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TP-Link Deco M5 Mesh Wi-Fi Router System (3-Pack) $198 Delivered @ Amazon AU

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Got a price alert on this router that seems to be quite popular here.

Not sure if bunnings or officeworks would still have stock on these for price beat.

Specs copied from previous deal:
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.

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closed Comments

  • +1

    I've got terrible signal in my rooms due to double brick walls. Will this fix the issue?

    • +14

      i put these in a house where my tenants had low signal (cause I'm the best landlord ever). i didnt event really think about where i put them. no complaints for 2 years.

      • +22

        I personally wouldn’t be using network devices I didn’t own and manage if I was the tenants.

        • haha where did all the trust go?

          • +6

            @thepigs: It was abused and now it’s gone. Shame, really.

    • +1

      It will definitely fix the issue mate had the same problem as we had the double brick walls and since I have installed these getting really good speed and hardly any lags ..

    • +1

      Cable backhaul.

    • due to double brick walls. Will this fix the issue?

      A lot better than single WiFi router.

    • Yes, I had similar issues before buying these, they are excellent.

      This is a good price too, I paid around $270 maybe 18 months or so ago.

  • Tempting - Not sure if I should wait till BF.

    • +4

      I think your boyfriend or best friend will like this too

  • +4

    These work really well for me, one plugged straight into the nbn box.

    The second one elsewhere.

    The third one packed away for now, as I realised that using two did the trick if I placed them correctly

    • +2

      I went for the 3 pack because cheaper than adding a 3rd to the two pack.

      Glad I did. My shed is about 30m away from my property, but with where I've placed them, basically my whole property (inc my big tin shed) is bathed with wifi. Super happy with these.

  • +4

    Oh, also Bunnings sells it I think, maybe possible to get a 10% price beat?

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/tp-link-deco-m5-dual-band-mesh-w…

  • Tp-link or D-link? Dlink AX-1800 mesh have a wifi 6. Two points of Dlink can cover upto 510 sqm that is more than enough for me. I have a ebay plus so price is almost the same.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/374245587825?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mk…

  • +2

    2.4 GHz: 400 Mbps (802.11n)

    Ah yes, the propoganda number.

    (This is 256-QAM on 40mhz. There isn't even enough spectrum for 3 40mhz access points in 2.4ghz anyway. 256-QAM is also technically out of spec, but quite a few devices will support it anyway.)

    • They put them all on the same channel, which can get real noisy, I get better performance with 2 Decos than 3 on 2.4Ghz.

      The 1.6 firmware released earlier this year let you set devices to prefer 5Ghz, which really improved the performance and stability of my iPhones and Xbox once configured.

      • They put them all on the same channel

        For 2.4? Would seem better to spread at least one of them out. Unless they're running backhaul on 2.4 which would be a real big O_o too.

        The 1.6 firmware released earlier this year let you set devices to prefer 5Ghz, which really improved the performance and stability of my iPhones and Xbox once configured.

        Band steering is basically just "kick em until they reconnect to the one you want". Sometimes it works well. Sometimes your phone gets pissy and tries to reconnect to the 2.4 access point like 4 times.

  • +4

    Best $200 I spent for home network.

    Double brick house. 650sqm block. With two units i have usable 5g across the block, including in the back shed.

    • Spot on mate same for us as well except our block is a bit bigger about 1000sqm but no issues since we installed these

  • anyone with mesh network experience in their homes can help me. Which one do you think would give a stronger signal and network around the house between these two and why.

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/netgear-orbi-ax1800-dual-… $399

    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/netgear-orbi-ax4200-tri-b… $649

    Both say they cover around the same square metres, both wifi 6. I'm leaning towards the AX4200 orbi albeit the higher price tag.

    • There's also the TP-Link deco that has Wifi 6E that Linus tech tips recently reviewed (not on the LTT channel but on one of their other channels). Similar price to the Netgear Orbi AX4200.

      • Do you think the 3 ax1800's being able to triangulate the signal or the two stronger ax4200 would be better though?

        • If you're after a fully wireless setup (if your home doesn't have ethernet wiring) then tri-band wifi is a must as per Dong Knows. If your house is wired-up then you should be fine with the ax1800 as you may be able to use wired backhaul if the ax1800 supports that.

