TP-Link Deco AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System(Deco X55) - Covers up to 6500 Sq.Ft. , Replaces Wireless Router and Extender, 3 Gigabit ports per unit, supports Ethernet Backhaul (3-pack)

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Review AI Summary

Customers find the WiFi mesh system easy to configure with a good app interface for installation, and report it works flawlessly with strong signal throughout the house and no lagging issues. Moreover, the system is reliable, having been in use for almost a year, and provides excellent coverage. However, connectivity experiences are mixed, with some customers reporting reliable connections while others experience disconnections. Additionally, the app quality receives mixed feedback, with some praising it while others find it useless for troubleshooting.

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  E. Butcher

  

  Apr 7, 2023

  Highly recommended upgrade for those looking to increase their wireless speeds with several connected devices. I thought it wouldn't be much of an improvement over my DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem/router + Wifi extender, which appeared to be significantly throttling my bandwidth, but mesh Wifi is in fact different and more effective at extending range and providing speed consistency throughout the home. Why I purchased: I decided to try a mesh network as we were having some issues with streaming video quality, such as blurry/pixilated picture on our streaming TV, or buffering/loading on tablets or other devices playing video. A couple suspected reasons for these bandwidth issues were ethernet connected computer(s), use of a Wifi extender, and/or a Wifi security camera at the extent of the Wifi signal range that were reducing the connection quality of the other devices mentioned. Improvements after installing: One main issue I was seeing was an outdoor security camera that had a weak signal was having trouble staying connected. On my smartphone, I also had trouble staying connected to my Wifi when standing next to the camera outside. After installing this system, I have a strong signal throughout the house and near this camera, and speed tests indicate a much faster connection speed than before. There was a +50 Mbps jump in the upstairs far corner of the house. The security camera also remained connected much more reliably. I thought that it wouldn't be possible to still get a great signal across the house, figuring there was no way connecting through a satellite would provide any kind of decent speed, but it does! My understanding is that the software for this system is able to appropriately manage consistency of connections (through all connection points), so there is in fact an advanced capability over older routers to keep speeds high regardless of distance from the main router. Setup: Installing this system took less than 10 minutes to be fully up and running - very easy plug-and-play. May take 20 or 30 minutes for someone not as savvy.. but between the app and the automatic connections between the routers, it couldn't have been easier, and very difficult to mess up. Simply connect an ethernet cable from your modem to the main router (each of the 3 units is the same), connect the power cable, then download the app on your smartphone. In the app, after some brief setup steps (includes creating an account), the main step is to connect to the router through the on-screen prompts. From there, you can name your wireless network and password. Connecting the other 2 satellite routers: Place them within a reasonable distance from the main router (~20-30 feet/1-2 rooms away), then plug in to power. Wait ~2 minutes and done! The whole system was live and wirelessly connected through the main router. I couldn't believe it. In my relatively square-shaped house with the main router on one far side, I was able to place the 3 routers in a triangular pattern, where both satellites are about equal distance from the main router in the middle of the house (about 20 feet each). If your router is in the middle of your home, you may want to place the satellites at either end. I believe a daisy chain (main router at one end like I have, then 2 satellites in a line across the house) is also an option for larger, more expansive homes to maximize the range. I didn't test the daisy chain, but I'd expect diminishing speed at the far end (although one may be surprised based on my observations so far with the management of the traffic at farther distances). While at the far end of my house and running a speed test, I can't tell that I'm not connected to my main router as the speed is still very good. The daisy chain may slightly differ, but can't say for sure. 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz networks: Wait, you don't need to set up 2 different networks?? The app basically eliminates all complexity over traditional router setup apps, making the setup choices totally accessible for anyone of any networking skill level. In the app, there is an option to broadcast 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz only, or 5 GHz only. I remained on the first option as I needed support for 2.4 GHz-only devices. Otherwise, 5 GHz would be fine and preferred for everything (supports faster speeds). Apparently, the single network name/password automatically creates a dual band setup, if choosing both. Devices that connect apparently are favored to the optimal band - frankly, I don't know the details there, but would assume 5 GHz connects first over 2.4, unless only compatible with 2.4. Refurbished vs. New: No difference here. If you want to save a little money, refurbished is a good option for you. The box came with everything in it including an ethernet cable as if it were new. As far as condition, there were a few scuffs on the units, but nothing terrible. I could almost rub off any blemishes. I'm not looking at them anyway. Overall, highly recommended for those looking to make the leap to a mesh network, or debating whether mesh is just all hype (it's not with this system).

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  Peter

  

  Mar 20, 2023

  We have a long house (4,000 sq. feet) and because my modem was at one end we have used range extenders to reach TVs and computers at the other end. My son works in sales from home and required a faster and more stable connection than he had in his office at the far end from my modem. We decided to install a mesh WIFI system and chose TP-link's Deco S4 (3-pack). Once up and running (easy) we weren't able to achieve a faster speed than the range extenders. Although, things were slightly better in coverage and stability. After reading a lot about do's and don'ts of mesh WIFI systems we decided to return the Deco S4 and get the Deco AX3000 X55 (3-pack) system. Here are the early results: 1. My son's speed more than doubled to 535 Mbps, which is almost the same speed I get being directly connected to the modem at the other end of the house. In other words the rated speed that our ISP sold us. 2. The TVs haven't buffered even though we use streaming exclusively on 3 sets. Plus we have mobile phones and other assorted gadgets that use the internet. 3. My wife's PC, even farther than my son's, is getting almost double the speed (145 Mbps) that it got with the S4 and triple the speed she received from the range extenders. 4. Very easy setup via the mobile app. Here are some of the reasons why the newest mesh system is better from a technical perspective: 1. The AX3000 is rated at double the speed of the S4 (at less than double the cost on Amazon using their coupon). 2. The AX3000 has a maximum of 6500 sq. feet of coverage vs. 5500 sq. feet for the S4. 3. The AX3000 is WIFI 6 vs. WIFI 5 on the S4. This means a 50% increase in "streams" providing greater functionality and speed because there are more paths to the base station router. One of the x55s (base station) sits next to our ISP's modem and the other two are set up as satellites at the other ends of the house. Satellites can be connect via ethernet cable (called a backhaul) if you have cable already installed in some rooms. This should increase the throughput. Unfortunately, we weren't able to do this. 4. The AX3000 is smaller than the S4 and thus doesn't stand out as much. This is not a technical issue, however we plan to mount two of the units on the wall with wall mounts that can be purchased separately. The S4 is almost twice as tall so may tip out of the mounts easier. Plus the cord and charger is white rather than black so doesn't stand out as much. 5. Other systems are faster and cover more area, but are significantly more expensive for a 3-pack. Also most use WIFI 6E, which we don't need because we're in a single family home. I understand WIFI 6E comes with those systems because it's good for people in large apartment buildings. It's not faster but does have a third band in the 6 Ghz range which WIFI 6 does not. Update: I have had trouble connecting our solar panel gateway to the new system. Our solar system installer suggested connecting to the 2.4 Ghz band because or WIFI is now mesh. I didn't know we had that capability until I read an earlier post by another happy user. I will now research how to do this.

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