The Basics:

Each of the three units in the Deco M5 system is the same, and any one of them could be used as its own Wi-Fi router / access point. It is during the setup process that you create your Wi-Fi network and join the various Deco M5 units together so that they form a mesh network. You can use just one, the three pack, or you can even buy more stand alone units and continue to expand your coverage!

One of the units is shown below. Listed with dimensions of 120 mm diameter by 38 mm high, they are rather compact since that converts to about 4-3/4" in diameter and 1-1/2" high. The top of each device is rather simple, with a bit of an artistic twist to the top profile, the TP-Link logo near one edge, and a single LED found at the center point. This LED will display different colors and patterns in order to help you visualize the status of your network, which is particularly useful during setup.



On the edge, towards what I will call the back, we find the single USB Type-C power connector as well as a pair of Gigabit Ethernet ports. As a router, one of these ports will be your WAN connection, leaving you just one LAN connection. The other Deco M5 units can connect wirelessly to the unit established as the base, leaving both of its wired ports available like a wireless bridge, but if you connect these via a wired connection to the base, you will be left with just one downstream port on each. As a router, one WAN and one LAN port is really rather limiting, so those looking to replace their router with a Deco M5 system will probably also need to pick up a Gigabit switch in order to tie in all their wired devices.



Another item that is lacking when compared to a typical Wi-Fi router is the availability of USB ports. Yes, there is a USB Type-C connection for power, but most routers these days feature a few USB 3.0 (or at least 2.0) ports for connecting storage or printers. No such feature on the Deco M5.

The bottom of the unit is shown below, where you'll find a bunch of regulatory information, the serial number, MAC address, a large array of ventilation holes, as well as a recessed reset button.