Tp-link deco m5 vs. Orbi-The secret to eliminating Wi-Fi dead spots
If you have been using a wireless network system, you may be familiar with problems like slow speeds and unreliable connections. Comparing Tp-link deco m5 vs. Orbi can help you eliminate such issues.
Being a school administrator is a job that many people admire. Though I have been in this position for many years, it is not always smooth. One of my duties is to make sure that the school does not experience a lot of internet issues since the wireless network plays a significant role in our day to day lives. Though in the past, we used to depend on routers, one of our tech experts suggested the use of wireless mesh networks. I was hesitant since this meant stretching our tight budget and decided to compare the models available. I decided to do in-depth research on different units and came up with this Tp-link deco m5 vs. Orbi comparison guide.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Tp-link deco m5 and Orbi?
Name |
Tp-link deco m5 |
Orbi |
No. of antennas |
4 |
6 |
Speed |
Download speed-300 Mbps
Upload speed-150 Mbps |
Download speed-100 Mbps
Upload speed-35 Mbps |
Radio bands |
Dual –band |
Tri-band |
Bluetooth |
Present |
Absent |
Call to action |
Tp-link deco m5 vs. Orbi- How do they compare?
Kits contents
The package of these two mesh Wi-Fi units differs a lot. While Tp-link deco m5 comes with three units, Orbi contains two units. The three pieces found in Tp-link deco m5 are all identical in terms of appearance and functionality. Nodes of Tp-link deco m5 contain 2 gigabit Ethernet ports. If you have more wired devices, you should consider choosing Orbi. The router and satellite of Orbi have a total of 4 gigabit Ethernet ports to help you connect additional devices.
Apart from that, the number of internal antennas in Tp-link deco m5 nodes and Orbi also differ. Each node of Tp-link deco m5 contains at least four internal antennas. The router and satellite of Orbi, on the other hand, have at least six internal antennas.
Radio bands
Tp-link deco m5 and Orbi also differ when it comes to the number of bands each mesh Wi-Fi network operates. While Tp-link deco m5 is a dual-band system, Orbi is a triple- band mesh Wi-Fi system that has greater capabilities. Tp-link deco m5 delivers a maximum speed of 867 Mbps on the 5GHz and 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz. Orbi, on the other hand, has a 2.4 GHz band and 2 5 GHz bands. One of the bands in Orbi serves as a dedicated backhaul link.
Design
In comparing the two mesh network system, I also focused on the design of each model. When it comes to aesthetics, Tp-link deco m5 looks better than Orbi. The three nodes have a disk-like design that boosts their appearance. The two pieces of Orbi, on the other hand, look like a cylinder that has been squashed. Not many people find them as attractive as models such as Tp-link deco m5. Since they are larger than Tp-link deco m5, they take up more space and may not fit in compact spaces.
Maintenance and set up
One of the reasons why most people are switching to mesh network systems is because they are user-friendly. Both Orbi and Tp-link deco m5 are not hard to set and maintain. Tp-link deco m5, however, is connected through a smartphone app. You can use your mobile phone to control your network according to your preference after setting it up. Orbi, on the other hand, makes use of a web-based interface that lets you set it up and maintain it. While the nodes of Tp-link deco m5 come with embedded Bluetooth, this functionality is not present in the router and satellite of Orbi mesh network system.
Features
An internet user who is new to mesh network systems may be comfortable with the basic features of a unit. If you are, however, used to such WIFI systems, you may be looking for a unit that has advanced features. Your level of experience can, therefore, determine the type of mesh WIFI system you choose. Tp-link deco m5 is beginner-friendly since it comes with basic features such as QoS options, anti-virus, and parental controls. Orbi, on the other hand, comes with advanced features such as port forwarding, web filtering, and DNS settings.
TP-link deco m5 vs. Orbi – A comparison overview
Tp-link deco m5
- If you're looking to ditch your traditional router extender setup for a whole Home Wi-Fi system, put the...
- Better coverage than traditional Wi-Fi routers: Deco M5 uses 3 units working seamlessly to create a mesh...
If you are searching for an excellent solution for you to boost your wireless network, you should consider getting Tp-link deco m5. The company behind this model has an excellent image since it is known for producing quality wireless routers for years now. This model was among the first mesh Wi-Fi systems that Tp-link produced.
Though different brands have come up, choosing Tp-link deco m5 can give you peace of mind since it not only performs well but also gives you value for your cash. This mesh network system was designed to boost wireless coverage in your office or home. It makes use of different routers to bounce the signal from one to the next one, thus covering all the areas.
The kit is made up of three nodes that not only look similar but also work in the same way. If you already have a wireless network system in place, incorporating a mesh network enables you to extend your network even further so that you can enjoy excellent speeds and throughput performance. In case you have a different broadband modem, Tp-link deco m5 can replace your router. The problem with this option is that the unit may not come with sufficient Ethernet ports for offices or homes. Each of the deco nodes come with at least two Ethernet ports.
Despite this, it is a quality mesh Wi-Fi system that can fulfill most of your internet needs. Since Tp-link deco m5 is a dual-band system, it comprises of the 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band. Each of the nodes included in this kit has at least four internal antennas. Tp-link deco m5 also contains MIMO connection for a maximum speed of up to 1267 Mbps.
