How do you choose a TP-Link Deco mesh router?
What kind of data plan do you have?
Every data plan has a maximum data speed. Do you have DSL, cable, or a fiber optics data plan up to 1000Mbps? Choose a router with at least 1Gbps speed via the Ethernet port. With a data plan with 2000Mbps, choose a router with 2.5Gbps ports. With faster data plans, choose 10Gbps ports and get the most out of your data plan.
Which WiFi standard do you choose?
To make the choice for a router easier, there are 3 WiFi standards that Deco routers comply with. WiFi 6 is the oldest standard of the 3, WiFi 6E is newer and WiFi 7 is the latest standard. WiFi 6 routers ensure a stable connection, as long as you don't connect too many devices to every station. WiFi 6E Deco routers use an extra frequency band, so you can connect devices close to your station. This way, you always have a stable connection and fast internet close to the routers. With WiFi 7 routers, you have fast and stable internet everywhere.
What do you use internet for?
Think about what you use internet for when you choose your router. Do you use the router for your work? You'll use less data than when you stream a movie or when you have an online meeting. You need a more stable connection in that case, so your movie won't suddenly stop. For the most stable connection, place your router in a way that it has sight of your television. Do you game? You need a higher maximum speed. Check what you need for your favorite games. Choose a router with a speed that's high enough via the highest frequency band.
What kind of house do you have?
Your house and its surroundings impact your internet speed. For example, do you have many neighbors? You're probably bothered by the internet connections of the houses next to you. Choose a WiFi 6E or WiFi 7 router, so you're not bothered by lags. Do you have floor heating? Your ceiling lowers the speed of your router even more. You reduce this effect if you place the Deco routers directly above each other on every floor. So, get a mesh station for every floor.
How many Deco stations do you need?
You need a mesh router on every floor, it doesn't matter which model you choose. That's because the connection with other devices than Deco stations slows down between floors due to the thick floor. The basic model of the TP-Link Deco has 2 antennas. Thanks to this, the range on 1 floor is 60m2. Deco routers with 4 antennas like the X60 have a range of about 90m2. Choose Deco routers with 8 antennas when you have a larger house. You can choose a Deco model with less antennas than you need. In that case, place an extra station on the first floor for a larger range.
What wired speed do you need?
TP-Link Deco routers also have Ethernet ports in addition to a fast wireless connection. With this, you can create a wired connection with your most important devices. Each device that you connect with a cable won't make a wireless connection to your mesh stations. The connection is more stable this way. You can also connect the mesh stations wired to each other. Thanks to this, your wireless connection is as stable as possible. The disadvantage is that you'll have to pull a wire through your house. You'll also need enough Ethernet cables.
