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TP-Link Deco M5 Mesh Wi-Fi Router System (3-Pack) $199 Delivered @ Amazon AU

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TP-Link Deco M5 Mesh Wi-Fi Router System (3-Pack) $199 Delivered @ Amazon AUAffiliate
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Cobalt_ on 21/07/2022 - 11:14 amazon.com.au (3304 clicks)
Last edited 21/07/2022 - 21:21 by 1 other user
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Ozbargain's favourite budget mesh router are back at the all time lowest price.
TP-link Deco M5 3-pack for $199 from Amazon Australia
Officeworks also has the M5 3-pack on clearance:
https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/tp-link-de…

Shopback has 1.4% cashback on computing and Cashrewards has 1.5% which should net you around $3 cashback

Specs:
Wi-Fi 5
IEEE 802.11ac/n/a 5 GHz
IEEE 802.11n/b/g 2.4 GHz

AC1300
5 GHz: 867 Mbps (802.11ac)
2.4 GHz: 400 Mbps (802.11n)

3-5 Bedroom Houses (3-pack)TP-Link Mesh Technology
Optional Ethernet backhaul work together to link Deco units to provide seamless coverage

4× Antennas (Internal)
Multiple antennas form a signal-boosting array to cover more directions and large areas

Beamforming
Concentrates wireless signal strength towards clients to expand WiFi range

Qualcomm 717 MHz Quad-core CPU

2× Gigabit Ports Per Deco Unit
Supports WAN/LAN auto-sensing

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Computing Mesh Network TP-Link Wireless Router

Related Stores

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Amazon AU
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closed Comments

  • solidice on 21/07/2022 - 11:19

    Bit of a noob question. When you connect these to your existing router, do you have to disable the wireless functionality of your router or do these work together with the wireless router?

    I am just curious if these 3 together with the wireless router would give me 4 access points in my house.

    • scuderiarmani on 21/07/2022 - 11:23

      You wouldn't use an existing router, only a modem if your connection requires (and that is better in bridge mode with Wireless turned off).

      • solidice on 21/07/2022 - 11:33
        +1

        So just to clarify, I can ditch the old router as these will handle all the routing and security and I can plug my ethernet NVR into one of these directly?

        • jianh on 21/07/2022 - 11:57

          I'm using TP-Link Deco AC1200 and yes, I ditched the old router and modem and just straight connected one into the NBN box and got them working. Though setting up is a little painful as the Deco app is slow.

      • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 11:34
        +2

        You can still use your existing router and set this as wireless access point only like me, you can disable the wireless mode on your existing router.

        • solidice on 21/07/2022 - 11:38

          Did you plug each 1 of these directly to you the router via Ethernet?

          • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 11:41

            @solidice:

            Did you plug each 1 of these directly to you the router via Ethernet?

            One upstairs not on ethernet.

            I can ditch the old router as these will handle all the routing and security

            You can but depends, if you have a good router you may want to keep it because this may not have all that security, port forwarding, etc that you want.

        • scuderiarmani on 21/07/2022 - 16:11

          But you lose mesh?

          • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 16:23

            @scuderiarmani:

            But you lose mesh?

            As router or as wireless access point both still have mesh, so suggest not to use the router WiFi.

            • scuderiarmani on 21/07/2022 - 16:34

              @superforever: Some TP-Link Routers may well work as a Mesh combined with other compatible units.

              Like ASUS with their AI Mesh.

              But if they aren't using these as access points defeats their whole purpose. Walking around the house inbetween points without noticeable drops.

              • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 16:37

                @scuderiarmani: Yes, I would disable the router WiFi and just use the WiFi on the three M5.

                • scuderiarmani on 21/07/2022 - 16:38

                  @superforever: I was referencing your situation.

                  You are using these as access points, these work best independently as Mesh Routers.

                  If your router offers you some special abilities, that's fine, but for most, that defeats the purpose of owning such things.

                  • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 16:41

                    @scuderiarmani:

                    access points, these work best independently as Mesh Routers.

                    As wireless Mesh, no difference as access points or router.

                    • scuderiarmani on 21/07/2022 - 16:43

                      @superforever: I don't understand what you are talking about….

                      Mesh routers, they work best as Mesh routers, not access points. You are defeating the whole point of owning these.

                      Want an access point, buy something like a Ubiquiti.

                      • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 16:44

                        @scuderiarmani: Set the M5 as access point you can still roam around between the 3 x M5, set it as router only give you routing features nothing to do with the Mesh wireless. You device will auto switch between living room, garage, upstairs, etc.

