Customer QA Part II- How to choose Deco

----The information shared here is credited to the original community members and TP-Link moderators! 

 

If you want to know some common knowledge about Deco, you have come to the right place!

1. Can I use Deco along with my current ISP?

>Others also asked: Can Deco replace my modem or router?

Please refer to my other story here: Will Deco work with my ISP

 

 

2. What are the differences between different models of Deco?

Check the difference via Compare.

 

 

3. Can different Deco models work together?

Yes. But some advanced features might disappear in a mixed Mesh network. Click here-Q1 to see more details.

 

 

4. How can I connect My Deco units together?

• Wireless Backhaul (How wireless backhaul works)

Basically. it means the satellite Deco unit is able to wirelessly connect to other Mesh units to further extend the Mesh coverage.

• Ethernet Backhaul (General questions about Ethernet Backhaul)

It is always most recommended if the condition allows. Connecting Deco via cables or network switches is able to provide a more stable and faster internet connection.

• Powerline Backhaul (General Questions about the Powerline Backhaul)

Besides Wireless and Ethernet Backhaul, Deco P7 and P9 support powerline backhaul. If the wifi dead spot is beyond the wireless coverage and no Ethernet ports are nearby, powerline backhaul would be your third choice. It works by transmitting a network connection over the existing power cabling and outlets in your home.

 

 

5. How many units can be added?

• For Wi-Fi Backhaul Network:

All the Deco units are connected through a wireless connection. In this case, no more than 10 Deco units are recommended in the network to ensure Wi-Fi performance. Also, it's better to be no more than three hops in the networks.
Note: A Hop is a trip that a data packet is transferred from one Deco unit to another Deco unit.

• For an Ethernet Backhaul Network:

All the Deco units are connected directly through Ethernet cables or a network switch. And all the Deco units will communicate through the Ethernet connection without the Wi-Fi Backhaul connection.
In this case, you can add as many Deco units to the network. 

• For a Network Utilizing BOTH Wired and Wireless Backhauls:

Some Deco units are connected through Ethernet, while others are connected through Wi-Fi. In this case, no more than three consecutive Wi-Fi hops are in the network.
 

 

6. What are the differences among hardware versions, like V1/2/3?

 A user explained here and it is quite useful: Basically, the different components are used to achieve the same result. 

 

 

7. What's the difference among units in the same KIT?

They are the same and any of them could be set as the main unit connected to ISP.

 

 

8.  How do I control my Deco, via web UI or something else?

You have to download Deco APP via APP Story/Google Play on a smartphone and create a TP-Link account. 

 

If you want to more before investing in Deco, comment below and I'd love to find answers for you!