Does TP-Link Deco Mesh Need a Router?

TP-Link Deco Mesh is a new mesh Wifi system that promises to provide more widespread coverage of fast and reliable wireless internet around your home. The question is, does it really need a router?

Your home is full of devices that need wifi, but your old router just doesn’t cut it anymore. You’ve been thinking about getting a new mesh system, but you’re not sure if you need a new router too. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about TP-Link Deco mesh systems and whether or not you need a new router.

Does TP-Link Deco Mesh Need a Router?

Yes, the TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi system must be coupled with a router, modem, or internet cable already installed by an ISP (Internet Service Provider). The Deco Mesh system will connect to your current router and provide seamless WiFi throughout your home.

It is not necessary to have a separate modem/router combo when using the Deco system. However, it must be noted that if you are using an existing modem/router combo then you will need to manually set up the connection between both devices as the Deco units will not automatically pair with them.

Additionally, if you choose to use a wired Ethernet connection instead of WiFi then this should also be done manually as well since it does not come with automatic connectivity features like many other mesh systems on the market today do.

How Does the TP-Link Deco Mesh Wifi System Work with Router?

The TP-Link Deco Mesh Wifi System works by connecting to an existing router, modem, or internet cable already installed by an ISP (Internet Service Provider). It requires two steps: first, you must pair it with your router; second, place the additional routers around your home for coverage.

The various models offer different features such as faster speeds and more connectable devices. The different routers work together on the same wireless network for convenience.

Different TP-Link Deco models offer a variety of features, but they all work the same. The various extra routers that are supplied with the system can be placed around your home and they work together to form a network of coverage, ensuring no dead zones or problems with interference.

The various models can improve your home’s Wi-Fi speed and how many devices are connected to the network at the same time. They all connect to the same wireless network for easy use.

Can TP-Link Deco Mesh Wifi Connect To Existing Router?

Yes. The TP-Link Deco Mesh Wifi system can be used to connect to an existing router. To do so, you must configure the primary (main) router to access the internet and then connect the Deco unit to form your mesh network.

The TP-Link Deco cannot be used as a stand-alone device without connecting it to an existing router or modem/internet cable provided by an ISP (Internet Service Provider). It requires a connection between its LAN port and one of your existing router’s LAN ports in order for it to function properly.

How Do I Connect TP-Link Deco Mesh to an Existing Router?

In this section, we will discuss how to Connect TP-Link Deco Mesh to an Existing Router. It is important to know that there are different sets of instructions for different ISP devices. Make sure you are only working with a router for these steps to work.

• Always use a unique SSID (wireless network name) while configuring the Deco instead of the one already in use by your primary WiFi.
• The Wifi on your router should be turned off. Plugging a laptop or other device straight into the network will sometimes bring up a settings menu where you can immediately deactivate it.
• On the other hand, you may need to contact your service provider directly.

A TP-Link Demo can be set up quickly and easily by plugging it into an already-existing router, modem, or internet cable and then following the on-screen prompts and printed instructions.

You can rest assured that your mesh system will link up with an existing router; the only thing that consumers have trouble with is turning off the Wifi on their router.

Benefits of using a router with your TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi system

1. Improved wireless signal strength

Using a router with a TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi system helps to increase the wireless signal strength throughout the home.

This will ensure that no drops in connection occur as you move around the house, providing a more reliable and robust WiFi connection for all connected devices.

2. Easier wireless network setup

Using a router with a TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi system helps to ease wireless network setup by supporting WiFi Protected Setup (WPS), which supports methods (pushing a button, entering a PIN into a wizard-type application, Near Field Communication (NFC) Cards and USB Flash Drives) that are familiar to most consumers.

It also allows users to set up guest networks so they can give visitors access without giving them access to their home network password. Additionally, parental controls can block inappropriate sites as well as restrict access by time and category.

Unlike traditional routers that do not support WPS or guest networks, TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi systems offer additional features that make setting up wireless networks easier for consumers who want more control over their home network security settings or convenience in connecting new devices wirelessly without having to provide passwords each time.

However, traditional routers do not offer these same features so it is important for consumers comparing products to consider what features are important before making a purchase decision.

3. Improved network security

Using a router like the TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi system helps improve network security by providing advanced WiFi encryption and over-the-air updates.