                        I kept my existing router because I have some port forwarding settings there I don't want to change, may be the M5 can do it but decide just to leave it.

      • JoeSchmogan on 21/07/2022 - 15:19

        Sorry to ask (quick google couldn't clarify), we have fixed wireless NBN with Telstra supplied modem/router plugged into the connection box. Do you know if fixed wireless can work in bridge mode to our Deco x68's?

        • scuderiarmani on 21/07/2022 - 15:29

          You don't need the Telstra device if you use these with fixed wireless.

          • JoeSchmogan on 21/07/2022 - 16:45

            @scuderiarmani: Oh cool, that'd be ideal. My partner organised it and said we have to use it. But that might be just them/her keeping it simple

        • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 15:42

          Is it fixed wireless NBN have their own modem? If so no need to use another router, M5 is a router.

          • JoeSchmogan on 21/07/2022 - 16:46

            @superforever: Yeh Telstra provided a "router/modem" they call it, to plug into the wall box. My partner told me they said we have to use it, but yeh not sure if that is true. Seems like it isn't lol

            • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 16:47

              @JoeSchmogan:

              Yeh Telstra provided a "router/modem"

              So you only have one device connected to your ISP, right? In that case you have to keep it.

              • scuderiarmani on 21/07/2022 - 16:49

                @superforever: No he doesn't.

                He's on Fixed Wireless NBN.

                You don't need a separate Modem/Router plugged in.

                • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 16:51

                  @scuderiarmani: I am not sure what does @oeSchmogan mean "wall box" may be that is the fixed wireless modem.

                  • scuderiarmani on 21/07/2022 - 16:53
                    +1

                    @superforever: It's the NBN Box.

                    It has no wireless. Just a few ethernet outs.

                    • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 16:55

                      @scuderiarmani:

                      It has no wireless. Just a few ethernet outs.

                      Never setup fixed wireless NBN before, no need to have a wireless broadband modem at home?

                      • scuderiarmani on 21/07/2022 - 16:56
                        +1

                        @superforever: Nope, it's essentially like FTTP.

                        Plug a router in, that's it.

                        You need a Modem for FTTN.

                        • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 16:58

                          @scuderiarmani:

                          Nope, it's essentially like FTTP.

                          Is it like Telstra have fixed wireless nearby and fibre into the house? Instead of fibre from exchange?

                          • scuderiarmani on 21/07/2022 - 17:00
                            +1

                            @superforever: Nothing to do with Telstra?

                            It's the NBN. They have fixed wireless towers servicing large areas, more often rural, and not worth laying cables for.

                            The Towers are connected to Fibre obviously, but nothing physically connects your house. Just a small satellite on your roof.

                            • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 17:05

                              @scuderiarmani: In that case that "wall box" must be a modem like the FTTP "wall box" I have

                              • Hurg on 21/07/2022 - 18:36
                                +1

                                @superforever: I'm on fixed wireless. There's the NBN modem that has the ethernet ports on it, I then have a router plugged into that to provide wifi to the house. In my case, I'm using an Asus rt-ac88u. I'm not with Telstra, but I'm pretty sure you can use any router you want, should be no need to stick to the crap Telstra would have given you.

                                • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 18:57

                                  @Hurg:

                                  I'm on fixed wireless

                                  So they installed a satellite for you?

                                  • Hurg on 21/07/2022 - 19:19
                                    +2

                                    @superforever: You mean the dish on the roof that's pointed at the tower? NBN installed that.

        • Twix on 21/07/2022 - 20:02

          @JoeSchmogan To keep Telstra's auto 4G failover and landline phone service you need to use the Telstra modem and configure the Deco as Wi-Fi access points.

          If you don't care about that plug in the Deco configured as a router to the nbn fixed wireless NTD.

          • JoeSchmogan on 21/07/2022 - 21:09
            +1

            @Twix: Oh thanks, I nearly forgot about that. If we have to resort to that, its usually pretty slow, but probably worth keeping cos we do get occasional dropouts.

    • Cobalt_ on 21/07/2022 - 11:23

      My understanding is that all TP-Link Deco units are compatible to mesh with other Deco units. Anything outside of that including TP-links own wifi AP's that are not under the Deco brand will not work together.

    • shazzam on 21/07/2022 - 11:35
      +4

      You can have the existing router broadcasting, but is not recommended as it will require manual switching. The mesh network will generate one access point that your devices will be able to automatically switch based on signal strength. Depending on the fibre type you might even be able to skip the existing router connect directly to the NBN box. worth checking with your isp.