During my comparison, I also noticed that Tp-link deco m5 is one of the smallest mesh Wi-Fi networks available in regards to the size. It comes with a disk-like design and measures 33mm in height and 120 mm in diameter. You can set it up and maintain it through the Tp-link deco app on your smartphone. It took me around a few minutes to set it up. I found the set up easy since every node has embedded Bluetooth. This prevents you from the need to keep on entering passwords constantly every time you need to add a node to your wireless network.
I, however, did not find this system very secure since I had to connect to it through Tp-link’s cloud system before setting it up. Most users also raise concerns regarding the privacy of this mesh network system. You will, however, like the basic features included in it. It comes with anti-virus coverage for at least three years and parental controls. This feature enables you to block particular sites by category. Tp-link deco m5 also contains content-based QoS controls that allow you to give priority to specific types of traffic like gaming or streaming.
Pros
- Great parental controls
- It is pocket friendly
- Contains network-based security features such as an anti-virus
- Good network coverage
Cons
- It lacks some advanced features found in other mesh Wi-Fi systems
- The unit does not have a dedicated backhaul link
Orbi
- Ultra-performance Mesh WiFi network blankets every inch of your home in super fast and seamless WiFi...
- Eliminates WiFi dead zones and buffering - 5,000 square feet of consistent coverage - with speeds up to...
Most businesses and large homes often deal with different issues when using Wi-Fi networks. Though you can install Wi-Fi range extenders or Ethernet cables around a premise, these options are complicated to configure. Choosing such solutions can also lead to a better range but slow network speeds. Choosing the Orbi mesh Wi-Fi system is, however, a great solution since it can eliminate all these issues.
It is a tri-band mesh Wi-Fisystem that is designed for large spaces. Though this is marketed for homes, most offices nowadays use it due to its high efficiency. A mesh network makes use of Wi-Fi nodes to spread the network signal across a particular space. The Orbi mesh network system achieves this by incorporating a router that you can plug into the broadband through the available Ethernet WAN port. Orbi also comes with a second satellite router, which is designed to extend the Wi-Fi coverage.
Most users reveal that they do not experience a lot of difficulties in trying to set up this mesh Wi-Fi system since the two-piece comes pre-paired. You only need to connect the router to your current internet connection and place the satellite in an ideal position before powering it on. You should notice a colored LED on the satellite, which glows for a while. This indicates the strength of your network. For instance, when it shows a blue color, it means that the connection is great, but the magenta color indicates no connection.
Unlike most mesh Wi-Fi systems that are configured through an app, this makes use of a web-based wizard. Through this, you can come up with a name and password for your wireless network. The settings for both the satellite and router are the same such that you only have a single network for your house. After the setup, you can now manage the settings from the standard Orbi’s web interface. Though the mesh network system does not allow you to split the 5GHz and 2.4 GHz networks, you still get to enjoy better speed and excellent stability.
What makes this mesh Wi-Fi system unique is the presence of a dedicated backhaul link. Orbi also utilizes band steering that is responsible for detecting the strength of your network and the current load. It then connects you automatically to the best network. Further tests reveal that Orbi offers excellent throughput performance.
Like most of the modern routers, this mesh Wi-Fi system contains some of the major features such as web filtering, DNS settings, and port forwarding. The satellite has one Gigabit Ethernet port while the router has three. You, therefore, get a total of four ports to connect wired devices. This makes it more efficient for office users. You will appreciate the steady Wi-Fi connection that you can get from Orbi mesh network system. Though this unit is not as cheap as Tp-link deco m5, it can be worth investing in.
Pros
- Offers solid WIFI coverage
- Comes with advanced features that boost efficiency
- Easy to set up and maintain
- It is fast
Cons
- It is expensive
Conclusion
Do you have different devices that need a strong internet connection? Forcing them to connect to a single router that may not be located in an ideal location can lead to lots of issues. Some of the devices may give you slow internet, leading to low productivity. You need to consider using mesh network systems since these depend on different nodes set strategically at various locations. Both Orbi and TP-link deco m5 can give you reliable network connectivity. They, however, operate differently and make use of varying features.
Verdict: So, which is better? TP-link deco m5 or Orbi
After doing comprehensive research on both models, I decided to put each mesh Wi-Fi network to test. I started with TP-Link deco M5 but soon realized that this could not fulfill all the internet needs of our school. Though it was fast, it lacks some advanced features that we could really use. Though the Orbi mesh Wi-Fi system did not come cheap, it was worth investing in. Since we started using it at our school, we have been enjoying a stable Wi-Fi connection and excellent speeds. I, therefore, concluded that Orbi is a better mesh network system than TP-link deco M5.
FAQs
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Is using a mesh network better than relying on an extender?
Yes. Mesh Wi-Fi systems are known to be more efficient and seamless. Most users also reveal that mesh network systems are quick to update.
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How often should one replace a router?
Most routers have a short life span of about four years. Replacing a conventional router with a mesh network system after this period can help you boost your connection.
