i have sb s6782 ac (Arris surfboard) connected to xfinity high speed. Unit manufactured in 2014 and as of sort of recently I think, I can no longer log in to device at 192.168.xxxxx. But the device still works. But my 5ghz wifi speeds dropped to about 70-80 mbps and seemed intermittent. Youtube tv doing lots of buffering and chromecast devices constantly disappearing from network. 2.4 ghz speed also dropped (to about 25-30 mbps).
I plugged ethernet cable to mac computer and got speeds of 220-230+mbps from the old Arris. So I figured if the device could still pull that speed from xfinity I would try to continue using it. Remember In order to see how well a new device works you need to know how good the signal is that you provide. So I suggest testing current modem/router or whatever set up you have via ethernet as place to start, as well as test the speeds of both bands of your current modem/router.
So I Bought the 3 pack TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System (manufacturer refurb).
Set up was not difficult. I have an open loft townhouse. First device sits next to the Arris connected by ethernet cable. Second device in living room about 45ft away. 3rd device in loft about 25 feet from second device.
My 5ghz speeds are now 200-250 mbps depending on time of day regardless of unit (you can see which is used). 2.4ghz speeds are 45-75 as well. If you are wondering why the 2.4 ghz speeds matter...i have 2 chromecast speakers and a chromecast audio that run on 2.4ghz, so my phone also has to use that network. Moreover, casting to all of my chromecast speakers has become stable. No device has ever disappeared from the cast view (i cast amazon HD music from phone every day several times per day).
Additionally my google tv (the usit google tv sent to subscribers due to roku fiasco) works so much faster on this 5ghz connection.
Important:
The Deco S4 comes equipped with only wpa security and all of my computers were suddenly warning about the security level (or lack of security). So I was not thrilled. But there is a firmware update for the deco s4 (update is v1.5) and it has the option to switch to wpa2-psk (AES). But the user forums were full of complaints that the update caused their speeds to crash. Yikes, and there were many complaints.
I waited for a few days and decided to to the firmware update and if my speeds crashed I would simply return to amazon.
The update was easy to install, and my speeds did not crash, and it seems as though the addition of the "network optimization" feature (which i ran) helped get the speeds up.
So all in all it is a massive success.
One more important note (which is a negative item with a solution)...the deco does not display both network frequencies. So my devices with 5ghz will all grab 5ghz, which means my samsung note 8 could not get onto the 2.4ghz that is required for casting to the 2.4ghz chromecast devices.
The solution is to set the guest network up and so now there are 2 networks. And each network can be set to either be 2.4&5ghz, or 2.4ghz only, or 5ghz only.
So I made one network 2.4ghz, and one 5ghz.
It works great.
Eventually I'll replace the Arris with a modem only device.
TP-Link Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System– Up to 5,500 Sq.ft. Coverage, WiFi Router/Extender Replacement, Gigabit Ports,Seamle
4.6 | 1,966 ratings
Price: 89.95
Last update: 11-01-2024
About this item
A New Way to WiFi: Deco Mesh technology gives you a better WiFi experience in all directions with faster WiFi speeds and strong WiFi signal to cover your whole home.
Bettern Coverage than traditional WiFi routers: Deco S4 three units work seamlessly to create a WiFi mesh network that can cover homes up to 5, 500 sq. ft. No Dead Zone anymore.
Seamless and Stable WiFi Mesh: Rather than wifi range extender that need multiple network names and passwords, Deco S4 allows you to enjoy seamless roaming throughout the house, with a single network name and password.
Incredibly fast AC1200 speeds makes the deco capable of providing connectivity for up to 100 devices.
With advanced Deco Mesh Technology, units work together to form a unified network with a single network name. Devices automatically switch between Decos as you move through your home for the fastest possible speeds
Robust Parental Controls: Limit online time and block inappropriate websites according to unique profiles created for each family member. Easy to keep your children safe while they’re online.
Setup is a breeze with the Deco app available on your Android or iOS device. Turn on/off guest WiFi with Alexa voice commands.
Industry leading 2 year and 24/7 technical Support
Connectivity Technology: Ethernet
Bettern Coverage than traditional WiFi routers: Deco S4 three units work seamlessly to create a WiFi mesh network that can cover homes up to 5, 500 sq. ft. No Dead Zone anymore.
Seamless and Stable WiFi Mesh: Rather than wifi range extender that need multiple network names and passwords, Deco S4 allows you to enjoy seamless roaming throughout the house, with a single network name and password.
Incredibly fast AC1200 speeds makes the deco capable of providing connectivity for up to 100 devices.
With advanced Deco Mesh Technology, units work together to form a unified network with a single network name. Devices automatically switch between Decos as you move through your home for the fastest possible speeds
Robust Parental Controls: Limit online time and block inappropriate websites according to unique profiles created for each family member. Easy to keep your children safe while they’re online.
Setup is a breeze with the Deco app available on your Android or iOS device. Turn on/off guest WiFi with Alexa voice commands.
Industry leading 2 year and 24/7 technical Support
Connectivity Technology: Ethernet
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 3.57 x 3.57 x 6.39 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 4.29 pounds |
| ASIN | B089QW9957 |
| Item model number | Deco S4 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars
1,966 ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #116,239 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics) #442 in Whole Home & Mesh Wi-Fi Systems |
| Date First Available | June 5, 2020 |
| Manufacturer | TP-Link |
Top reviews from the United States
sc
works great - many factors involved though.
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2021David McKean
Effortless Superfast Wi-Fi !!
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024Buyer
Surprisingly good
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2020Amazon Customer
Serve it's purpose...a bit bulky
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2024shannon strickland
Mesh system
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2024