          Disclaimer: I have no IT background other than the fact I am bit of a tech-head.

          • @nomadspartan: Have ethernet at the router modem which is strong. Routers signal doesn't travel well enough to other side of the house (router front of house - majority net use back of the house). Some days it works ok, others internet speed drops off. There's two ethernet connections at back of the house, however when using an extender or powerline adapter in them, they haven't given good internet speed. My guess is that the two ethernet connections there are shit and I have no idea why. So thinking a mesh system throughout the house should work just not sure which one.

            • @boostpak: You'd be very unlucky to have one bad ethernet connection, let alone 2, unless they weren't done properly in the first place.
              Get someone to check them properly. Setting up a mesh when you have cable is a waste and will give worse results.

              • @McFly: I've plugged the extender into both, and I get 1-5mbps I have no idea why!

                • @boostpak: Problem could be your router, also have you used different cables?

                  • @McFly: The router is a Telstra one. I can sometimes get good wireless internet speeds 50mbps on the other side of the house from the router (signal strength always good not excellent), but other times the internet speed will slow down to 10-15mbps. Could getting a different router solve the issue.

                    I will test the ethernet connections with different cables tonight. The ethernet connection where the router is works perfect. So stumped as to why the other don't.

            • @boostpak: Yea you theoretically should get a stable internet as you have ethernet. I think trying to diagnose why your ethernet at the back of the house is shit is the first step as it's the big issue. You can attempt to just switch to fully wireless, but I feel that you're just kicking the can down the road if you ignore your ethernet issues.

              If you tested the scenario with a Wi-Fi router at the front of home with a power socket extender at the back of the home and are able to achieve good Wi-Fi coverage, then it looks like you should be able to make do with the two pack ax4200 (again I say if you're going with fully wireless setup then you should get a tri-band system as one of the bands will be used as backhaul). But I would focus on fixing your ethernet as it will future proof your home when you get 1Gbps internet speeds down the line and you don't have to spend as much money on mesh Wi-Fi.

          • @nomadspartan: also plugging the extender into a power socket instead so using wifi signal not ethernet gave a mixed result. Signal strength was always excellent, however internet speed would fluctuate, sometimes being too slow to stream hd..

  • +2

    I have these in our large 4-bedroom house and granny flat. They work perfectly.

  • I always up vote these super high value mesh nodes. Can’t miss a beat.

  • Just confirming this will require an existing router, is that correct? Are there other mesh out there that doesn't require an existing router?

    • +1

      This does not require an existing router. Need a modem if you line is FTTN.

    • +1

      Just confirming this will require an existing router

      Can setup as WiFi router or wireless AP.

    • +1

      You can plug these straight into the NBN box.

      • Only for FTTP

        • You can also plug them into the nbn box for FTTC, HFC and Fixed Wireless.

  • Is there a good way to set up one of these mesh routers with an existing ISP router? I want to retain the landline VOIP capability so i can't set the ISP router in bridge mode.

    • +4

      I want to retain the landline VOIP capability so i can't set the ISP router in bridge mode.

      Just set this as wireless access point.

    • +1

      I guess the options include: configuring these as Wi-Fi points only (not sure they have that option) and connect to existing router, or, using these as Wi-Fi and router behind your existing router (will introduce double-NATting), or, check if you can use a VoIP adapter (something like https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/networking/voip?page=1) connected to these as router and modem in bridge mode.

      • +1

        This what I do, Wi-Fi points only with this model.
        In saying that, I have 6 around our house including the garage etc.
        Its a big house, multi storey etc.
        I can still get Wi-Fi walking the dog up the road for a reasonable way too which is great for streaming music etc. while working outside, mowing the lawn etc.

    • The same kind of person said about any TVs not OLED are crap.

    • +1

      Wifi 5 does the job for a large consumer base.
      If I want speeds that badly I'm just going to wire in (with my Cat5e cable, if that's okay with you?)

      • -1

        in order for technological advancement of the human race to continue people need to get on board and do there part. "does the job" isn't acceptable. This isn't the 1950s where if it ain't broke don't fix it mentality exists, pushing technology to its limits is what drives tech forward. Wired connection is not the point we are talking about wireless tech.