    • pangasteve on 21/07/2022 - 12:16
      +1

      I first used the M5's mesh network connected to an old TP-link router broadcasting a 2.4ghz network for my home automation devices on a separate channel, which turned out to be a bottleneck because there was a measurable wifi speed increase when I connected the M5 directly to my NBN modem and setup a 2.4ghz guest network on the M5 for the home automation devices. If you have a modern modem with a decent processor and gigabit ethernet, then it might not be an issue though - I recently added an Asus wifi 6 router in-between the modem and the M5 with zero slowdown in the M5's network. I do miss having one single network that covered the whole house.

    • altitudinous on 21/07/2022 - 13:36

      I replaced my router with this unit.

      I'm on TPG NBN HFC - I removed my router and plugged one node directly into the HFC modem.

    • NinongSmart on 21/07/2022 - 14:41
      +1

      I have an 8 year old Asus RT-AC68U (in the garage) + 3 x Deco M5s (all over the house) on FTTP.

      I use the Asus as my main router. I still use it becuase I use adblocking (Diversion on the USB 2 port) and a simple Samba service (using USB 3 port). I have setup all my Deco M5 as Access Points.

      So in reality I have 4 APs (1 with the ASUS and 3 with Decos), but I can only "roam" between the Decos. Even if I am closer to the Asus, sometimes my phone sticks with the nearest Deco, and sometimes it switches to the Asus. I'm not bothered though becuase the speeds are okay all throughout the house.

      • aliocroc on 21/07/2022 - 21:35

        Interesting I have the Asus AC86u and am thinking of swopping out just for these as the coverage just isn't good enough. Should I hold onto it and use it as an AP? Do you have your Asus set up with wireless active and these bridging?

        Also, totally keen on that ad blocking. Looking into that!

        • NinongSmart on 22/07/2022 - 13:55

          It really depends on your needs - if you're getting dropouts, this will definitely boost coverage. Plus it's super easy to setup. I'm really happy with the decos. I was getting full download speeds of 260 Mbps when I had the 250/25 plan.

          No, you don't need to do anything on the Asus router (if you want to keep it that way). I still have its wifi enabled in addition to the mesh. You just need to setup your Decos in AP mode. Note that the first deco connecting to the router must be done via ethernet cable.

  • mrgeckoz on 21/07/2022 - 11:29
    +2

    High recommend these.
    Covers 3 bedroom house on 650sqm land, inside out.
    Latest update enables to choose signal source manually for each node.

    • l2argain on 21/07/2022 - 11:48
      +1

      Do they parental controls ?

    • Lolitsjoel on 21/07/2022 - 11:57

      when was firmware released? I'm hoping they bring that to the M9+!

      • mrgeckoz on 21/07/2022 - 12:37
        +1

        Two weeks ago

    • bataleon on 21/07/2022 - 13:05

      Nice, I didn't know that. Thanks mate 👍

      • mrgeckoz on 23/07/2022 - 21:23
        +1

        All good, the update includes a scheduled reboot as well, very handy.

  • Fish and Grits on 21/07/2022 - 11:30

    Geez that's a good price. Paid a lot more just for the 2pac.

    • Da dpG on 21/07/2022 - 11:45
      +14

      No biggie

      • seamonkey on 21/07/2022 - 11:48
        +3

        Stop being a Snoop! ,Dogg

    • Mr Frodo on 21/07/2022 - 12:21
      +4

      All eyez on you then

    • desync on 21/07/2022 - 12:26
      -2

      yer but these are getting old now and it's low spec too

      these days you want to pickup a wifi 6 mesh

      but if you are just looking for an affordable mesh to replace your routers wifi it's still not terrible

      • mith on 21/07/2022 - 13:43

        What would some wifi 6 benefits be?

        • desync on 22/07/2022 - 09:47

          the signal will be faster and travel further - and your devices don't need to be wifi 6 to benefit

          also each node will be using wifi 6 and as a result will provide better/faster coverage

          future proofing

          new devices can run at highest speed

          better security / encryption

      • SupeNintendoChalmers on 22/07/2022 - 08:02

        No point being wifi 6 if literally none of your devices are wifi 6 compatible. It’ll be at least 5 years before wifi 6 devices are more mainstream anyway.

