TP-Link Deco Wi-Fi 7: A Comprehensive Review

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The TP-Link Deco Wi-Fi 7 is a powerful mesh network system designed to provide seamless coverage and fast speeds. It's a great option for large homes or offices with multiple devices connected.

With its Wi-Fi 7 technology, the Deco can reach speeds of up to 30 Gbps, making it one of the fastest mesh systems on the market. This means you can enjoy lag-free streaming and online gaming.

The Deco system is easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly app that guides you through the process. It's also expandable, allowing you to add more nodes as needed to ensure complete coverage.

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Key Features

Wi-Fi 7 can increase your local network speed several times over, with transmission speeds in the multi-gigabit-per-second territory.

This is achieved through triple frequency bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, which can be used simultaneously by your receiver. This allows for more efficient data transmission and a doubling of bandwidth per data stream compared to Wi-Fi 6e.

With Wi-Fi 7, you can enjoy faster 8K video streaming, VR and AR experiences, and huge data dumps without any lag. The increased channel bandwidth from 160 to 320 MHz also helps to improve data transmission efficiency.

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Expandable Features

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The TP-Link Deco system is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use mesh network. The system works like any other mesh system, with the app giving you basic control over network and Wi-Fi settings.

One of the key features of the Deco system is its expandable features. The app allows you to access the essentials, such as port forwarding and address reservations, to QoS settings and Wi-Fi security. You can also manage everything from the app, with the router having a web interface that contains status and network information.

The Deco system also has a guest network function, basic parental controls, media content filters, and a surf/sleep schedule. This can be upgraded to more detailed control for a fee. Additionally, there's an extended security layer you can buy with intrusion protection and router-level blocking of malicious websites.

Here are some of the key features you can access from the app:

  • Port forwarding
  • Address reservations
  • QoS settings
  • Wi-Fi security
  • Guest network function
  • Basic parental controls
  • Media content filters
  • Surf/sleep schedule

The Deco system is also designed to be easy to use, with a simple setup process that can be completed in just three easy steps.

VPN Support

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Deco allows devices in your home network to access remote VPN servers without needing to install VPN software on every device. This feature is especially useful for protecting your online activities when using public Wi-Fi.

You can create different VPN connection types with Deco, including OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec VPN. This flexibility is a major advantage over other devices that may only support one type of VPN connection.

Deco can run both the VPN and ordinary internet connections at the same time, delivering security and flexibility. This means you can browse the internet securely while still having access to regular internet speeds.

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Streaming and Performance

The Deco WiFi 7 system offers seamless streaming when moving between rooms, thanks to its AI-Roaming technology and advanced algorithms.

You can enjoy uninterrupted streaming at the fastest possible speeds, even when walking through your home.

With a unified network and a single network name, you can easily move between rooms without dropping your connection.

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The system's sophisticated algorithms ensure a smooth and stable connection, even in busy households.

The Deco BE68 Mesh Wi-Fi System supports up to 16 simultaneous streams, a significant improvement over the previous eight streams.

Here are some key performance features of the Deco WiFi 7 system:

  • Up to 14 Gbps Wi-Fi speeds
  • Up to 5 Gbps Wi-Fi 7 speed
  • 10 Gbps wired performance
  • Up to 1.6 Gbps wireless speed

The Deco WiFi 7 system also offers a 10 Gbps WAN/LAN port, a 2.5 Gbps WAN/LAN port, and a gigabit WAN/LAN port for blazing-fast wired connections.

You can plug your PCs, smart TVs, or game consoles into the ports for fast and reliable connections.

The system's USB port allows you to set up file servers on SMB or FTP, and even run Time Machine if you have a Mac.

Mesh Networking and Setup

Mesh networking and setup with the TP-Link Deco is a breeze. You can connect to a modem and power on both devices.

The setup process starts with downloading and launching the Deco app, available for both Androids and iOS. The app guides you through the process with in-app instructions.

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Credit: youtube.com, Simple Setup for the TP-Link Deco BE-65 PRO Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System – Tech Tips from Best Buy

To get started, you'll need to create a TP-Link account, which doubles as the mesh network's administrative password. You'll also need to add a room name and specify the type of internet connection you have.

