Let’s face it: TP Link and ASUS has been duking it out with their range of Deco and ZenWifi products to try and claim king in the mesh networking space. They are both extremely good at what they do and the competition is getting fiercer every day. But who can claim the crown of the absolute best of the best when all gloves are off?
Conquering Wi-Fi Dead Zones: What’s Mesh Networking?
Imagine your Wi-Fi signal as a bubble emanating from your router. This bubble can only stretch so far, and unfortunately, the signal weakens as it travels. Walls, furniture, and even fish tanks can further reduce its strength. This is why traditional routers often struggle to provide consistent coverage in large homes, leaving frustrating dead zones where the signal is weak or nonexistent.
Mesh networking offers a whole-home Wi-Fi solution that tackles this problem head-on. Instead of relying on a single router, mesh systems use multiple units (nodes) strategically placed around your house. These nodes work together to create a blanket of Wi-Fi that seamlessly roams from room to room. Think of it as a chain of interconnected bubbles, ensuring consistent and strong internet throughout your entire home. No more buffering while streaming a movie upstairs, or dropping video calls in the kitchen – with mesh networking, you’ll experience a smooth and reliable connection wherever you are in your house.
What is Wi-Fi 7 and Its Improvements?
Wi-Fi 7 is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology, offering significant improvements over Wi-Fi 6 and 6E. Here’s a breakdown of what it brings to the table:
- Faster Speeds: Wi-Fi 7 offers even higher data rates, which means faster internet speeds for all your devices. The bandwidth of each channel as also increased from 160MHz to 320 MHz.
- Better Efficiency: With more efficient data encoding and advanced features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), Wi-Fi 7 can handle more devices at once without slowing down. Read more on Multi-Link Operation
- Improved Range: Wi-Fi 7 provides better coverage, ensuring that even the farthest corners of your home receive a strong signal.
- Lower Latency: This means quicker response times, which is crucial for online gaming and video conferencing.
- Enhanced Security: Wi-Fi 7 includes improved security protocols to keep your network safe from intruders.
A Brief Overview of ASUS and TP Link
ASUS is a well-known technology company specializing in a wide range of products, from motherboards and graphics cards to laptops and networking devices. They are recognized for their high-quality, innovative products and are a trusted name in the tech industry.
TP Link is a leading manufacturer of networking products, including routers, switches, and smart home devices. They are known for providing reliable, affordable solutions for both home and business networking needs. TP Link’s Deco series is especially popular for its ease of use and performance in mesh networking.
Shared Specifications of TP Link Deco BE95 and ASUS ZenWifi BQ16 Pro
- Wi-Fi Standard: Both support Wi-Fi 7.
- Quad-Band: Each unit operates on three separate frequency bands for optimal performance, with two bands on the 6GHz channel.
- Coverage Area: Both can cover large homes with their mesh systems.
- Security: Both offer advanced security features to protect your network, as well as WPA3 WiFi security. (Learn why WPA3 is important)
- Parental Controls: Both systems include parental control options to manage internet access for children.
- Smart Home Integration: Both are compatible with major smart home systems like Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Antennas: Both units feature 12 internal antennas for amazing whole home coverage.
- Streams: Both units offer 16 streams, with 4×4 MU-MIMO on each channel
Differences in Specifications
| Feature | TP Link Deco BE95 | ASUS ZenWifi BQ16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | Up to 33 Gbps 6 GHz-1: 11520 Mbps (802.11be) 6 GHz-2: 11520 Mbps (802.11be) 5 GHz: 8640 Mbps (802.11be) 2.4 GHz: 1148 Mbps (802.11ax) | Up to 30 Gbps 6GHz-1: 11529 Mbps (802.11be) 6GHz-2: 11529 Mbps (802.11be) 5 GHz: 5764 Mbps (802.11be) 2.4 GHz: 1376 Mbps (802.11ax) |
| Ethernet Ports | • 1× 10 Gbps • 1× 10 Gbps SFP+/RJ45 Combo • 2× 2.5 Gbps (All ports support LAN/WAN) | • 1× 10 Gbps WAN/LAN • 1× 10 Gbps LAN • 1× 1 Gbps WAN/LAN • 2× 11 Gbps LAN |
| Beamforming | Advanced Beamforming Technology | Standard Beamforming |
| Mesh Technology | AI-Driven Mesh | Adaptive QoS and AiMesh |
| App Features | TP Link HomeCare, Network Optimization | ASUS Router App, AiProtection Pro |
Differences in Apps and Services
TP Link Deco BE95: The TP Link Deco app is user-friendly and designed for easy setup and management of your network. Key features include:
- HomeCare: Provides robust security, including antivirus protection, parental controls, and QoS (Quality of Service).
- Network Optimization: Automatically finds the best channels to reduce interference and boost performance.
ASUS ZenWifi BQ16 Pro: The ASUS Router app offers a comprehensive suite of tools to manage your network. Key features include:
- AiProtection Pro: Advanced security powered by Trend Micro, offering real-time network monitoring and protection.
- Adaptive QoS: Prioritizes bandwidth for your most important tasks, such as gaming or streaming.
- AiMesh: Allows you to easily expand your network by adding compatible ASUS routers to your mesh system.
Use Cases for the Units
TP Link Deco BE95
- Large Homes: Ideal for covering large homes with multiple floors and extensive square footage.
- Smart Homes: Great for homes with numerous smart devices that require reliable and fast connectivity.
- Heavy Internet Use: Perfect for families who stream, game, and work from home simultaneously.
ASUS ZenWifi BQ16 Pro
- Advanced Users: Suitable for tech enthusiasts who want detailed control over their network settings.
- High-Performance Needs: Excellent for gamers and those requiring low latency and high speeds.
- Expandable Networks: Ideal for those who might want to expand their mesh network in the future.
Conclusion
Both the TP Link Deco BE95 and the ASUS ZenWifi BQ16 Pro are exceptional Wi-Fi 7 mesh systems that offer strong performance, extensive coverage, and advanced features. The Deco BE95 stands out with its higher maximum speeds and AI-driven mesh technology, making it a top choice for homes with high internet demands and numerous smart devices. On the other hand, the ZenWifi BQ16 Pro excels with its robust security features, adaptive QoS, and easy expandability through AiMesh, catering well to advanced users and gamers.
When choosing between these two, consider your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize maximum speed and smart home integration, the Deco BE95 might be the better fit. If you want detailed control and superior security, the ZenWifi BQ16 Pro could be your ideal choice.