        • desync on 22/07/2022 - 09:45

          your mesh units are wifi 6, the signal is faster and travels further - even if you are using old gen wifi devices

          if your mobile is a flagship of the past year it's wifi 6

          if you bought a new laptop it's probably too

  • ewand7 on 21/07/2022 - 11:34
    +2

    These things have great coverage, particularly if you have ethernet as the backhaul. They do have a few drawbacks that I wish i knew about before purchasing:
    1. no option to split the 2.4ghz and 5ghz bands - my workaround was to setup the guest network as 2.4ghz only for the smart devices that don't work on 5ghz.
    2. the app seemingly doesn't work if the internet is down. Not sure if this is just me, but the web ui is pretty crummy so it is disappointing that the app doesn't work when trying to diagnose why it isn't working.

    • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 11:37
      +7

      my workaround was to setup the guest network as 2.4ghz only for the smart devices that don't work on 5ghz

      The latest firmware update, allow you to select 2.4 or 5 for individual device.

      • ewand7 on 21/07/2022 - 11:39

        Oh that's awesome. Going to do that now. Thank you!

        • Block on 21/07/2022 - 11:41

          Hi ewand,
          Do you know if in the app you can limit speed of connection and times of connection during the day per device for kids?

          • ewand7 on 21/07/2022 - 11:46
            +1

            @Block: I Don't use those features so not sure about speed, but definitely time of day. You can assign devices to users (kids) and then set restrictions based on that.

            • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 11:52
              +1

              @ewand7:

              but definitely time of day.

              Yes, can create AUTOMATION but not sure about speed.

          • zjz93 on 21/07/2022 - 11:57
            +1

            @Block: You can't set specific connection speeds but you can prioritise some devices through the app

      • NopeNopeNope on 21/07/2022 - 13:28

        thanks for letting us know! another work around is to disable 5Ghz, setup the device you want, then turn on 2.4Ghz i did that for my more basic IOTs/Cameras and they worked happily.

  • Javin on 21/07/2022 - 11:40
    +4

    Should i get this or wait for WIFI 6 mesh pack deal ?

    • IMadeYouReadThis on 21/07/2022 - 12:05

      Depends on your need - I am currently on 100mbps plan and bought WiFi 6 as I will be upgrading once 250 plans become more affordable. I know some of my friends, they have 50mbps plan and are extremely happy with it so if you are like one of my friends then no need to wait for wifi 6 I guess :)

      • UrbanLegend on 21/07/2022 - 12:17
        +5

        You don't need WiFi 6 for 250Mbps speeds. These will work just fine and give you full bandwidth.

    • desync on 21/07/2022 - 12:28
      -2

      wifi 6 imho

      if you are plex streaming 4k or plan too then definitely get wifi 6

      • mith on 21/07/2022 - 13:49
        +2

        Just as a reference

        I Plex stream 4K REMUXes via these (as LG OLEDs only support 100mbps ethernet). No issues with streaming at all for the last 2 years or so.

        The units are very very close to the TVs though - be interested to hear any experiences with people having them further away?

        I can also hit my connection limits on a speedtest (400/50) maybe 10m from a unit? Haven't tested further.

  • Kangar00 on 21/07/2022 - 11:42
    +2

    Picked one of these up early last year for $182 through good guys commercial. Great coverage, easy to set up and never had any issues. Would definitely recommend for any regular user.

  • tomsco on 21/07/2022 - 11:43
    +3

    I'm also going to recommend these.

    On a bit over 2000sqm. One plugged into the NBN box in the kitchen, one by the front door, one to my tin shed at the front of the property over 30m away (sits on the one window sill otherwise the connection breaks) and this gives me strong wifi across my whole property. Super happy with this purchase. Think I paid about $220-230 via Good Guys Commercial.

    • GenghisGun on 21/07/2022 - 16:22

      Awesome, how are they connected together? ethernet?

      • tomsco on 21/07/2022 - 18:45
        +1

        Nope. 100% wireless.

        I would’ve been happy just having the wifi evenly spread throughout the house, but decided to buy the three pack to test just in case.

        My alternative was running a trench for Ethernet, but wasn’t keen on that.

        • GenghisGun on 22/07/2022 - 11:36

          that's pretty awesome, thanks for letting me know

  • bmett on 21/07/2022 - 11:44

    Quick q: I have HFC NBN. Can you plug those directly into the black NBN box or do I need a modem/router?

