Mesh beats range extenders any day, all day
The Deco M9 Plus (router mode) has been installed for a few weeks now, but so far it's been a five-star product.
Mine is connected in star topology, with a node on each floor of my 3-level home. Ran Ethernet backhaul between two of the units. But even without being hardwired, the node-to-node transmission rates were stellar.
Using the phone app step-by-step install instructions was simple and straightforward - no issues. The immediate notification to upgrade the firmware made me nervous. But that also went smoothly.
The Deco replaced a 6-year-old TP-Link Archer C8 router that was set up with a couple of wifi range extenders. Quite frankly, range extenders suck...the handoff when roaming through the house would often take 30-60 seconds. However, with the new mesh technology, handoff from node to node is now indiscernible. This is the ticket if you're trying to flood your house with glorious, seamless wifi.
Things that could be improved:
1) Web browser GUI for configuration/monitoring is weak. Forums indicate it's being worked on.
2) Additional Ethernet ports on each disc would be helpful, but I guess that's how TP-Link sells extra switches. (I had to buy two.)
3) Make the USB port on each node available for consumer use.
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