TP-Link has launched its long pending mesh router. Dual Band AC1900 based mesh router called Deco S7. It a dual band mesh router with 1.2ghz quad core cpu in a 3pc or 2pc setup. This Deco S7 has 3 gigabit auto sensing port on each unit and support 3X3 MU-MIMO.
Tp-Link Deco S7:
- Wifi-5 AC1900 Mesh Router
- 600mbps 2.4ghz band speed
- 1300mbps 5ghz band speed
- 3× Internal Antennas
- 1.2ghz quad core cpu
- Dual-Band, Beamforming
- 3× Gigabit Ports per node
- Deco app setup
- Parental control
Pros & Cons of Tp-Link Deco S7
Pros:
1. The unit came well packed by the seller. Also, the company dual layered packaging is nice and shock proof. It felt nice to unbox it.
2. I checked Netgear Orbi, in which there was only one unit supporting internet connection and the other two devices are just extending satellites. But this is not the case of TP link Deco. Here, all units can work as a main unit independently. It means that if you want to install all three routers in a different place, they will work as a main router.
3. There are a number of different Tp-Link mesh devices under the name Deco ranging from ₹2500 per unit to ₹50,000 per unit. The good news is, all Decos can be meshed together as per your requirement.
4. Easy setup. Took 15 mins for me to get it working.
5. It supports ethernet backhaul. It means that you can create wired connection between two Decos to give them a stronger connectivity. I’ll explain you how this feature reduced my networking cost immensely.
6. Supports 5Ghz network. Today, most of the devices coming to market support 6Ghz network.
7. Strong & stable connectivity. I must say, one router was enough to give internet access on one floor of 180 sq yards. I installed the router in the center. With 300 Mbps internet connection, I was getting atleast 200 Mbps speed in all rooms. In the most distant spots like balconies, I was getting 50Mbps stable speed with no lagging. It is reasonable for a single router giving internet to a large space. If you want a better speed, just mesh it with another Deco. Also remember that a strong router doesn’t always offer a long range. It also depends upon the WiFi module on your device as both devices need to send data to each other. Both the devices create an ecliptic lobe and the best speed is received where the both lobes intersect.
8. Feels strong & heavy.
9. It claims to use high speed CPU and artificial intelligence for better connectivity. I can feel it with seamless connectivity.
10. Big air vents at the bottom to keep it cool. It still stays a bit warm though.
Cons:
1. No wall mount. This is very frustrating. However, they have done it strategically because you get a better range if you place it on a table as the walls absorb radio frequency. But still so many people, like me, have no option other than to wall mount the device.
2. Vertical range is not good. Horizontally, the router will cover a large area. But if you put another router just above or below one router on the next Floor, the range is still not good. My connection speed was dropped by 50%. It works but not as great as I expected it to be. Maybe it was due to concrete slab floor. I am not sure though. Still good till 300mbps speeds anywhere.
A wifi 5 based router launched at time when everyone is moving to wifi-6 routers or even wifi 6E is a surprise. Still not a bad package for features it offers in price range. Being a typical Deco Mesh Router it does what it says however gives very limited control to users.