TPLink Deco M5 WiFi Router Review

Introduction

In today’s increasingly connected world, reliable and fast Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Whether you’re working from home, streaming videos, or simply browsing the web, a strong wireless connection is crucial for seamless connectivity and enjoyment. Enter the TPLink Deco M5, a whole-home mesh WiFi system that promises to deliver exceptional coverage and performance for your entire household. The Deco router is a series of tp link routers with very special hardware and software capabilities that can create high-quality and seamless WiFi network for your home or workplace.

Unboxing and Package Content

When you open the box , you’re greeted by a well-organized layout of all the components you’ll need to set up your network. The router itself is a sleek and compact device, measuring just 4 inches in height and width. It comes in a minimalist white design that will seamlessly blend into any home décor. The package also includes the following:

• Three Deco M5 Mesh Units: The heart of the mesh network consists of these three units, each of which provides reliable and consistent Wi-Fi coverage for up to 1,500 square feet.
• Power Adapters: Each unit requires a power adapter to operate. These adapters are included in the package and are neatly tucked away in their designated compartments.
• Ethernet Cables: Two Ethernet cables are provided for connecting the Deco units directly to each other or to other wired devices, such as a modem or computer. This allows you to hardwire certain devices for optimal performance and reliability.
• Quick-start Guide: This concise guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up your mesh network. It covers the basic setup process and helps you get started quickly and easily.

Performance and Coverage

The TPLink Deco M5 delivers impressive performance, providing consistent and reliable coverage throughout your home. The dual-band design with AC1300 speeds ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, from smartphones and laptops to smart TVs and game consoles. With a single Deco M5 unit, you can expect coverage of up to 1,500 square feet. However, to achieve maximum coverage, TP-Link recommends using a three-pack, which expands the coverage area to an impressive 4,000 square feet.

Features and Security

The TPLink Deco M5 is packed with features that enhance your Wi-Fi experience. Parental controls allow you to manage internet access for specific devices and set time limits for online activities. Quality of Service (QoS) ensures that bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming or gaming receive priority, while guest Wi-Fi creates a separate network for visitors, keeping your personal data secure.

In terms of security, It is equipped with TP-Link HomeCare, which provides advanced protection against online threats. This comprehensive security suite includes features like antivirus protection, parental controls, and web filtering, ensuring that your network and connected devices are safeguarded from malware and cyber attacks.

Mesh Network and WiFi Roaming

The Deco M5 is a mesh Wi-Fi system, which means that multiple Deco units work together to form a single, unified network. This eliminates dead zones and ensures that you always have strong Wi-Fi coverage, regardless of where you are in your home.

One of the key benefits of Deco mesh WiFi is that it provides seamless WiFi roaming. This means that your devices will automatically switch between Deco units as you move around your home, without any interruption in your internet connection. You won’t have to worry about losing your Wi-Fi signal when you move from room to room, or even when you go outside. Read more : What is WiFi Roaming ?

Whole-Home IoT Coverage and Self-Healing

Whole-home IoT coverage, which means that you can connect all of your smart home devices (WiFi, Bluetooth and Zigbee) to a single network. This is convenient because it allows you to control all of your devices from one place.

Self-healing technology, means that if one of the Deco units fails, or if its signal quality degrades, the other Deco units will automatically take over and ensure that your Wi-Fi connection remains uninterrupted. Look at the picture below, here the Mesh Point 2 fails and the mesh system intelligently sends the users’ traffic from the Route D->C , ( instead of Route A->B )  to the Main Router .

The Mesh system intelligently controls and manages the entire network and communication paths (Routes) between Mesh Points and the Mesh Router. It also chooses the best path (Route) for user communication to the Mesh Router.

Setup Process and Management

The setup process is remarkably simple, thanks to the TP-Link Deco app. Simply download the app, connect the first Deco unit to your modem, and follow the on-screen instructions. The app guides you through the process of adding additional Deco units, creating a seamless mesh network that blankets your entire home with strong Wi-Fi.

Parental Control and QoS

The TPLink Deco M5 prioritizes the well-being of your family by incorporating robust parental control features. You can create separate profiles for each family member and grant them access to specific websites and content. Additionally, you can limit their online activity time and set usage schedules. With QoS capability, you can allocate bandwidth to individual devices, ensuring that critical tasks receive priority.

Conclusion

The TPLink Deco M5 WiFi router emerges as a top contender in the mesh Wi-Fi market. Its combination of ease of use, strong performance, comprehensive security features, and parental controls makes it an ideal choice for homes of all sizes. With its ability to provide seamless coverage, uninterrupted streaming, and secure connectivity, the Deco M5 is the perfect solution for anyone seeking a reliable and efficient Wi-Fi network. After performing technical and specialized tests, we give this router a score of 9 out of 10.