Review TP-Link Deco P7-PowerFul Mesh Wi-Fi System with Powerline Support

At first glance, it may seem that TP-Link Deco P7 is an ordinary Mesh Wi-Fi system, which, for example, is no different from the same TP-Link Deco M5. Yes, these two systems are very similar both in appearance and technical specifications. But Deco P7 has one interesting feature – support for Powerline technology. This means that the modules of this system can connect to each other not only via Wi-Fi network, but also via powerline. A hybrid Wi-Fi + PLC (Power Line Communication/Carrier) connection is used. And it allows to increase the radius of wireless network coverage and build a network in those places where the modules of Mesh-systems can not connect via Wi-Fi (for example, because of the long distance, or strong interference). It also has a positive effect on the stability of the connection between modules and the speed of the connection.

For those who are not in the topic – a few words about Mesh wi-fi. The trick of these networks is that they can be created from the required number of modules (you can say that they are ordinary routers with support for certain technologies). These modules are connected to each other via Wi-Fi network or network cable (and in the case of Deco P7 also via the power grid) and create a single, seamless Wi-Fi network. The coverage radius of the Wi-Fi network can be increased by installing new modules. More information on this topic is available in the article wi-fi Mesh systems – what it is and why the future is for Mesh networks.

Since this Mesh-system supports Powerline technology (standardHomePlug AV), you should also read the article HomePlug AV standard and PowerLine adapters: what is it and how does it work?TP-Link Deco P7 comes only in two variants: 2 units and 3 units (Deco modules). Why is there no option to buy a single module, like in the case of Deco M4, or Deco M5? I think it’s all about the Powerline technology. If you install one module, it simply will not work, so one device is not sold. And we can already conclude that buying TP-Link Deco P7 for a small apartment or house in most cases just doesn’t make sense. If one module covers up to 185 square meters with Wi-Fi signal, you will hardly want to overpay for the second module, which you may never need. Well, you’ll have to overpay for Powerline support too.

For a small apartment, or a small private house is best suited Deco M4 or Deco M5. And the last one has almost the same characteristics as Deco P7, but there is a variant of delivery with one module and no Powerline support.

Specifications and functionality of TP-Link Deco P7

This is a powerful Mesh Wi-Fi system that can handle up to 100 devices. All thanks to a 4-core processor from Qualcomm. Also, each module has 32 MB of permanent memory and 256 MB of RAM. In the performance of this system you can not doubt. It will be enough for all your devices without problems. The network will work stably and quickly, even if all devices will actively use the connection. I think that such a system can be installed in some office, cafe, restaurant, etc. without any problems. Despite the fact that the TP-Link website says: “Home Hybrid Mesh Wi-Fi System”. So, yes, there are devices of quite a different level for organizing wireless networks in establishments. But that doesn’t stop us from using Deco P7. Moreover, this system can be installed and configured by yourself in just a few minutes.

Each module has 4 Wi-Fi antennas. The manufacturer promises wireless coverage of up to 185 square meters from one Deco P7 module. Of course, depending on conditions and various external factors, the coverage area will vary. But the signal strength of the wireless network is really very good.

The Wi-Fi speed in the 5 GHz range is up to 867 Mbps. And in the 2.4 GHz range up to 400 Mbps. There are speed measurements at the end of the article.

LAN/WAN ports (there are two of them on each module) are of course gigabit. USB Type-C is used to connect the power adapter! As one of my acquaintances would say, “That’s the level” 🙂 🙂 .

There is support for Bluetooth 4.2. I understand it is needed for easier customization of the modules. They connect to the mobile device via Bluetooth first, no need to connect to their Wi-Fi network. Also, if I understand correctly, Bluetooth support in TP-Link Deco P7 may be needed to network different smart home devices. But how it works, or if it works at all, I can’t tell you. Haven’t tested it.

Other features:

• Access Point operating mode.
• Supports MU-MIMO, Beamforming, Auto Path Selection, AP Steering, Self-Healing, Band Steering.
• TP-Link HomeCare – anti-virus, parental control, QoS and other features to protect the network.
• Ability to connect Deco P7 modules via network cable and powerline.
• Setup and control of the Mesh Wi-Fi system through the Deco app.
• Remote control (via internet).
• Compatibility with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT.

Powerline in TP-Link Deco P7 works according to the HomePlug AV standard and provides connection speeds of up to 600 Mbps between modules. Over a distance of up to 300 meters within a single electric meter. The speed of this connection depends on the quality of the wiring itself.

Package and appearance of TP-Link Deco P7

TP-Link Deco P7 is packed very reliably. In the usual box, on which there is all the necessary information about the device, there is another powerful box.

Inside we are immediately greeted by three modules (I have a variant of three devices). And under the cardboard cover with holes for the modules themselves there are boxes with power adapters, power cable and instructions.

The whole set of devices. In my case it is three Deco P7 modules, three power adapters, a power cable and an envelope with instructions.

The power adapter is not small. It is made very high quality. There is an indicator on top, which, as I understand, shows us the status of the connection via Powerline (power cable).

And this is how the Mesh Wi-Fi modules of the system look like:

The modules are made of very high quality white plastic. The top and bottom are matte, and the side edge is glossy. The assembly is very good, you get the impression that the body of the device is monolithic. On the top there is one indicator (which can be lit in different colors) and the TP-Link logo.

On the Deco P7 module itself there are only two LAN/WAN ports and one USB Type-C port for connecting the power adapter.

On the bottom you can find a Reset button for resetting the Mesh Wi-Fi system settings, small holes for ventilation and a sticker with factory information. There are rubber feet, thanks to which the module is very stable on the table. But the mounting on the wall or ceiling is not provided.

More photos:

The modules look very stylish and will fit any interior without problems.

The quality of the modules and cables themselves is very good. Everything is very secure and nicely packaged.

Connection speed through TP-Link Deco P7

Since I have an Internet connection speed of up to 100 Mbps, I didn’t even plan to measure the speed when connecting via TP-Link Deco P7. I didn’t even doubt that this system would deliver 100 Mbps over Wi-Fi in the 5 GHz band without any problems. In the 2.4 GHz band, this is virtually impossible. I have this band heavily loaded with neighboring Wi-Fi networks.

After setting it up, I of course ran a test of internet connection speed. These are the results: in the 5 GHz range on the iPhone X:

And on a laptop. The network level on Windows 10 is not maxed out (without one division), 5 GHz range.

On the iPhone, the maximum speed my ISP can give out. On the laptop, the speed is a bit slower because the signal strength is not maxed out.

In the 2.4 GHz range. On the same iPhone X in the 2.4 GHz band (5 GHz network disabled in TP-Link Deco P7 settings) the speed is as follows:

And on a laptop:

By installing such a system in your home, you will get the maximum connection speed. If we are talking about connecting to a Wi-Fi network in the 5 GHz range, then most likely the speed will be limited to the maximum speed, which is issued by your Internet provider. Also, the network will work fast and stable even under the load that will be created by the connected devices.

Conclusions

TP-Link Deco P7 is quite powerful, functional and at the same time simple system with which you can build a large and fast wireless network. I think it makes sense to buy Deco P7 only when you need to provide a stable Wi-Fi network coverage in a large house or apartment. Or in the case when due to the layout of the room, or strong interference connection between the modules is not very stable. Thanks to Powerline technology, the modules will be connected via power cable. This system can be recommended even for installation in some small establishments.

If you do not need Powerline support and you want to be able to buy (or in the future add) one module of Mesh Wi-Fi system, then look at Deco M4 or Deco M5.

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Ramón

TP-Link