Deco Archer/Deco 5G routers support 5G SA and NSA?

The short answer is yes: all Archer and Deco 5G routers support both 5G standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) modes.

To explain it further:

Non-Standalone 5G networks are the first version of a 5G network, built on an existing 4G core network infrastructure.  While 5G standalone, also called 5G+ by some mobile service providers has its dedicated 5G equipment and network functionalities. 5G NSA serves as a transitional phase from 4G LTE to 5G Standalone. To accelerate the deployment of the 5G networks, many mobile services have utilized their existing 4G network infrastructure to deliver 5G services to end users more quickly and cost-effectively. However, all operators are aware that the deployment of a Non-Standalone (NSA) network is merely a temporary solution and that the implementation of a 5G Standalone network will eventually happen. 

***For a more detailed comparison, please refer to Standalone Mode vs. Non-Standalone Mode in 5G 
 

Some useful tips for 5G NSA network on Archer/Deco 5G routers

• Use 5G/4G/3G Network Mode, instead of 5G only mode.

For Archer NX200 and NX600, if it’s set to “5G only mode”, the SIM service is required to be 5G SA only.
The “5G/4G/3G” mode on Archer routers and “5G preferred” Mode on Deco X50-5G allow routers to prioritize connecting to the 5G signal first. If a 5G signal is not detected or the connection fails, the router will sequentially attempt to connect to 4G and then 3G, which is the most recommended mode for most SIM operators and the default network mode for TP-LINK 4G/5G routers.

• Set the Band Search to Auto.

On the Archer NX200/NX600, if your current SIM service Is 5G NSA, under 5G band search, it might fail to detect the available bands even the one that is currently working on the router. The reason is quite similar to the “5G only” mode and “5G band search” is only working for 5G NA service, which is planned to be optimized along with further firmware upgrades. Please stay tuned!
For Deco X50-5G, please test if the 1.2.1 beta here-Deco X50-5G_V1_1.2.1 with IoT and CPU Optimization helps.