    • ewand7 on 21/07/2022 - 11:47
      +4

      The black box is your modem. The deco replaces the router and any wifi access points. I have it setup directly into the black box as you described

      • bmett on 21/07/2022 - 11:55

        thanks mate. bought! :D

      • beOson on 21/07/2022 - 11:58

        Is it the same with FTTP? connects directly with the NBN box?

        • tomsco on 21/07/2022 - 12:10

          I have fixed wireless and have a version of the NBN box - I connect directly to that. My understanding is it should be fine for you to do.

          Fixed wireless version

        • ewand7 on 21/07/2022 - 13:37
          +2

          Yes, exact same. Deco unit will replace the router/wifi access points.

  • beOson on 21/07/2022 - 11:50

    Currently, using Kogan/Tenda MW3, is it worth the upgrade when I am not having much/any issues with the current setup?
    Could I expect higher speed running the Deco M5?
    We're on NBN 50/25 plan, shared between 3 people in the household.

    • Lolitsjoel on 21/07/2022 - 11:59

      Are you getting max speed while moving around the house in all areas you wish to use it currently?

      • beOson on 21/07/2022 - 12:21

        Good point, just tested, I have 2 nodes downstairs and can get 90-95% of max speed at the far end of the house (our living room where we use wifi often).

        One node upstairs, in my work/pc room, I spend 40% of the time using wifi here on my phone, and even though I've got a node right beside me, still I seem to be getting inconsistent download speed from between 18-49 and upload between 10-19 on the 50/20 connection.

        Then the living room only gets 35 max.

        At the time of testing, there was only my son watching 720p youtube, and I ensured the tested server was the same.

        • Lolitsjoel on 21/07/2022 - 12:40
          +2

          Guess it's entirely up to you and your use case, I'm almost able to get full 100mbit on my entire 615sqm block with 4x m9+'s, 100mbit is only $68.95 for 6 months at Superloop if that also helps ;)

          • beOson on 21/07/2022 - 12:46

            @Lolitsjoel: Yea ours is 405sqm..I will have a think about it. Thanks!

    • IMadeYouReadThis on 21/07/2022 - 12:07
      +2

      if you are happy with current setup then leave it as is, you can consider upgrading to WiFi 6 in a few years time when these devices will be obsolete.

      • beOson on 21/07/2022 - 12:22

        Is it worth the upgrade just to get a more solid wifi connection (speed consistency) and the fancy features?

        • ace310 on 21/07/2022 - 13:57

          Personally I won't upgrade from tenda to this mesh. Wait for wifi 6 to become more affordable. As you mentioned you don't have much issue and are getting almost max speed, I won't bother.

          • beOson on 21/07/2022 - 14:01

            @ace310: Thanks for your input. On average am getting 40/16 on Exetel 50/20 NBN, even though I am sitting right beside the 3rd note upstairs.
            Other than the inconsistency issue, I prob should not bother and wait for a more affordable wi-fi 6 product like you said…thanks.

    • aldroid on 21/07/2022 - 12:18
      +3

      The Tenda MW3 is a solid budget mesh system. If you're not having any problems with it I wouldn't bother upgrading to the Deco. Your bottleneck with the MW3 is the 100Mbit Ethernet connection at the gateway end but since you're only on a 50/25 it's not a bottleneck for internet speed just local transfer. If you wanted to speed up local transfer speed just replace the master node with an MW6 as it has gigabit Ethernet.

      • beOson on 21/07/2022 - 12:25

        Yea my pc (upstairs) connects directly to the master node and can get max speed.
        My test results shared above suggest that I don't get consistent or max speed on wifi in my pc room, and then the living room gets only 70% of the max speed (both rooms upstairs). But otherwise, don't really need the transfer speed at this stage.

      • machej on 21/07/2022 - 14:53

        Was great for $99 during Amazon Prime day.

  • LuckyDrew on 21/07/2022 - 11:51

    I'm moving to a two level house (wifi connected to top level) and already have a three pack of these. Do I need another three?

    • matthewperk on 21/07/2022 - 11:56

      That'll come down to signal strength on your other floor. if you're existing three pack is doing the job no need to add more.

    • superforever on 21/07/2022 - 11:57
      +1

      Do I need another three?

      No , just put one upstairs.

  • spackbace on 21/07/2022 - 11:53

    Adding my recommendation to these as well :)

  • gleamnite on 21/07/2022 - 11:58

    Thanks OP. Just bought a 3-pack because I needed 1 to add to my Deco X68 network. (Long story: Need NBN HFC > M5 > garage switch > home ethernet > multiple X68)

    Completely unrelated: Does anyone need 2 M5s?!

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