The house went from being a place to rest and entertain to a space dedicated predominantly to productivity. This led users to make all kinds of adjustments —from buying a webcam for video conferencing to acquiring a more comfortable desk chair— to best respond to the new reality. Those who needed to improve their local Wi-Fi connection turned to see everything from extenders to mesh-type systems. Within the latter, we had the opportunity to test the TP-Link Deco M4 for a couple of weeks, so here are our first impressions.
Before, it was worth knowing what a mesh system is. It is a router that connects to the internet provider’s modem, allowing the former to communicate with other routers distributed in different rooms. The advantage is that several wireless networks are not created, only one that extends to all corners. In other words, the user does not have to worry about looking for the one that gives him the best coverage in a shared room.
Its name is because each router works as a node of a large mesh, which not only contributes to having a more powerful signal but also a stable one.
In the case of the product we tested, two routers come in the purchase package —anyone can be connected to the central modem—although it is possible to choose an option with more elements or add more in the future.
Differences with an extender
We have tested some Wi-Fi extenders, and there are several conclusions that we can draw about it.
An extender can also be connected directly to the modem or wirelessly to extend the signal considerably; there is no denying that.
But, like the modem, the extender loses power, especially in the farthest rooms. Also, the signal is less stable, which can be a problem when making video calls in a bedroom, for example.
For those who live in an apartment with a couple of rooms, opt for an extender (its capacities are sufficient for such a space). The ideal will be a mesh system if you have a larger house or one spread over more than one level.
Other benefits of TP-Link Deco M4
As another of its most outstanding attractions, the Chinese manufacturer’s mesh system activates the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands on the same network. Although the latter is less congested, not all devices are compatible with it.
Tp-link
In this way, the user will not have to change the network for the one stronger or compatible with their cell phone or computer in each room; the Deco M4 does it automatically.
From the mobile application, you can also see all the computers connected to the network, indicate which devices are of high priority, add other administrators and establish parental control, among other options.
“Parental controls allow you to filter content, limit time spent online, and check internet history. Start by creating unique profiles for your family members,” reads the description of this tool.
In our opinion, the app could be more intuitive. However, it responds well to the different needs of users, from those who are just looking to increase the power of the local network to those who have children and want to put restrictions.
In conclusion, TP-Link Deco M4 is more than a viable option, especially if the home has become the center of work operations or has seen the number of devices needing to be connected to the network at the same time grow considerably.
First steps
Before connecting any device, it is necessary to download the TP-Link Deco application. This mobile development goes hand in hand with configuring each of the components of the mesh system.
Tp-link
The purchase package comes with an Ethernet cable, allowing any of the Chinese firm’s routers to be connected to the modem. Also included are the eliminators that feed energy into these.
Once the main router is configured, the application will ask if you want to add another one. In our case, we said yes.
The thing to keep in mind is that a single piece of equipment can significantly strengthen the wireless network in a single two- or three-bedroom apartment. For multi-level homes, it may be necessary to consider at least one additional router.
What do we mean by “strengthen”? An example can be: while the Internet provider’s modem offered us the basics for streaming, a speed of 10 Mbps – even though we were not that far from it – the network created by the TP-Link system gave us 48 Mbps, a number that was maintained even when we separated from the primary router. The final speed may be higher, but it depends on your internet package.
The exciting thing is that this speed is replicated in the different nodes (routers) distributed in the different levels of the home —in our case, the ground floor and first level—which creates that unique mesh or network sensation.