1679182831 TP Link Deco XE75 review our full review Router

TP-Link Deco XE75 review: our full review – Router – Frandroid

Composed of two identical boxes, the TP-Link Deco XE75 kit aims to broadcast a Wi-Fi 6E network throughout the home. The devices share a similar design to the rest of the Deco range of Wi-Fi routers and also feature three RJ45 ports.

The kit, consisting of two boxes, is offered at a price of around 400 euros. A bill that is still very high, especially when you know how little interest Wi-Fi 6E has in Europe, at least as far as speed is concerned. We will use this test to thoroughly review the mobile application, which has received a significant facelift.

TP-Link Deco XE75 data sheet

ModelTP-Link Deco XE75
Wireless

WiFi 6E

Maximum WiFi speed

5.4 Gbps

Wi-Fi coverage

Up to 670 m²

Maximum number of connected devices

200

mesh system

Yes

4G compatibility

NO

5G compatibility

NO

Number of Ethernet ports

3

Maximum Ethernet throughput

1 Gbps

voice assistant

Amazon Alexa

network security

WPA2

Price

€455

product sheet

This test was conducted using a rental product from the brand.

TP-Link Deco XE75Design and ergonomics

Visually, the Deco XE75 boxes are closer to the X20 model than to the X90. They take the form of subtle white plastic cylinders surmounted by a black surface that mimics the ripples of a water droplet. The boxes remain relatively compact and fit perfectly into most interiors.

TP-Link Deco XE75Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid

There is a relatively imposing logo on the front. It is accompanied by a status LED, which fortunately can be deactivated. The only button on the devices is on the bottom and switches the boxes to the factory configuration. The bottom of the XE75 is also perforated to allow air to circulate.

TP-Link Deco XE75Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid

Furthermore, there is no difference between the different modules included in the box. They can therefore serve as both routers and satellites, or even be used completely independently. On the connectivity side, there are 3 Gigabit RJ45 ports and we regret the lack of 2.5 Gb/s ports. Unfortunately, this shortcoming doesn’t allow you to take full advantage of the speeds offered by Wi-Fi 6/6E.

TP-Link Deco XE75Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid

The boxes are powered by a proprietary connector identical to what was found on previous models. TP-Link therefore does not change its recipe and again offers sober and compact devices, once again giving preference to plastics.

TP-Link Deco XE75 features

First good surprise at the launch of the Deco mobile application: it has been completely updated with a new, much clearer and more modern interface. As always, initial setup of the kit is relatively easy, with a guided process that adapts to the user’s existing hardware.

The start page gives you at-a-glance information about the status of the network and shows the number of connected devices. Quick access to Wi-Fi network settings is offered as well as an interface for connected devices compatible with the Deco solution.

Surprising at the WLAN level: the 6 GHz band is reserved by default for the connection between the boxes. Out of the box it is therefore impossible to connect a device with Wi-Fi 6E. An odd choice for a kit that promotes this compatibility on its packaging, but that choice isn’t entirely meaningless.

In fact, Wi-Fi 6E doesn’t really revolutionize speeds compared to Wi-Fi 6. It may then be appropriate to reserve this band for the mesh connection to take full advantage of the other two for mobile devices. Be that as it may, the user retains the possibility of modifying this operation in order to use the 6 GHz band in a “normal” way.

When it comes to advanced networking options, the Deco XE75 kit doesn’t really fare any better than its predecessors. The settings available will be suitable for the vast majority of applications, especially to replace an internet box, but the kit performs less well than some of its competitors such as Netgear or Asus.

The various threat analysis and parental control modules are still there and just as easy to use. Most features are available for free, but you need to subscribe to unlock the most advanced ones.

TP-Link Deco XE75 performance

The TP-Link Deco XE75 kit represents our new testing protocol for Wi-Fi kits and routers. The speed tests are performed between two computers running Windows and using the Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E standards are compatible. First, we evaluate the raw throughput in both directions using the iperf utility.

TP-Link Deco XE75Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid

To evaluate performance in more realistic conditions, we also perform file transfers, always in both. Each test is performed under optimal conditions, approximately 1 meter from the router and then at two more remote locations to measure the range of the signal through partitions and load-bearing walls.

Before we continue, it is worth remembering that TP-Link has decided to equip its Deco XE75 boxes with single Gigabit RJ45 ports. In fact, our speed tests are limited by these ports and don’t “really” reflect the kit’s Wi-Fi capabilities.

TP-Link Deco XE75

On iperf we easily saturate the RJ45 port with a downstream speed that tickles the gigabit in both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. By changing the rooms, the download speed remains at around 700 Mbit / s and upload a little over 400 Mbit / s. Outside, the flow logically drops and stabilizes above 200 Mb / s.

File transfers reflect our iperf measurements well, with similar throughputs in the vast majority of cases. The Deco XE75 therefore delivers the performance expected of a device of this type, of course bearing in mind the limitations caused by its gigabit ports.

TP-Link Deco XE75

In practice, a single box is enough to cover a house of around 80 m2 and offers stable speeds of around 300 Mb/s. Adding a second box improves coverage but is only necessary in large apartments or on multiple floors. Also note that it is possible to connect the boxes with a cable to keep all the bands of the Wi-Fi network for customers.

TP-Link Deco XE75 pricing and availability

The TP-Link Deco XE75 kit consisting of boxes is available at the recommended price of 400 euros.

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