Gone are the days of frustrating Wi-Fi dead zones! Mesh networking has emerged as a revolutionary solution for blanketing your entire home in seamless, reliable internet. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right mesh system can be overwhelming. Today, we’ll put two TP-Link champions, the Deco X75 and Deco X90, head-to-head to help you decide which one reigns supreme in your home.
What is Mesh Networking and Why is it Awesome?
Imagine your Wi-Fi router as a lighthouse – its signal reaches a certain distance, but areas beyond fade into darkness (weak connection). Traditional range extenders attempt to fix this by amplifying the router’s signal, but this can often lead to dropped connections and decreased speeds. Mesh networking, on the other hand, is like a network of lighthouses. Multiple Deco units strategically placed around your home work together to create a blanket of consistent Wi-Fi. Each Deco unit communicates with its neighbors, ensuring a seamless handoff of your devices as you move from room to room. No more buffering videos or dropped calls as you switch between floors or hang out in the backyard – you’ll always be connected to the strongest signal. Mesh networking also offers several other advantages over traditional Wi-Fi setups:
- Scalability: Easily add more Deco units to your network as your needs grow, expanding your Wi-Fi coverage to accommodate additional devices or cover previously unreachable areas.
- Centralized Management: Manage your entire Wi-Fi network from a user-friendly app, allowing you to easily set up new devices, monitor network performance, and configure parental controls.
- Self-Healing: If one Deco unit encounters an issue, the remaining units automatically reroute data to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for your devices.
Explaining WiFi 6
WiFi 6, or 802.11ax, is the latest generation of WiFi technology, bringing several enhancements over its predecessor, WiFi 5 (802.11ac). WiFi 6 offers:
- Higher Speeds: WiFi 6 provides faster data transfer rates, accommodating the growing number of devices and high-bandwidth activities.
- Better Performance in Crowded Areas: Technologies like OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) and MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output) improve efficiency and performance in densely populated environments.
- Lower Latency: WiFi 6 reduces latency, ensuring quicker response times for online gaming, video conferencing, and other real-time applications.
- Enhanced Battery Life: Target Wake Time (TWT) helps devices conserve power by scheduling check-ins with the router, extending battery life for IoT devices and smartphones.
Shared Specs: Building Blocks of a Strong Network
Here’s what both the Deco X75 and Deco X90 bring to the table:
- Mesh Technology: Effortless whole-home Wi-Fi coverage.
- Easy Setup: User-friendly app for quick configuration.
- Parental Controls: Manage screen time and filter content for your children’s devices.
- Guest Network: Provide separate, secure Wi-Fi access for guests.
- WiFi 6 technology: For faster connections for the latest devices
- MU-MIMO and OFDMA capabilities: For a more stable experience for supported devices
- Voice: Support for Alexa and Google Assistant
Differences Between TP Link Deco X75 and Deco X90
| Feature | TP Link Deco X75 | TP Link Deco X90 |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi Bands | Dual-band IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a 5 GHz (1) IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a 5 GHz (2) IEEE 802.11ax/n/b/g 2.4 GHz | Tri-band IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a 5 GHz IEEE 802.11ax/n/b/g 2.4 GHz |
| Maximum WiFi Speed | Up to 5400 Mbps 5 GHz (1): 2402 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160) 5 GHz (2): 2402 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160) 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps (802.11ax) | Up to 6600 Mbps 5 GHz: 4804 Mbps (802.11ax, HE160) 5 GHz: 1201 Mbps (802.11ax) 2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps (802.11ax) |
| Number of Antennas | 4 internal antennas per unit | 6 internal antennas per unit (4x High Gain + 2x Smart antennas for backhaul) |
| Ethernet Ports | 3 Gigabit Ethernet ports per unit | 1× 2.5 Gbps Port 1× Gigabit Port |
| Streams | 6 Streams | 8 Streams |
| Size | 4.1 × 4.1 × 6.7 in (105 × 105 × 169 mm) | 5.1 × 4.8 × 8.3 in (130 × 123 × 210 mm) |
Use Cases for TP Link Deco X75
The Deco X75 is ideal for:
- Medium-sized homes with moderate internet usage.
- Households with multiple devices requiring stable WiFi for streaming, browsing, and online schooling.
- Users looking for a cost-effective yet powerful mesh system.
Use Cases for TP Link Deco X90
The Deco X90 is perfect for:
- Large homes or spaces with heavy internet usage.
- Tech-savvy households requiring top-tier performance for gaming, 4K streaming, and smart home integration.
- Users seeking the latest technology and maximum performance, regardless of cost.
Conclusion
Both the TP Link Deco X75 and Deco X90 are excellent mesh WiFi systems that leverage the power of WiFi 6 to deliver robust and reliable internet coverage. The Deco X75 offers great performance for the price, making it a strong choice for most households. However, for those who demand the highest performance and are willing to invest more, the Deco X90 stands out with its tri-band operation, advanced processing power, and AI-driven features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.