        • human race to continue people need to get on board and do there part. "does the job" isn't acceptable. This isn't the 1950s where if it ain't broke don't fix it mentality exists, pushing technology to its limits is what drives tech forward

          That is why Apple keep releasing new iPhone with little difference and people like you still buying them.

          What's wrong with WiFi5 when people just need full WiFi coverage at home for their laptop and phone? Just whatsapp, browsing, etc?

          • -2

            @superforever: did I say there was somethign wrong with wifi 5? you missing the point of technological advancement, if people dont' buy new tech then tech doesnt' move forward, or it moves at a very slow pace.

            • @kungfuman:

              you missing the point of technological advancement, if people dont' buy new tech then tech doesnt' move forward

              You got it wrong, tech company have to get really new tech idea for tech to move forward and to get people to buy it, not just a bit faster, a bit better camera pixel and spend all the money on ads to get people to buy it but everything else the same for most people.

  • This might but a silly question but if you only needed one of two for your house could you use the spare in another house/network?

    • +2

      Yeah they're not hard coded to each other or anything, so e.g. you can buy 2 of these and put 4 in one house, 2 in the other.

  • +2

    Thanks OP, managed to get Bunnings to price beat, but had problems with the 1st Bunnings store where they rejected the price beat, as they said it wasn't the same model number (even though it was) - the Bunnings manager said the Amazon ad states "Up to 4,500 sq. ft. Coverage" and the Bunnings product labelling it states "Up to 5,500 sq. ft. Coverage". Go figure!

    Anyway, went to a 2nd Bunnings store and they price beat with no issues.

    • Lol that's so stupid from the 1st store. Literally all they should be doing is looking at the model number and that's it.

  • Does this introduce any added ping? For example for FPS gaming?

    • You mean wireless or wired?

      • Wireless. In comparison to just 1 router.

  • Any comparisons for this against the Netgear Orbi AX1800?

    • +1

      Not the same price point.

  • Would LG microwave waves interfere with its signal. I got techcolour (Telstra) modem atm and microwave interferes with it which means internet in some devices close by drops data when microwave is on

    • Most likely on the 2.4GHz band. I have that experience with my current (asus) router for all 2.4GHz devices.

      This one would have the 5GHz band and should be fine provided your wireless device supports 5GHz.

      • Thanks for confirming that.

    • It will definitely interfere if you are on a 2.4ghz network also depend on where abouts is your microwave based , the best bet is to change it to 5.0Ghz network and you won’t have any issues but the problem is not all the devices support 5.0GHZ network

      • Few of my smart devices are just 2.4,

  • OOS

  • I've a Opticomm (Unitiwireless) provided router. Can I replace with this product ?
    My internet speed is really slow in far end of the house. 4 bedroom house on 350 m2. Thanks all

    • Plug in the M5 to the OptiComm box.

      • +1

        Thanks

  • +6

    Before you buy these it may be worth reading through at least this thread (there are a few threads but this one gives you a number of really annoyed Deco owners asking for an easy fix)-

    https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/273992

    In brief - the way TP-Link have setup the WAN/LAN autosensing means that when the internet connection goes down all LAN connectivity is lost.
    ie. nothing on your LAN can connect to anything else.

    Definitely not a good choice if you have networked security cameras/NAS/TVs etc.

    • +1

      Thanks for posting - I had no idea about this. I'm going to return my Deco x20 system before I set it up and go with Unifi access points instead. Fancy having a mesh system which brings the LAN down if the internet drops out.

      • +1

        Wish I had seen it before I spent days troubleshooting when mine wouldn't keep working.
        I did not even consider it may have been a built-in 'feature' of the Deco so spent ages trying to work out what I had done wrong with the various settings across my LAN.
        TP-Link's response that it's actually a deliberate design feature didn't go down too well on their help forum.
        Considering that they have provided a couple of individual users with a patch that fixes it apparently, I can't see why they don't make it at least a choice.

    • That's terrible, thanks for posting that. Def won't consider it now.

    • Thanks. Very helpful post.

      • +1

        Glad to be of help.
        Not sure why the Deco units continue to be so highly recommended on here and a few other forums other than price and ease of use.
        If you have a rock solid NBN connection it's not a major issue I guess.
        Maybe a lot of people are like me and assumed it was something they had setup incorrectly rather than the Deco units themselves.