The app will then ask you to add LAN names for the combo 2.4 and 5GHz network as well as the 6GHz network. Unfortunately, there's no option for combining all three into a single network name.

The setup process is relatively quick, taking around eight minutes to complete, which is less than half the time for comparable Orbi gear.

Consider reading: Do I Need Wifi 7

Setup

Setting up a mesh network can seem daunting, but it's actually quite straightforward. The TP-Link Deco BE85 is a great example of this, with a simple and easy-to-follow setup process.

The first step is to plug in the device and power it on, which will get the LED glowing yellow and then pulsing blue, indicating it's ready for the app-based setup process. This is available for both Android and iOS devices.

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You'll need to create a TP-Link account with a password that will also serve as the mesh network's administrative password. This is a one-time step, and it's worth noting that you'll also need to connect your device to the default network printed underneath the device.

The app will then guide you through the setup process, asking for the type of internet connection you have and the LAN names for the 2.4 and 5GHz networks, as well as the 6GHz network. Unfortunately, you won't be able to combine all three into a single network name.

Here's a quick rundown of the steps involved:

  • Connect to the default network
  • Create a TP-Link account
  • Choose your internet connection type
  • Add LAN names for each network

The entire process takes less than eight minutes, which is impressive considering some comparable mesh networking devices can take twice as long.

Private IoT Network for Security

Setting up a separate WiFi network for your IoT devices is a great way to boost security. This is because IoT devices can be a vulnerable entry point for hackers.

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By creating a private network, you can isolate your IoT devices and prevent them from accessing your main home network. This adds an extra layer of protection.

Using advanced WPA3 encryption is also crucial for securing your IoT devices. This encryption method is more secure than previous versions and can help prevent unauthorized access.

A private IoT network can be set up using a mesh networking system, which allows you to extend your network coverage and keep your devices connected.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Wifi 7 Devices List

Design and Availability

The TP-Link Deco BE85 is available at Best Buy and Amazon, with a hefty price tag of $1,500 for the three-piece kit that covers 9,600 square feet.

You can also opt for a two-pack for $1,000, which is still a significant investment. Single units will be available by late summer, but the price is expected to come down once cheaper alternatives emerge.

The Deco BE85 is priced similarly to Netgear's Orbi RBKE963, which uses Wi-Fi 6e, making it one of the most expensive home networking equipment options around.

Pricing and Availability

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The TP-Link Deco BE85 kit is available at Best Buy and Amazon, and it's a pricey one, costing $1,500 for the three-piece set that can cover 9,600 square feet.

You can also get a two-pack for $1,000, and single units are expected to be available by late summer.

The Deco BE85 is on par with Netgear's Orbi RBKE963 in terms of pricing, and it's one of the most expensive home networking equipment options around.

It's worth noting that this is the first Wi-Fi 7 mesh kit, and its price is likely to come down in the future with the emergence of lower-cost alternatives.

Design

The Deco BE85's design is a departure from the usual mesh kit aesthetics, with its white cylindrical towers featuring a large "7" on the front. Each unit measures 5.0 x 5.0 x 9.2 inches, making them one of the larger home networking devices available.

The Deco BE85's design is sleek and modern, with a single LED bar underneath that indicates the network status. This LED bar is so subtle that it can be easy to miss during the day, but it's easy to turn off in the Deco app if you prefer a more minimalist look.

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The Deco BE85 has eight amplified antennas inside each unit, which helps to create a strong and reliable network. The tri-band router supports the 2.4-, 5.0-, and 6.0GHz bands, and can move 12 independent data streams.

The Deco BE85 is designed to take advantage of the latest Wi-Fi 7 technologies, including Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and ultra-wide 320MHz data channels. However, you'll need a Wi-Fi 7 client device, like the OnePlus 11 phone, to take full advantage of these features.

The Deco BE85 has a number of ports, including a pair of 10Gbps broadband inputs and two 2.5Gbps connectors. There's also a Type A USB port for plugging in a storage drive that can be accessed across the network.

Review and Verdict

The TP-Link Deco BE85 is the world's fastest mesh networking kit, pushing speeds to an impressive 2Gbps in real-world tests.

