🛒
The year 2022 is the year when TP-Link keeps its word. Today, the company announced the availability of its latest Wi-Fi 6 mesh variants to complete its Deco ecosystems—all of which were first announced at the beginning of the year.
Specifically, if not today, you’ll soon be able to buy the Deco X50 Outdoor, Deco PX50, and Deco X50 PoE that collectively fulfill all situations any residential user would run into while setting up their home network, including Outdoor, Powerline, and PoE.
Before this, Netgear had an outdoor Orbi satellite, the RBS50Y, and Asus released the Powerline-endable ZenWiFi XP4 in April 2022. So far, TP-Link is the first vendor with PoE mesh options that are not in the form of enterprised-class access points.
These new mesh variants make Deco the most flexible mesh brand yet.
A trio that meets any needs
All of the new Deco variants share the same Wi-Fi specs. They are all dual-band broadcasters with up to 3000Mbps Wi-Fi bandwidth (AX3000)—similar to the Deco X60.
As part of the Deco family, all three use the same Deco firmware and mobile app. Consequently, they are super-easy to use, but users need to log in with a TP-Link account to set up and manage their network.
TP-Link and your privacy
Having to sign in with an account generally means your hardware connects to the vendor at all times, which translates into inherent privacy risks.
On this matter, the China-origin networking company, among other things, insists that it’s a “global multinational group” and offers this assurance:
“TP-Link takes privacy seriously and complies with U.S. policies to protect consumers.”
TP-Link’s Privacy Policy page.
Managing your home network via a third party is never a good idea. Privacy is a matter of degree. Data collection and handling vary vendor by vendor.
And like all Decos, including the latest Deco XE200, the new Deco X50 variants have limited Wi-Fi and networking customization.
The way it goes, these new hardware options include TP-Link’s HomeShield Basic, which has simple Parental Controls and online protection. The HomeSheild Pro, which costs $6/month, is required if you want more.
Hardware specifications: Deco X50 Outdoor vs. Deco PX50 vs. Deco X50 PoE
| Name | Deco X50-Outdoor AX3000 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 Mesh router | Deco PX50 AX3000 Powerline Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System | Deco X50-PoE AX3000 Dual-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System |
| Model | Deco X50 Outdoor | Deco PX50 | Deco X50 PoE |
| Mesh Availability (at launch) | 1-pack add-on | 3-Pack (three identical routers) | |
| Dedicated Wireless Backhaul | No | ||
| Wired Backhaul | Yes | ||
| Wi-Fi Bandwidth | Dual-band AX3000 | ||
| 5GHz Wi-Fi Specs (channel width) | 2×2 AX: Up to 2400Mbps (20/40/80/160MHz) | ||
| 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Specs (channel width) | 2×2 AX: Up to 600Mbps (20/40MHz) | ||
| Backward Compatibility | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi | ||
| Wireless Security | WPA, WPA2, WPA3 | ||
| Mobile App | TP-Link Deco | ||
| Vendor Login Required | Yes | ||
| Web User Interface | Limited | ||
| Bridge Mode | No | ||
| AP Mode | Yes | ||
| USB Port | None | ||
| Gigabit Port | 2x PoE auto-sensing | 2x auto-sensing | 1x PoE auto-sensing |
| Multi-Gig Port | none | 1x PoE 2.5Gbps Auto-sensing | |
| Link Aggregation | No | ||
| Dual-WAN | No | ||
| Power Intake | 110-240V PoE | 110-240V | 110-240V PoE |
| US Launch Price (check street price) | $149.99 (1-pack) | $299.99 (3-pack) | $349.99 (3-pack) |
Deco X50 Outdoor: The most versatile Deco yet
Of these new Deco X50 variants, the Outdoor unit is the most interesting since it is water- and dust-resistant and supports PoE.
The new mesh hardware takes a cylinder shape. For power, it comes with two PoE Gigabit ports—only one is needed to power the broadcaster—and a power port.
The hardware can work as a PoE wired or a fully wireless mesh satellite to connect to an existing network. Clearly, wiring is recommended for best performance. You can use the new hardware as the satellite of any existing Deco router or as the router unit of a new mesh.
TP-Link says each Deco X50 Outdoor unit includes accessories for users to mount on a pole or a wall. You can pre-order the new mesh unit for $149 and get it sometime in November.
Deco PX50: TP-Link’s first Powerline mesh system
Available in a 3-pack—three identical routers—for $299.99, the Deco PX50 is one of the most affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh sets.
What’s interesting about the new hardware is that each unit has a built-in 1500Mbps G.hn powerline adapter, allowing them to link up via a home’s electrical wiring when the wireless backhaul is not available or reliable.
Generally, the PX50 is applicable for homes with thick walls. While Powerline can be finicky in my experience, it is a viable—and sometimes only—alternative to running network cables for those needing a modest home network.
TP-Link says the new Deco PX50 AX3000 Powerline Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (3-Pack) will be available on Amazon in December 2022.
Deco X50-PoE: Versatile placement and Multi-Gig
The Deco X50 PoE is the only new hardware with a multi-gig port. Indeed, each hardware unit of the 3-pack has one 2.5GbE and a Gigabit port; both are PoE.
Unfortunately, since there’s only one Multi-Gig port, creating a mesh with Multi-Gig wired backhauling out of the hardware is impossible. Still, the 2.5Gbps port means the system can fully handle Gigabit broadband.
