TP-Link Deco X10 vs. Deco X10-4G: A Comprehensive Comparison

If you’re trying to boost your home or office Wi-Fi, you’ve likely come across mesh networking systems. TP-Link offers two high-performance mesh systems, the Deco X10 and Deco X10-4G, both of which support WiFi 6. In this post, we’ll break down what mesh networking is, how WiFi 6 works, and the key differences between the Deco X10 and Deco X10-4G so you can choose the right one for your needs.

Mesh Networking: What It Is and How It Works

Mesh networking is a type of wireless network that uses multiple interconnected access points (APs) to create a single, seamless network. This is different from traditional Wi-Fi networks, which use a single AP.

Mesh networks are more reliable and scalable than traditional Wi-Fi networks. They are also easier to set up and manage.

How Mesh Networking Works

Mesh networks use a technology called backhaul to communicate with each other. Backhaul can be wired or wireless.

Wired backhaul is more reliable and faster than wireless backhaul. However, it can be more expensive and difficult to install.

Wireless backhaul is less reliable and slower than wired backhaul. However, it is easier to install and can be used in areas where wired backhaul is not possible.

Benefits of Mesh Networking

There are many benefits to using mesh networking. Some of the most important benefits include:

• Improved coverage: Mesh networks can provide coverage in areas where traditional Wi-Fi networks cannot.
• Increased reliability: Mesh networks are more reliable than traditional Wi-Fi networks.
• Easier setup and management: Mesh networks are easier to set up and manage than traditional Wi-Fi networks.
• Scalability: Mesh networks can be easily scaled to meet your needs.

Understanding WiFi 6

WiFi 6, also known as 802.11ax, is the latest generation of Wi-Fi technology. It’s designed to offer faster speeds, better performance in crowded networks, and improved battery life for connected devices. Here’s a simplified look at how WiFi 6 works and what makes it great:

• Higher data capacity: WiFi 6 can handle more devices at once, reducing slowdowns when multiple people are online.
• Increased speed: It offers faster data transfer rates, ideal for activities like 4K streaming, online gaming, and video calls.
• Better efficiency: WiFi 6 uses something called OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access), which helps divide channels efficiently and allows multiple devices to use the Wi-Fi network at the same time without congestion.
• Longer battery life: It uses a feature called Target Wake Time (TWT) to schedule device check-ins with the router, saving power for devices like smartphones and smart home gadgets.

Differences Between WiFi 6 and Previous Generations

Feature	WiFi 5 (802.11ac)	WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Speed	Up to 3.5 Gbps	Up to 9.6 Gbps
Capacity	Struggles with many devices	Handles many devices easily
Latency	Higher latency in busy areas	Lower latency for faster response
Battery Efficiency	No energy-saving features	TWT for better battery life
Coverage	Standard coverage	Improved range and reliability

Specs the TP-Link Deco X10 and X10-4G Have in Common

Both the TP-Link Deco X10 and Deco X10-4G share some core features that make them excellent choices for upgrading your home Wi-Fi system:

• Wi-Fi Standard: WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
• Dual-band technology: 2.4GHz + 5GHz bands for better bandwidth management
• MU-MIMO support: Allows multiple devices to communicate with the router at the same time. Both units have 2×2 MU-MIMO (Learn more about MU-MIMO)
• Seamless roaming: Ensures smooth transitions between nodes
• Beamforming: Focuses the Wi-Fi signal towards devices for stronger connections
• Coverage: Both models can cover large homes with multiple nodes
• TP-Link HomeCare: Includes antivirus, parental controls, and QoS (Quality of Service) features
• Streams: Both units offer 4 streams
• OFDMA: Both units offer OFDMA. (Learn more about OFDMA)

Key Differences Between TP-Link Deco X10 and Deco X10-4G

While both systems have many similarities, their key difference lies in how they connect to the internet. The Deco X10 requires a traditional wired internet connection (Ethernet WAN), whereas the Deco X10-4G can use a SIM card to connect to mobile internet (4G LTE).

Feature	TP-Link Deco X10	TP-Link Deco X10-4G
Internet Connection	Wired Ethernet WAN	4G LTE (SIM card) + Wired WAN
SIM Card Slot	No	Yes
Ports	2x Gigabit Ethernet Ports	3x Gigabit Ethernet Ports
Antennas	2x Internal	2x Internal 2x LTE Antennas

Use Cases for Each Unit

TP-Link Deco X10

The Deco X10 is ideal for homes or offices where you have access to a high-speed wired internet connection. It’s best for users who:

• Have stable broadband through a traditional ISP (Internet Service Provider).
• Need a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection for streaming, gaming, or multiple connected devices.
• Want to expand their coverage in a large home or office space by adding more mesh nodes.

TP-Link Deco X10-4G

The Deco X10-4G is designed for homes or locations where wired broadband is unavailable or unreliable. It’s a good fit for:

• Users who rely on mobile internet (via SIM card) for their primary internet connection.
• Rural areas where fiber or cable internet isn’t available.
• Temporary or mobile setups, such as vacation homes, construction sites, or RVs.

Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?

Both the TP-Link Deco X10 and Deco X10-4G offer powerful mesh networking and Wi-Fi 6 technology, ensuring fast speeds and reliable coverage. However, the right choice depends on your internet needs:

• If you have a reliable wired broadband connection, the Deco X10 is a perfect fit.
• If you need to use mobile internet via a SIM card or lack access to traditional broadband, the Deco X10-4G is your best bet.

Either way, you’ll get the benefits of WiFi 6 and seamless, whole-home Wi-Fi coverage with TP-Link’s mesh technology.

Visit the official site for the TP-Link Deco X10 | TP-Link Deco X10-4G