TP Link Deco X50 PoE Pack 3 Mesh WiFi 6 AX3000

Product description

TP-Link Deco X50-PoE 3-pack: flexible and fast WiFi 6 Mesh AX3000

The TP-Link Deco X50-PoE 3-pack combines three Mesh WiFi 6 AX3000 units to create a unified and easily expandable wireless network. The three units work together using Deco Mesh technology, allowing you to extend the connection across multiple rooms whilst maintaining a single Wi-Fi network name.

Each Deco unit features two 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports with PoE support and can be installed on a table, mounted on a wall or suspended from the ceiling. The ability to use IEEE 802.3at PoE power and Ethernet backhaul makes the pack particularly versatile where a wired network infrastructure is available.

Three Deco units to create a single Mesh network

The pack includes 3 Deco X50-PoE units which can be positioned at various points throughout the building. Deco Mesh coordinates the nodes to create a single network, eliminating the need to manually connect to different Wi-Fi networks when moving from one area to another.

The system supports the 802.11k/v/r Mesh protocols and features AI-Roaming technology. With compatible client devices, these protocols facilitate seamless handover between different Deco nodes depending on location and network conditions.

WiFi 6 AX3000 dual-band

Each unit utilises a WiFi 6 dual-band AX3000 connection, with theoretical wireless speeds of up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.

Support for the IEEE 802.11ax standard introduces technologies such as OFDMA, MU-MIMO, 1024-QAM and BSS Colour, which can be used with compatible clients. These technologies are designed to optimise network utilisation when multiple devices are transmitting data simultaneously.

The 1.3 GHz dual-core processor helps to manage wired and wireless connections simultaneously. According to TP-Link’s specifications, the system also allows for the connection of over 150 devices, although the actual number that can be managed and the performance depend on network conditions and the clients used.

A total of 6 x 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports

Each of the three units features 2 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports, making a total of 6 physical ports in the pack. The ports feature automatic WAN/LAN detection and can therefore adapt to the chosen network configuration.

The 2.5 Gbps connectivity allows you to avoid the limitations of traditional Gigabit ports when Deco is used in conjunction with internet services, switches, devices and cabling compatible with speeds higher than 1 Gbps. However, the actual speed available depends on the entire network infrastructure and the internet service used.

IEEE 802.3at PoE power supply

Deco X50-PoE supports the IEEE 802.3at PoE standard, allowing power and data to be transmitted via the Ethernet connection when a compatible PoE infrastructure is used.

Above all, this solution simplifies the placement of nodes in locations where a power socket is not easily accessible. However, the pack includes 3 power adapters, so each unit can also be powered via a traditional mains supply.

Ceiling, wall or tabletop installation

The three units can be installed according to the layout of the rooms. In addition to traditional desktop placement, the Deco X50-PoE supports wall and ceiling mounting using the appropriate accessories.

The combination of multi-position mounting and PoE offers greater freedom in choosing installation points. It is therefore possible to deploy the three nodes whilst taking into account the building’s layout, the position of the Ethernet cabling and the areas where wireless coverage needs to be improved.

Ethernet and wireless backhaul

The system supports both Ethernet backhaul and wireless backhaul. The units can therefore communicate via the Wi-Fi network or utilise a wired connection where Ethernet infrastructure is available.

A wired backhaul is a particularly attractive option for installations where the three nodes are spread across multiple rooms and can be connected to the network via Ethernet. Where no cabling is available, Deco Mesh technology allows the units to connect wirelessly.

AI-Roaming for moving between Deco nodes

Deco Mesh creates a single Wi-Fi network name for the units in the system. The built-in AI-Roaming utilises algorithms and self-learning capabilities to assist in managing the Mesh network.

When a compatible device moves between areas covered by different nodes, the system is designed to facilitate roaming. The performance of this feature also depends on the client device’s support for the 802.11k/v/r protocols.

Wireless security and TP-Link HomeShield

To protect wireless communications, the Deco X50-PoE supports WPA, WPA2-PSK and WPA3 encryption. The system also features a firewall and block list to prevent unauthorised devices from accessing the network.

The TP-Link HomeShield features provide tools for protecting the network and IoT devices, parental controls, Quality of Service and access to network reports. HomeShield includes a free Basic plan, whilst the Pro plan offers features subject to a fee.

QoS and management of connected devices

The Quality of Service (QoS) feature allows you to manage bandwidth priorities according to your network’s needs. The available features also include parental controls and tools for monitoring and managing connected devices.

A guest network is available on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, allowing you to provide separate Wi-Fi access from the main network.

Configuration and control via the Deco app

Configuration can be carried out via the TP-Link Deco app on a smartphone or tablet. The app assists with setting up the nodes and choosing their locations, whilst remote management allows you to control the network even when you are not physically near the system.

The software also supports local management, remote management, multiple administrators and online firmware updates. Other features include address reservation, port forwarding, TP-Link DDNS, IPTV, IPv6, firewall rules and LED control.

Router or Access Point mode

The Deco X50-PoE can operate in Router or Access Point mode. In Router mode, it creates and manages the private network, whilst in Access Point mode it can be integrated into an existing wired network to add Wi-Fi connectivity.

The system supports Dynamic IP, Static IP, PPPoE, L2TP and PPTP WAN connections. The IPv4 and IPv6 protocols are also supported.

Network expandable with other Deco models

The 3-pack can be expanded by adding further units. TP-Link states that it is compatible with all Deco models, allowing you to create a mesh network comprising devices from the same range, depending on your coverage requirements.

This scalability allows you to start with the three units included in the pack and subsequently expand the network as the size of the rooms or the number of zones to be covered changes.

Usage and compatibility

The TP-Link Deco X50-PoE 3-pack is suitable for indoor environments requiring a WiFi 6 mesh network spanning multiple zones, offering particular benefits in installations where Ethernet cabling and PoE infrastructure are available. The three positioning options allow each node to be adapted to the characteristics of the environment.

Wi-Fi 6 features such as OFDMA, MU-MIMO, 1024-QAM and BSS Colour require compatible client devices. The speeds indicated are also theoretical values based on the wireless standard: actual performance and coverage depend, amongst other factors, on the connected devices, obstacles, building materials, network traffic and the infrastructure used.

Technical specifications: