Hi all,

My Kitchen coverage is quite bad. Thinking of setting up a mesh. Can you advise based on below?

-router : TP Link Archer AX73
-UniFi 500Mbps


I just want better coverage in my Kitchen and questions below :

1) if I use TP Link Deco M4, do I need 2 units or 1 unit is sufficient?

2) any other compatible Mesh that is not too expensive that can also be Used?




Thanks in advance

Xiaomi ax3000
X3 unit

Don't cheapo on wifi equipment
Is stupid

Cheap mesh is worse than stock wireless router.

If your Archer router can integrate with Deco, then get 2 Deco nodes for best coverage and performance

Thanks for the feedback. Will check it out

Didnt know deco cheapo equipment. Not everyone is familiar with it. Otherwise wont be asking for opinion here

Anyways thanks for feedback

This post has been edited by coconutzz: Jan 5 2025, 10:25 AM

Thanks! Again not everyone is familiar hence asking got advice

Simple.

U can use the Deco M4 but the primary unit must have a wired connection to the main router for stability. Once done, the secondary units can be wireless.

I'm also using the Deco M4. The primary unit is set as wireless AP and connected to the ISP router via wired. The secondary unit is in the guest bedroom connected wirelessly. In doing so. The connection is quite stable.

Deco is the 1 of cheapest mesh on market

Proper Mesh is not cheap

Mate, go on Shopee, you can see the latest TP-Link prices at their official store.

AX Deco (2 nodes) are going for ~300 if not mistaken, so no reason to cheap out.

TP-Link is a decent brand, unless you want to go top-of-the-line with Asus.

This post has been edited by laksamana: Jan 5 2025, 10:33 AM

If you have the option, you can opt for backhaul setup. This way you will have more coverage with less mesh unit. If you can hide the cables or accept cables hanging out around your house.

Thank you so much. This is very helpful 👍👍👍

Will check it out

This post has been edited by coconutzz: Jan 5 2025, 11:07 AM

Thanks a lot for sharing

so u have two wifi name then?

No. Just a single AP name.

Mesh is considered 1 name. ISP wireless disabled to avoid signal conflicts.

I have one question , so assuming

1) deco e4 with 100Mbps Ethernet


Does it mean once connected to the deco ap it’s limited to 100Mbps? Or can I choose to connect to deco or my archer router? On archer now I m achieving 300-400Mbps on WiFi

Or it doesn’t work like that?

If the deco E4 is connected by ethernet cable to the router, all devices connected to the deco E4 will share the 100 Mbps bandwidth.

Archer doesn't mesh with Deco
TP-Link has their "OneMesh" thing which meshes with their repeaters
Deco is its own thing

M4/E4 is the lowest tier Deco and will significantly penaltize your speed if you use them wirelessly
They're also using older WiFi 5 and not WiFi 6
If you use an ethernet cable to connect to them from your router, then it's ok as an access point

E4 max is 100Mbps don't even bother with it
Wireless meshing might be better but it's just not good

I never recommend mixing router + deco
You can delete the Archer and connect Deco directly to modem, so only 1 WiFi and 1 unified mesh network
But M4 is old and slow
If it was the newer ones like X50 then sure

Anyways, cheapest option right now if you don't want too much hassle is to get their OneMesh repeater nodes to build a OneMesh network

Look at
RE505X/RE605X/RE705X
And connect it up to your ax73 wirelessly or wired if possible for best results
Simplest option

I'm using Asus AX57 as main router + ruijie RG-MA2820 flashed Asus rom + Asus XD4

AX57 costs RM4XX.
Ruijie MA2820 costs RM90 (used)
Asus XD4 costs RM180 (used)

Get atleast Deco M5 to enjoy Wifi 6.

If u can place the Deco on plaster ceiling or above cabinet or fridge where minimal wall blocking, u should only need 1 unit.

Actually u dont even need to buy Deco models, just get a normal router that can mesh with your AX73 and set it as mesh. Just a littile bulkier but cheaper compared to Deco.