The Deco X50-PoE is designed to be placed on a surface or mounted. It comes with accessories for wall and ceiling mounting.
The new mesh is available now for $349.99.
The takeaway
With these new Deco X50 variants, TP-Link is now the only networking vendor that offers home users all the necessary options to get their network up and running, no matter the environment.
And that’s good news for users of other brands, too.
For example, you can use any of the new Deco hardware in the AP mode to scale up the Wi-Fi coverage via network cables or electrical wiring.
And that’s a win-win.
Dong, I’m interested in the X50-PoE devices in a wired home and guest home. Any suggestions for compatible POE switches or will most any unmanaged switch do as long as it meets the power requirements?
If I wanted to get multi-gig speeds on the WAN and LAN sides, would you recommend a separate Deco-branded multi gig router like the X55 Pro and use the X50 PoEs as the access points? Or at this point should I be looking at systems like Omada?
I’d go with one of the top three on this list, BA.
Just wondering if I can mount it on a pole 100ft from my house plug it into a existing power outlet and have it connect to my existing wireless network. Dont want different network names just stronger/extended coverage over my back yard where the current signal is only two bars to repeat/mesh or whatever. I have a comcast XB-7 gateway I’m using now. Thanks in advance for any help.
This Deco won’t work with your existing gateway as a wireless extender, D. You should use an outdoor extender (there’s none as far as I know) or an outdoor access point instead. Or you can replace your gateway with a modem and get a full deco set. In that case, 100 feet is likely too far. Generally, it’s best to use a PoE access point in your case.
Not sure if it will do the trick but decided to upgrade from my XB7-T to the newer XB8 thats supposed to have a bit more range and just put a 2nd XB8 in the area where i had weak signal..since I did have about two bars 70db signal there to begin with id assume/hope the mesh would be strong enough to provide coverage everywhere i need it. thank you for your response
Read my previous reply, D. The new gateway won’t have a longer range. It’s wishful thinking.
I’ve read several of your articles and each have been great and helpful.
Regarding Deco X50-PoE, “Unfortunately, since there’s only one Multi-Gig port, creating a mesh with Multi-Gig wired backhauling out of the hardware is impossible.” If you add a PoE multi-gig (2.5, 5, or 10G PoE) switch into the design you would be able to establish a complete multi-gig wired backhaul. Win… win… and a reliable design IMO.
Example of full multi-gig from modem to AP:
– Internet service w/ greater than 1G. (mine is 800 Mbps for now and fine)
– ARRIS Surfboard S33-RB DOCSIS 3.1 2.5Gbps Cable Modem
– TRENDnet (TPE-TG380) 8-Port Unmanaged 2.5G PoE+ Switch
– TP-Link Deco AX3000 PoE Mesh WiFi(Deco X50-PoE)
– Wired home w/ Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a.
Thoughts?
I’m not sure I understood you, Sean. You can’t turn a Gigabit device into Multi-Gig by using a Multi-Gig switch with it. More on Multi-Gig in this post.
You comment was, “Unfortunately, since there’s only one Multi-Gig port, creating a mesh with Multi-Gig wired backhauling out of the hardware is impossible”.
I was a good timing write-up on your part as I’m in the process of WiFi overhaul, especially after I finally had time to review our homes internet service and learned I neglected upgrading my DOCSIS 3.0 modem while paying for 800 Mbps service. wow… my bad!
So my suggestion is to use the 2.5G ports on the TRENDnet (TPE-TG380) 8-Port Unmanaged 2.5G PoE+ Switch (or similar switch) I noted to get multi-gig backhaul on the TP-Link Deco AX3000 PoE Mesh WiFi(Deco X50-PoE).
The design I’m pursuing, unless I’m missing something obvious here. Thank you.
I got it now, Sean.
The issue is this: If the router unit of the mesh has just one Multi-Gig port and you use that port for the backhaul (with or without a Multi-Gig switch), then there’s no Multi-Gig port for the WAN side (that’s when you have Gigabit or faster Internet). And generally, when talking about Multi-Gig, I count the WAN side, too, since otherwise, you don’t need to have Multi-Gig locally (you might still want it, but that’s a different story.)
So what you’re pursuing will work fine until you get Gigabit or faster Internet (you need Multi-Gig to deliver a Gigabit connection in full.)
Thanks for the quick feedback.
I’m proposing plugging the ARRIS Surfboard S33-RB DOCSIS 3.1 2.5Gbps to the TRENDnet (TPE-TG380) 8-Port Unmanaged 2.5G PoE+ Switch (or similar switch). The 2.5g ports on the Deco X50-PoE are cabled to the same switch also.
But now I see my design mistake/flaw. That is, the 2.5g WAN port on the router cannot be both WAN to Modem (via switch) and also as the multi-gig (2.5g) wired backhaul (via switch). That is, the same multi -gig 2.5G port on router cannot be dual purposed….. WAN and backhaul via switch, at least I don’t think so as I write back?
Thank for helping me think it through…. I certainly agree that it’s not a full multi-Gig mesh if you cannot keep the rate out to the WAN port and ISP.
Also you can’t put a switch in front of the router and expect the system to work, Sean. Just because there are holes doesn’t you can plug stuff in willynilly. 🙂
Wi Fi7 router from TP link??
Please enlighten us.
You’ll see a lot of these types of announcements next year, don’t get too excited. 🙂 More in this post.