results:
Most likely this speed is due to a bad network card in the laptop, or settings (since I have to change them often). I didn't understand.
First, I took speed measurements on the iPhone X through a TP-Link Archer C2 router. In three different places: in the hallway (near the router), in the kitchen and in the bedroom. In the 5 GHz band, these are the results:
As you can see, when the signal is weak, the speed drops very much.
In the 2.4 GHz band, through the same router and in the same place, I got the following results:
All the same, in the 2.4 GHz band the signal is stronger, and the speed in some cases is even higher than in the 5 GHz band.
Then I connected the Internet to TP-Link Deco M5. I set up the system via TP-Link Deco app and connected another module. But since the apartment is not very large, even one module of this Mesh Wi-Fi system provides good coverage and speed. With the same signal level, the speed through the Deco M5 was higher compared to the router. The coverage of the Wi-Fi network, of course, increased after the installation of the second module, but this practically did not affect the speed. Perhaps in the farthest corners of the rooms. It is very important here to choose the correct location of the Wi-Fi Mesh modules. So that there is a good connection between them and together they give the maximum coverage of the Wi-Fi network.
This is the speed I have through TP-Link Deco M5 (in the same rooms: corridor (near the module itself), kitchen, bedroom):
I also took measurements on a laptop (via Wi-Fi), and there the speed is even higher. I don't really like all these measurements and comparisons of speed, coverage, etc. I rarely do this. There are many nuances and various external factors that affect the speed and coverage of a wireless network. If you measure the speed on the same equipment but in a different place, then the results can be very different. Also, the results can be completely different if you measure the connection speed on another device.
I think it is still possible to compare a Wi-Fi router and one Mesh Wi-Fi system module. But it makes no sense to compare several modules and a bundle of router + repeater. With the help of Wi-Fi amplifiers, you will not be able to build such a large, stable and fast Wi-Fi network, as can be done with the TP-Link Deco M5. Last but not least, it will be a seamless Wi-Fi network. And in terms of cost, a good router and several repeaters are unlikely to be cheaper than a Mesh system. Moreover, these systems have just begun to appear on the market, and their prices should fall.
TP-Link Deco M5 is a very cool system inside and out. From packaging to a user-friendly application for customization and management.
