There are a plethora of different options when going for a mesh network at home (or office, really). And while there are a lot of articles on the latest and greatest in Wi-Fi 7 mesh technology, not a lot is said about the last gen Wi-Fi 5 units. There are still a surprising amount of people that do not need even a Wi-Fi 6 network at home due to client compatibility or other reasons, so let’s take a look at the very affordable TP-Link Deco S4 – Wi-Fi 5 Mesh Network system.
What is a Mesh Network and How Does It Work?
A mesh network is a modern solution to home Wi-Fi coverage issues. Instead of relying on a single router, which can struggle to provide strong signals in larger homes or through thick walls, a mesh network uses multiple devices, called “nodes,” to create a seamless Wi-Fi experience.
Each node in a mesh system, such as the TP-Link Deco S4, connects to the others to form a unified network. This means that as you move around your house, your device will automatically switch to the strongest signal without interruptions. Unlike traditional extenders that create separate networks (e.g. “HomeWiFi” and “HomeWiFi_EXT”), a mesh network keeps everything under one name, ensuring smooth connectivity. Yes, you can make both the main router and extender have the same name (e.g. HomeWiFi) but the difference comes in that mesh networks seamlesslyswitch between nodes, no downtime or call being dropped.
Why Are Mesh Networks So Good?
Mesh networks offer several benefits over traditional routers and extenders:
- Seamless Roaming: Devices automatically connect to the best node without needing to reconnect manually.
- Better Coverage: Eliminates Wi-Fi dead zones by strategically placing multiple nodes around your home.
- Scalability: You can add more nodes if needed to expand coverage.
- Consistent Speed: Since nodes communicate intelligently, they ensure balanced performance across all areas.
- Ease of Setup and Management: Mesh networks, like the TP-Link Deco S4, come with user-friendly apps to simplify installation and control.
TP-Link Deco S4
TP-Link Deco S4 – Rear
TP-Link Deco S4 Specifications
Below is a table outlining the key specifications of the TP-Link Deco S4:
| Feature | TP-Link Deco S4 |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Speed | 1200 Mbps 2.4GHz: 300 Mbps 5GHz: 867 Mbps |
| Coverage | Up to 4000 ft2 / 370m2 (3-pack) |
| Antennas | 2x Internal |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 per unit (10/100/1000 Mbps) with LAN/WAN Autosensing |
| MU-MIMO | Yes (Learn more about MU-MIMO) |
| Beamforming | Yes (Learn more about Beamforming) |
| Parental Controls | Yes (via TP-Link app) |
| Guest Network | Yes |
| Security Features | WPA2 (Learn why not having WPA3 might be a problem) |
| App Control | Yes (TP-Link Deco App) |
TP-Link Deco S4 – Coverage
TP-Link Deco S4 – Specs
Considerations When Purchasing the TP-Link Deco S4
If you are thinking about getting the Deco S4, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Home Size & Layout: The Deco S4 (3-pack) covers up to 4000 sq. ft., making it ideal for medium-sized homes. If your home is larger or has multiple floors, consider adding extra nodes.
- Speed Requirements: With AC1200 speeds, it is great for standard browsing, HD streaming, and gaming but may not be ideal for households with heavy 4K streaming or gigabit internet connections.
- Ethernet Backhaul: If you have the ability to wire some nodes together using Ethernet, you can improve stability and performance.
- Security Features: The Deco S4 only includes WPA2 security, but advanced security features require a TP-Link HomeCare subscription.
- Device Compatibility: Works well with smart home devices and voice assistants like Alexa.
Understanding Wi-Fi 5 and Its Limitations
The TP-Link Deco S4 operates on Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is still widely used but lacks some of the features of newer Wi-Fi standards.
If you choose a Wi-Fi 5 mesh system like the Deco S4, you will be missing out on:
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Features: Wi-Fi 6 offers better efficiency, lower latency, and increased speeds, especially in crowded networks.
- OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access): Helps multiple devices communicate more efficiently. (Learn more about OFDMA)
- Improved Battery Life for Devices: Wi-Fi 6 includes Target Wake Time (TWT) to help devices use less power. (Understand Target-wake-time)
- Better Performance in High-Density Environments: Wi-Fi 6 handles multiple connected devices more efficiently, reducing congestion.
While Wi-Fi 6 is a big improvement, Wi-Fi 5 is still sufficient for most home users who don’t have an extremely high number of connected devices.
Conclusion
The TP-Link Deco S4 is an affordable and reliable mesh Wi-Fi system that offers excellent coverage, seamless connectivity, and ease of use. While it lacks the advanced features of Wi-Fi 6, it remains a solid choice for households looking to eliminate dead zones without breaking the bank. If you have a high-speed internet plan or many connected devices, you might consider a Wi-Fi 6 mesh system, but for most homes, the Deco S4 provides great value and performance.