The latest entry in the mesh router market comes today from TP-Link, which has announced availability of the Deco M9 Plus Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 2-Pack System. The router is TP-Link’s newest mesh offering and promises to eliminate Wi-Fi dead spots with dependable connections to “more than 100 devices” throughout a home, and it also doubles as a smart home hub for IoT products.
TP-Link says the Deco M9 Plus provides a “stronger and more dynamic” backhaul than rival systems, supplementing its dedicated 5 GHz backhaul with additional backhaul throughput from other Wi-Fi bands as network demand increases. The system automatically identifies the strongest connection for every device (4K streaming boxes, game consoles, etc) to keep the network running smoothly.
“From everyday activities like streaming Netflix and using smart voice assistants, to occasional video chats with friends or online gaming, our home lives are more connected than ever before,” said Derrick Wang, director of product management at TP-Link USA Corp.
“Today, families need Wi-Fi systems that can support the higher demands put on their network, delivering reliable performance in every room of the home. Deco M9 Plus is a powerful solution designed to meet the Wi-Fi needs of the modern smart home.”
The 2-pack provides Wi-Fi for homes up to 4,500 square feet, and a single pack can be purchased to add to the network. Once set up, the connected Deco App can limit and monitor internet usage for all devices connected to the system. In terms of security, TP-Link HomeCare provides antivirus and malware protection in an effort to safeguard every connected device on the network from outside malware and hackers.
More Deco M9 Plus features:
– Standard 2-pack offers coverage up to 4,500 sq. ft.
– Powerful AC2200 tri-band Wi-Fi
– Three Wi-Fi bands with a dedicated backhaul to support 100-plus devices
– Quad-core CPU with 4 GB eMMC Flash and 512 MB RAM
– Wireless speeds of up to 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz + 867 Mbps on 5 GHz (1) + 867 Mbps on 5 GHz (2)
– 6 Wi-Fi antennas, 1 Bluetooth antenna and 1 ZigBee antenna inside each Deco Unit
– 1 USB 2.0 port (reserved) and 2 Gigabit ports
– Built-in smart home hub compatible with Bluetooth 4.2 and ZigBee HA 1.2
– Advanced Wi-Fi security and HomeCare powered by Trend Micro
In addition, the Deco M9 Plus is a smart home hub that users can set up to enable control of ZigBee, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi devices using the Deco App. TP-Link says this “eliminates the need for additional smart hubs in the home” and the system supports a collection of smart home brands like the company’s own light bulbs and switches, GE, Samsung SmartThings, Nest, and Kwikset. The Deco M9 Plus is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT.
The TP-Link Deco M9 Plus Mesh Wi-Fi 2-Pack can be purchased for $299.99, while a 1-pack will run for $179.99.
Tags: wi-fi, TP-Link, mesh routers
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