This ensures that your network is always secure and protected from threats, while the TP-Link HomeCare™ security adds another layer of protection for your family. The Deco’s robust firewall only allows approved packets onto your devices, further ensuring security for all connected devices on the network.

4. Improved bandwidth and connection speed

Using a router with a TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi system can improve bandwidth and connection speed by distributing the internet connection across multiple units. The Deco kit includes three units, allowing for up to 574 Mbps (2.4 GHz) and 2,400 Mbps (5 GHz) of total bandwidth.

It also features three Gigabit Ethernet ports, which allow users to prioritize devices or activities that need faster connections.

5. Ability to use multiple mesh nodes together

A router can be used with a TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi system to use multiple mesh nodes together. The router acts as the main connection point for all of the nodes, allowing them to communicate with each other and decide which connection is the strongest one for wherever you’re located at the time.

Each node has a special extra band that allows them to communicate with each other more efficiently than standard routers.

6. Increased home automation capabilities

Using a router with a TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi system increases home automation capabilities because it allows you to create shortcuts to actions that control smart lights, switches, plugs, and outlets.

This gives you the ability to create triggers that turn on specific smart lights at specific times when your phone joins the network. Additionally, the automation feature allows you to set up rules for how devices should interact with each other in certain scenarios (such as when someone is home).

7. Improved user-friendliness of the system

Using a router with a TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi system improves the user-friendliness of the system by allowing users to easily set up and manage their home network. The router provides a central point of control for all connected devices, allowing users to easily configure access points, monitor network activity, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Additionally, the Deco app provides an easy-to-use interface that allows users to quickly set up new devices and change settings on existing ones. This ensures that everyone in the household can access their favorite resources with minimal effort.

8. Ability to monitor and adjust network settings

A router can help with monitoring and adjusting network settings for a TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi system by providing access to family members so they can help, prioritizing the devices and activities most important to you with simple bandwidth control settings, and adjusting parental controls and other WiFi settings.

It also allows you to monitor traffic on your network in order to optimize performance.

9. Improved ability to deal with obstacles and signals

Using a router with a TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi system allows users to create a stronger and more reliable wireless signal. The router can be used to extend the range of the system, improving its ability to deal with obstacles and providing stronger signals in areas that may have weaker coverage.

The use of a router with a TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi system helps ensure that all areas of the home or office are covered by strong Wi-Fi signals, allowing users to enjoy fast and reliable internet connectivity without worrying about interruptions or lag times.

Additionally, using a router with this system ensures that each node is connected securely so there are no potential security threats due to weak connections between devices in the network.

10. Longer lifespan of the system due to firmware and software updates

The use of a router helps prolong the lifespan of a TP-Link Deco mesh Wi-Fi system by providing advanced WiFi encryption and over-the-air updates. These features ensure that the network is secure from unauthorized access, ensuring that it lasts for longer.

FAQ

Can I connect Deco wirelessly to an existing router to extend my existing Wi-Fi network?

Yes, Deco can be connected wirelessly to an existing router to extend your Wi-Fi network. Deco works as a mesh router system, meaning multiple units can be connected together to provide continuous coverage throughout your home. Additionally, each unit has two Ethernet ports that can be used to connect it directly to an existing router or other devices for increased Wi-Fi coverage in specific areas of your home.

Does the TP-Link Deco Mesh require a router?

Yes, TP-Link Deco Mesh requires a router. In the Deco network, the main Deco must be connected to a modem, router, or internet cable in order to access the internet.

Does a TP-Link mesh system replace a router?

Yes, a TP-Link mesh system can replace a router, as it must be coupled with an existing router, modem, or internet cable already installed by an ISP (Internet Service Provider). TP-Link’s Mesh Technology will automatically switch your devices to the best mesh node and WiFi band as you move throughout your home, so you never lose connection and your speeds stay fast.

The Deco mesh system is designed to replace your existing router, so it should be compatible with most of your current Wi-Fi equipment.

Can I use mesh WiFi without router?

Yes you can. The idea of a mesh network is to eliminate the necessity for a central router. You should only stick with your current router if it can also serve as a modem to get you online. If you don’t want to buy a new router, the mesh network will essentially have to do the same thing.

Do you need a modem with TP-Link mesh WiFi?

Yes, the TP-Link Deco Mesh WiFi system must be coupled with a modem or router that is already installed by an ISP (Internet Service Provider). The Deco requires quite a few steps to connect it to your router, so it is best to have one already set up before using this system.