        • What did you end up doing? Getting something else or just living with it?

          • @booboo: Connection was a major problem for a while but luckily AussieBB put pressure on NBN to get someone on to it and it's been pretty reliable since they did some work in the pit outside.
            Happy with ABB and NBN. Not happy with TP-Link so still looking for a replacement.

            Not impressed with TP-Link's reasoning and responses given so won't be buying anything with their brand on it anymore.

            I am definitely replacing the Decos when I get a bit more time to find something better at a reasonable price. (at the moment am leaning towards ASUS).

            • @Grunntt:

              I am definitely replacing the Decos

              Which one do you have?

              • +1

                @CVonC: The Deco M5 (3 pack).
                Last time I checked most, if not all, models of Deco have this 'feature'.

    • Wow, didn't see this on TP-Link forum before.
      Running mine in AP mode…

    • In brief - the way TP-Link have setup the WAN/LAN autosensing means that when the internet connection goes down all LAN connectivity is lost.

      Just tried with my M5 , first I unplugged the WAN port cable and second unplugged both WAN and LAN cable.

      Both I have no problem accessing my local Windows shared on another computer, so may be they have fixed it? Or because my desktop computer are on cable with network switches? Or because computers still have IPs and will take longer to refresh?

      • Both I have no problem accessing my local Windows shared on another computer, so may be they have fixed it?

        Hopefully they have fixed it but from various recent forum posts it does not appear so.

        Or because my desktop computer are on cable with network switches?

        TP-Link do say that if your devices are connnected to the secondary units they should still be able to connect to each other but not to anything that's connected to the main unit. They actually suggest buying another router to put in front/behind of the first Deco (great fix for their problem - buy another router).

        Are your switches connected to the main or secondary units?
        My switch is hardwired to the main Deco and nothing connects once the internet goes down.

        There have been one or two occasions where my TVs connect for a short time then they drop off the network - possibly due to connecting wirelessly to a secondary unit and then dropping that connection. Maybe because of the IP address being 'sticky' for a while.
        Haven't bothered looking into it further as I don't feel like spending any more of my time on what should not be a 'feature' anyway.

        This is how my setup looks (dashed lines are wifi and solid lines are CAT6 -
        https://imgur.com/a/892lBkK

  • +4

    Harvey norman has dropped this to $198 also. Still in stock. Get while u can and even better price beat it from bunnings.

    https://www.harveynorman.com.au/tp-link-3-pack-deco-m5-ac130…

    I was in a pickle as the first bunnings didnt honour the amazon deal. Second bunnings store they were able to honour but amazon went OOS so no price was set. Then i scrambled to find a similar cheaper one and alas harvey norman came to rescue..

    • +1

      Yeah I had the same issue at Bunnings this AM and 2nd Bunnings was ok. Never had this sort of issue before with Bunnings price beating Amazon, they must be clamping down.

    • Also showed Harvey Norman’s price and price beat at Bunnings, no issues at all. Thanks!!

  • Got these ones clearance Officeworks for $100

    • -1

      whoa, did you post a deal or you kept it to yourself?

      • +1

        Well there was only one left so no point

        Doubt they had any stock left like that

        I bought my first one for like $180 back 3 years ago

  • +1

    This obsolete anyway - get this instead.

  • Back in stock, but "Usually dispatched within 1 to 2 months."

  • I'm finding the reception on this pretty poor. I have a small town house and have 3 pack of these.

    • My sister lives in about 100sqm house, with her old TP-link archer A9 there were a dead zone in her bedroom.

      Ever since she switched to the deco M5 2-pack (2 years ago), she never had issues with wifi anymore.

    • Use the app to check whether your devices connected by 2.4 or 5 and you can use WiFi app on your phone to check the signal strength.

  • +1

    RT-AX53U meshable router, buy 2x, install Openwrt, mesh them… updatable into the forseeable future.

    Otherwise stick with Wifi 5 and buy B2200 velica mesh units for openwrt from stock, recently added to the updatable list on Openwrt website.

    Vote with your wallets, this stuff all becomes ewaste or landfill without ongoing updates. Only certain hardware configs are able to use Openwrt.

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