TP-Link Deco X55 AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System - Covers up to 4500 Sq.Ft, Replaces Wireless Router and Extender, 3 Gigabit Ports per Unit, Supports Ethernet Backhaul, Deco X55(2-Pack)

The TP-Link Deco X55 (AX3000) is an affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh system ideal for Spectrum gigabit users. Its dual-band AX3000 speeds (up to 2.4 Gbps) and AI-driven mesh optimization deliver seamless coverage for 6,500 sq. ft., eliminating dead zones in large homes. Each unit’s three Gigabit ports support wired backhaul for faster node-to-node speeds, while the Deco app simplifies setup and management. Users praise its plug-and-play simplicity and ability to handle 150+ devices simultaneously without lag. Though lacking multi-gig ports, the X55 offers excellent value for Spectrum households seeking reliable whole-home Wi-Fi at a budget-friendly price

Highly recommended upgrade for those looking to increase their wireless speeds with several connected devices. I thought it wouldn't be much of an improvement over my DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem/router + Wifi extender, which appeared to be significantly throttling my bandwidth, but mesh Wifi is in fact different and more effective at extending range and providing speed consistency throughout the home.Why I purchased:I decided to try a mesh network as we were having some issues with streaming video quality, such as blurry/pixilated picture on our streaming TV, or buffering/loading on tablets or other devices playing video. A couple suspected reasons for these bandwidth issues were ethernet connected computer(s), use of a Wifi extender, and/or a Wifi security camera at the extent of the Wifi signal range that were reducing the connection quality of the other devices mentioned.Improvements after installing:One main issue I was seeing was an outdoor security camera that had a weak signal was having trouble staying connected. On my smartphone, I also had trouble staying connected to my Wifi when standing next to the camera outside. After installing this system, I have a strong signal throughout the house and near this camera, and speed tests indicate a much faster connection speed than before. There was a +50 Mbps jump in the upstairs far corner of the house. The security camera also remained connected much more reliably. I thought that it wouldn't be possible to still get a great signal across the house, figuring there was no way connecting through a satellite would provide any kind of decent speed, but it does! My understanding is that the software for this system is able to appropriately manage consistency of connections (through all connection points), so there is in fact an advanced capability over older routers to keep speeds high regardless of distance from the main router.Setup:Installing this system took less than 10 minutes to be fully up and running - very easy plug-and-play. May take 20 or 30 minutes for someone not as savvy.. but between the app and the automatic connections between the routers, it couldn't have been easier, and very difficult to mess up. Simply connect an ethernet cable from your modem to the main router (each of the 3 units is the same), connect the power cable, then download the app on your smartphone. In the app, after some brief setup steps (includes creating an account), the main step is to connect to the router through the on-screen prompts. From there, you can name your wireless network and password.Connecting the other 2 satellite routers:Place them within a reasonable distance from the main router (~20-30 feet/1-2 rooms away), then plug in to power. Wait ~2 minutes and done! The whole system was live and wirelessly connected through the main router. I couldn't believe it. In my relatively square-shaped house with the main router on one far side, I was able to place the 3 routers in a triangular pattern, where both satellites are about equal distance from the main router in the middle of the house (about 20 feet each). If your router is in the middle of your home, you may want to place the satellites at either end. I believe a daisy chain (main router at one end like I have, then 2 satellites in a line across the house) is also an option for larger, more expansive homes to maximize the range. I didn't test the daisy chain, but I'd expect diminishing speed at the far end (although one may be surprised based on my observations so far with the management of the traffic at farther distances). While at the far end of my house and running a speed test, I can't tell that I'm not connected to my main router as the speed is still very good. The daisy chain may slightly differ, but can't say for sure.2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz networks:Wait, you don't need to set up 2 different networks?? The app basically eliminates all complexity over traditional router setup apps, making the setup choices totally accessible for anyone of any networking skill level. In the app, there is an option to broadcast 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz only, or 5 GHz only. I remained on the first option as I needed support for 2.4 GHz-only devices. Otherwise, 5 GHz would be fine and preferred for everything (supports faster speeds). Apparently, the single network name/password automatically creates a dual band setup, if choosing both. Devices that connect apparently are favored to the optimal band - frankly, I don't know the details there, but would assume 5 GHz connects first over 2.4, unless only compatible with 2.4.Refurbished vs. New:No difference here. If you want to save a little money, refurbished is a good option for you. The box came with everything in it including an ethernet cable as if it were new. As far as condition, there were a few scuffs on the units, but nothing terrible. I could almost rub off any blemishes. I'm not looking at them anyway.Overall, highly recommended for those looking to make the leap to a mesh network, or debating whether mesh is just all hype (it's not with this system).

I am no tech expert, and I live in a small apartment. I purchased this mesh network after I tried to resolve the horrible WIFI signal I was receiving. Techs came out and said they detected interference, which happens when you live in apartments and everyone's wifi is overlapping. Someone suggested I get this Mesh network, and it worked like a charm. I could barely FaceTime, and my TV was buffering. Once I installed the mesh system, my devices are working like a charm. It was easy to install and set up. I can't speak for people with really large houses that need mesh networks. I can say that if you live in an apartment and get very poor wifi service, this might be the fix for you. I love my system and wish I had known about it sooner.

I thought I read somewhere in the ad, just before writing this, that it included a cat6 Ethernet cable, but it doesn’t. Per the attached photo, it’s a cat5e (aligned pins vs oscillating “up-down” pins), which is fine. And Upon a double-check, I could not find anywhere in the ad stating cat6.The app is top notch, very intuitive, reliable, and gives me access to all of the features I could think to want. These include network name, password, entering a preference for each deco unit (I.e., which unit it should prioritize drawing its signal from), entering the same type of preference (soft control) for each device connected to the network (I.e., each phone, laptop, Roku, etc.), whether each device should is be isolated (strong control) to one unit, and setting up a guest network.This system is not a miracle pill. It will improve speed drops in various locations in the house. I had dead spots before and called the internet company to come out and tune the fiber light settings for our house. This greatly reduced the frequency of losing signal, say, on my phone in the back corner of the house. I still don’t get the speeds elsewhere in the house like I do right next to the modem/router (& main, wired-connected deco unit).Our router is located downstairs in one of the front corners of the house. So, getting the signal to the back corner, especially upstairs, is tough (used to be mostly a dead zone but still very slow back there after the fiber optic tuning performed by the internet company). The app recommended placing the remote units in opposite corners of the house. So, modem was downstairs in front-right, so I placed the remote units upstairs in front-left and upstairs in back-right. One of these had a strong signal from the base unit and the other a medium strength signal from the base unit. Before installing, I went around the house capturing screenshots of google speed test results on my phone from every room, the garage, front yard, and back yard. It seemed that the opposite corner of the house (back-left) had weakest signal because of distance but probably also due to AC ducts (and probably electrical and water if I had to guess) running through a broad, center shaft of the house. I imagined I had to route the signal around this section to get it to the back. I ended up having to pay attention to the parts of the house that randomly had a stronger signal with the original modem/router - the garage, laundry room, and foyer. The deco units can’t project a lot of speed if they’re not receiving a strong signal. I ended up getting the best combination by placing one directly upstairs from the main unit and one in the foyer. So, you need to play with placement. Place them where signals were strong before so they can properly project.