TP-Link Deco 4+

Hands down the best router I’ve ever had. I have a 3 story 3,400 sf. home. It covers my whole house. Zero dead spots, full bars at all times. Dual band simultaneously, so my PlayStation, iPhone and laptop connect on 5 GHz band, while some other use the 2.4Ghz band. The firmware update was dang near automatic. This thing literally holds your hand through the full setup. 99% of people will hit next, next, next, and so on until it’s setup. It asks one question that could throw you bout how you connect to your ISP, but for most people it is by dynamic address which it defaults to for you. Lastly, without geeking out, you can do IP reservations and a tons of other advanced cool stuff. And this was with the whole home mesh network Deco M3. Buy it!! You will not be disappointed - unless you’re the type of person who has to customize everything to death for absolutely no reason other than it makes you feel superior, lol.

For a long time now I knew that the previous version of this app was showing incorrect information in regards to my Deco system. It was showing Wi-Fi devices connected to deco units that was completely impractical and nearly impossible. Since my “stuff” connected well and had a great connection to Wi-Fi and the internet, I just ignored the info that the app was showing.

I was pretty excited a few weeks ago to open the app and see that it was completely revamped. It looks great. I quickly realized, however, that it was just new lipstick on the pig. In fact, it seems like the information was/is more incorrect than ever. Now it’s showing LOTS of my Wi-Fi devices as connected “wired”. That’s impossible. It’s showing some of my wireless devices connected a Deco unit that is so far from the device, it’s just not logical. And a “device health” test from those devices app shows a very solid and strong connection. Because of that I know that it’s connected to the closest Deco, not the farthest one as indicated by the app.

I don’t know. I guess this app update is a lateral step, but it does look a bit nicer. All of my devices still connect and work fine so there is nothing hardware wise to complain about. I just wish I could get accurate info from the app regarding the hardware and various connections. Maybe on the next major app overhaul?

Easy to use app for my Deco mesh system, however, it could be better. These days, unless you’re hiding under a rock, you know that there are people trying to take advantage of others. I happen to live in a neighborhood where it’s common…neighbors, or their guests, can’t afford their own internet so they try to piggyback on mine, causing me to pay more for the service. My complaint with the app is that it doesn’t indicate the date someone has connected. I do get a notification, but I don’t often see them timely as I don’t carry my phone with me constantly. Having the date someone connects helps to identify which connected device I should block. If I had three Unknown devices, maybe all three should be blocked, but maybe it’s the last one listed. I do give out my password as I live rurally and cell service can be ridiculously poor, but having a better idea of whom I might want to block would help. At the very least, the connected devices should be able to be sorted by date connected. For me it’s the downside of an otherwise excellent, easy to use, app.