A stable Wi-Fi signal with wide coverage and high speed is real if you use several peer-to-peer routers connected to one network. Just such a set came to our editorial office — a Wi-Fi system from TP-Link with Mesh support. We have already talked about what Mesh is, and now we will get acquainted with the technology in detail using the example of the Deco M5 model.
How it works?
Deco M5 is not a simple signal amplifier or repeater. Each module of the system is a full-fledged router, which is part of a mesh mesh network. Routers connect wirelessly and distribute Wi-Fi, increasing the coverage area. As a result, several modules create a seamless network with a stable signal anywhere in your apartment or office. A set of three Deco M5 routers is designed for rooms up to 500 sq. m and allows you to connect up to 100 devices to the network.
Deco M5 routers are powered by quad-core processors coupled with 32 MB of permanent and 256 MB of RAM. Each router is equipped with four antennas and simultaneously creates two networks in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. The data transfer rate is up to 400 Mbps and up to 867 Mbps respectively.
All modules belong to the same network and determine for themselves in which range it is better to broadcast the signal. You don’t have to switch the range manually — the network itself will find the fastest channel. At the same time, all routers in the network are equal and identical, and if you add or remove a module, the network is automatically rebuilt.
The main advantages of modular mesh— networks:
- Large coverage area: a wide range allows you to spread Wi-Fi even in multi-storey buildings with many walls and partitions.
- High Data Rate: unlike repeaters, individual mesh routers do not slow down Wi-Fi speeds. The main thing is that the modules are in the coverage area of related routers.
- Unified network Wi—fi: each router broadcasts a signal on the same network with the same SSID (name) and password. Thus, even a very large area can be covered with one seamless Wi-Fi network.
Setting up a Wi-Fi system TP-Link Deco M5
WLAN-modules Deco M5 make a good impression even when unpacked — they are compact and neat devices with a discreet design. They are round (diameter 120 mm, height 38 mm) and somewhat resemble small flying saucers. The case of each module is made of matte white plastic with a glossy finish on the side. The Reset button, plastic legs and ventilation holes are hidden on the bottom panel of the router.
Each module has three connectors: for two gigabit Ethernet and power. You can connect a network cable to any port. All routers work from the network, and one of the modules connects directly to the Internet. The operating mode can be recognized by the state of the diode in the center of the device — if it is green, then the Wi-Fi network is working successfully.
To configure the system, the manufacturer suggests using not the usual web interface, but the TP-Link Deco smartphone application. The program will guide you through all the setup steps and help you quickly launch your Wi-Fi network.
During the connection process, you need to activate Bluetooth on your smartphone to communicate with the router, set the name and password of the new wireless network, and connect other modules to it. It is enough to carry out the basic settings on the «mother» device — it is enough to connect the other two routers to the same network, and the parameters will be copied automatically.
After creating a network, you can see a list of devices connected to it. In our case, this is only a Huawei smartphone. Additional features of TP-Link Deco M5 are also available in the app. There is an antivirus and a fairly advanced parental control mode: you can restrict your child’s access to certain content, set the time for the general stay on the network and the end time when Wi-Fi is not available to a curious child.
Wi-Fi speed after connecting TP-Link Deco M5
First, we connected one Deco M5 module to the modem and measured the speed in different places of the apartment: next to the router, behind the wall in the next room and in the bathroom — behind two thick walls from the device. The Internet speed on our tariff is quite modest — 40 Mbps, and therefore it is especially important that it does not sag in the remote corners of the apartment. First, we measured the speed of a wired connection by connecting the router directly to the computer.
Further, speed measurements were carried out in the Speedtest application for Android. Results after connecting the first router.
 Within a radius of 1 m, without obstacles |
 Within a radius of 5 m, 1 wall |
 Within a radius of 7 m, 2 walls |
As can be seen from the results, the speed decreases with increasing distance from the router. However, after connecting the second module, the situation changed for the better.
 Within a radius of 1 m, without obstacles |
 Within a radius of 5 m, 1 wall |
 Within a radius of 7 m, 2 walls |
Oddly enough, but the speed within a radius of 5 m was higher than in the immediate vicinity of the router. The fact is that after adding the second module, an intersection of coverage zones formed in this place — and the wall, which in the first case cut the speed, ceased to affect the signal quality.
Who is the TP-Link Deco M5 Wi-Fi system suitable for?
Mesh will be an excellent solution for deploying a wireless network in a large home or office. Wi-Fi system TP-Link Deco M5 is available in three configurations: you can buy one, two or three modules. The number of routers depends on the size and height of the room in which you want to create a network. In a city apartment up to 100 sq. m enough to install one or two routers. In an office or a two-story house — all three. By the way, the Deco M5 has a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, which includes free service.
Detailed specifications of the Wi-Fi system from TP-Link
Read also:
- Perfect WiFi Everywhere: Mesh Networks Deliver Fast WLAN Communication
- Routing at home: how to choose a router?
Author: Olga Dmitrieva