It's a game-changer for those with the need for speed and the budget to match, offering the highest performing router available today.

For now, it's the only mesh kit to get, but expect a wide variety of Wi-Fi 7 devices to hit the market in the coming months, including traditional, gaming, and budget routers.

Discover more: Orbi Mesh Wifi 7

Our Verdict

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The TP-Link Deco BE85 is the fastest mesh networking kit available, with top real-world speeds pushing 2Gbps. This is a game-changer for those who need speed and can afford it.

It's worth noting that this device is part of a new generation of Wi-Fi 7 devices that promise data speeds so fast they leave older Wi-Fi protocols in the dust. This is a significant upgrade over Wi-Fi 6e mesh devices, which are also powerful but not as fast.

The Deco BE85 is expensive, but it's not much more than a powerful Wi-Fi 6e mesh device. This makes it a good investment for those who want to be early adopters of future technology.

For now, the Deco BE85 is the only mesh kit to get if you want the fastest speeds available. In the coming months, look for a wide variety of Wi-Fi 7 devices to come to market, including traditional, gaming, and even budget routers.

For more insights, see: Wifi 5 Speeds vs Wifi 6

Pros

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The TP-Link Deco BE85 is a game-changer in the world of mesh networking. It's the first Wi-Fi 7 device on the market, and it's incredibly fast.

One of the standout features of the Deco BE85 is its quick setup process. You can have your network up and running in no time. This is a huge advantage over other mesh routers that can take hours to configure.

The Deco BE85 also boasts top-notch performance. It's capable of speeds that were previously unimaginable, making it perfect for large homes or families with multiple devices. With its 320MHz ultra-wide data channels, you can enjoy seamless streaming and online gaming.

Here are some of the key pros of the TP-Link Deco BE85:

  • Quick setup
  • Top performance
  • First Wi-Fi 7 mesh router
  • 320MHz ultra-wide data channels
  • Two 10Gbps, one 2.5Gbps and one SFP+ fiber inputs

The Deco BE85 also has a built-in USB port for file server capabilities, making it easy to share files across your network. This is a great feature for families or small businesses that need to collaborate on files.

Cons

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The Deco BE85 isn't perfect, and there are a few things to consider before making a purchase. It's very expensive, with a three-piece set selling for $1,500, which is close to the average monthly mortgage expense in the U.S.

Some users may find the lack of customization options to be a drawback. The BE85 devices lack some high-end options, making it difficult to fully tailor the network to your specific needs.

The router's performance is impressive, but it doesn't come without some caveats. It doesn't quite reach the ideal Ethernet speed, which may be a concern for those who rely heavily on wired connections.

Here are some of the cons of the Deco BE85 in a nutshell:

  • Very expensive ($1,500 for a three-piece set)
  • Lack of customization options
  • Doesn't quite reach ideal Ethernet speed
  • Some functionality costs extra
  • Expensive if you don't immediately need WiFi 7

Limitations and Future

The TPLink Deco WiFi 7 is a powerful mesh network system, but it's not without its limitations. One major limitation is its compatibility with older devices, which may not support the latest WiFi 6E standard.

Credit: youtube.com, TP Link Deco WiFi 7 Mesh Setup and Speed Tests! Is WiFi 7 worth it?

The Deco WiFi 7's range is impressive, but it can be affected by physical barriers like walls and floors. This can reduce the network's overall performance.

In terms of future developments, it's likely that the Deco WiFi 7 will receive firmware updates to improve its performance and add new features. This will help to extend the system's lifespan and keep it competitive in the market.

As a mesh network system, the Deco WiFi 7 is designed to adapt to changing network conditions, but it may not be able to handle extremely high levels of traffic or interference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wi-Fi 7 overkill?

Wi-Fi 7 may be overkill without multi-gig internet, but it can help recover lost bandwidth due to interference. Consider your internet speed and needs before upgrading to Wi-Fi 7.

Ismael Anderson

Lead Writer

Ismael Anderson is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a focus on technical topics, he has established himself as a reliable source for readers seeking in-depth knowledge on complex subjects. His writing portfolio showcases a range of expertise, including articles on cloud computing and storage solutions, such as AWS S3.

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