Whole home mesh Wi-Fi systems have been gaining in popularity, and many players have launched their take on the concept in the last year or so. Typically these systems offer multiple access points that can communicate with each other, providing seamless Wi-Fi coverage for your entire home. This review is going to take a look at a feature packed system from TP-Link, which uses three identical units that provide up to 4500 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage when working together.



The image above shows three of TP-Link's Deco M5 units, which will not only work together to blanket your home in Wi-Fi, but will also offer anti-virus protection, parental controls, network security, and a handful of other features for your connected devices. The data listed below covers just a portion of the features and specifications for the Deco M5. For more information, please visit the official product page on the TP-Link website.

Features:

» Adaptive Routing Technology (ART) chooses the clearest path for all the devices in your home
   » Automatically optimizes your Deco network over Wi-Fi
   » Automatically connects you to the best Deco unit for the best internet connection
» HomeCare gives Deco the most comprehensive security of any whole-home Wi-Fi system.
   » Robust Parental Controls: Manage content and control when each device can access the internet.
   » 3-Year Built-In Antivirus: Protect all connected devices in your home from viruses and malware.
   » Usage Report: Review a monthly list of usage, blocked content and security threats.
   » Quality of Service: Prioritize devices and applications for faster performance when needed.
   » Three years of free HomeCare powered by Trend Micro ($360 value)
   » Parental controls allow you to filter content by age groups
   » Set time limits for different family members
   » Pause the internet whenever you'd like
   » Control your network or others (with permission) remotely
   » Internet usage and health report
   » Blacklist devices from accessing your network
» Assisted Setup: Deco helps you quickly find the perfect spot to place each unit.
» Speedtest: Check on the upload and download speeds of your network to keep it running at full speed.
» 24/7 Support: Contact us anytime for no-cost technical service for the lifetime of your product.

Specifications:

» Quad-core CPU
» Wireless: 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz + 867 Mbps on 5 GHz
» 4 internal antennas per Deco unit
» 2 Gigabit ports per Deco unit
» 1 USB Type-C port
» Compatible with IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6)
» Product dimensions (120 mm dia x 38 mm h)
» Bluetooth 4.2