Review TP-Link Deco E3-HomeMade Mesh Wi-Fi System at the Price of a Convention Router

The main disadvantage of Mesh Wi-Fi systems is the price. These are expensive devices, and when choosing a solution for organizing a Wi-Fi network in a house or apartment, many people opt for conventional routers. And there is nothing wrong with this, if the house is small and the coverage of the Wi-Fi network from the router is in the whole house, and the connection works quickly and stably. But if the area is large, or there were problems with coverage on the old router, then of course it is better to immediately buy a Mesh Wi-Fi system, so that then do not agonize with signal amplifiers.

TP-Link has put together an excellent Mesh system TP-Link Deco E3. The main module Deco E4R and amplifier (with support for Mesh wi-fi) Deco M3W. At the cost (about 60 dollars) the system turned out to be no more expensive than a more or less normal router. At the same time we get all the features of Mesh wi-fi technology: seamless wi-fi, large network range, the ability to expand the network by connecting other modules, easy setup, etc.

The TP-Link Deco E3 is a bit different from most other Mesh wi-fi we’re used to seeing. If usually the kit comes with two or three identical modules, in our case the system consists of one main module and a wall-mounted additional module (aka repeater, amplifier). But the main difference from a router and an ordinary repeater is that the main module and the additional module support Mesh Wi-Fi (802.11k/v/r standard).

These two modules provide Wi-Fi network coverage up to 220 square meters. That’s what TP-Link’s website says. For a large apartment, this will definitely be enough. Of course, much depends on the layout, obstacles, interference, etc. Since we have two modules, it makes it possible to place the second module (amplifier) as efficiently as possible. And if necessary, you can always buy another one, or several Deco M3W amplifiers and expand the network. Moreover, modules from the Deco E3 system are compatible with modules from other Mesh systems from TP-Link.

Of course it is a dual-band system (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support). Wi-Fi speeds up to 1167 Mbps. Up to 300 Mbps in the 2.4GHz band and up to 867 Mbps in the 5GHz band (802.11ac standard). Well, the most important thing is that once the Deco E3 is set up, we will get a seamless Wi-Fi network. This means that the network will be one (from two modules) and devices will automatically and without loss of connection switch between modules.

There are 2 LAN/WAN ports on the main Deco E4R module that can operate at 100Mbps. Too bad, of course, that the ports are not gigabit ports. There are no ports on the Deco M3W amplifier.

The system is very easy to connect and set up via the Deco app. Through the same app you can control different functions of the system and change settings. Deco E3 can work in access point mode (when you connect it not directly to your ISP, but to a Wi-Fi router). There are parental controls with many different settings.

Package and appearance

The system is delivered in a box, on which you can find all the necessary information about the device.

Inside is another box in which the devices are securely packed.

The package includes the main module (router), additional module (amplifier), power adapter, network cable and instructions.

TP-Link Deco E3 Mesh Wi-Fi System Modules.

Externally, the main module is the same as TP-Link Deco M4, although it is called Deco E4R. The base of the case is made of white matte plastic. On top there is an embossed insert with holes for ventilation, inside which there is an indicator, which is made in the form of the TP-Link company logo.

At the bottom there is a connector for the power adapter and a Reset button. And at the back there are two LAN/WAN ports.

The additional module, aka Deco M3W, is also made of high-quality white plastic. In shape it is like a usual repeater, maybe a little bigger and heavier. On the front there is a company logo and four indicators.

There are no ports on the amplifier, only one Reset button to reset the settings.

As for the assembly and plastic quality, everything is top-notch. TP-Link has no problems with this. They know how to do it. But the power supply of the main module would be better made in white color. For example, like Deco M4.

A very interesting solution for the home. Definitely better than the usual router and repeater. If there is no possibility to use one router (insufficient Wi-Fi network coverage), then Mesh Wi-Fi system is the best solution in this case. And TP-Link Deco E3 is probably the most affordable option at the moment. Of course, it is not as powerful and productive as other systems that are several times more expensive. But as I wrote at the beginning of the article, it offers all the advantages of Mesh wi-fi technology.

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Ramón

TP-Link