The TP-Link Deco XE75 kit consists of two identical boxes and aims to broadcast a Wi-Fi 6E network throughout the house. The devices have a design similar to the rest of the Deco range of Wi-Fi routers and also have three RJ45 ports.
The kit, consisting of two boxes, is offered for a price of around 400 euros. A bill that is still very high, especially considering how little interest Wi-Fi 6E has in Europe, at least in terms of speed. We will use this test to test the mobile application, which was entitled to a facelift considerable.
TP Link Deco XE75Technical paper
| Fashion model | TP 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 carried out with a product loaned by the brand.
TP Link Deco XE75Design and ergonomics
Visually, the Deco XE75 boxes are closer to the X20 model than the X90. They are in the form of discrete white plastic cylinders surmounted by a black surface imitating the ripples of a drop of water. The boxes remain relatively compact and fit perfectly into most interiors.
A relatively imposing logo is present on the front. It is accompanied by a status LED which thankfully can be deactivated. The only button on the devices is on the bottom and switches the boxes to factory configuration. The base of the XE75 is also perforated to allow air to circulate.
Moreover, there is no difference between the different modules included in the box. So they can serve as a router or satellite, 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 lack prevents you from taking full advantage of the speeds that Wi-Fi 6/6E offers.
The boxes are powered with a proprietary connector identical to the one on previous models. TP-Link therefore does not change the recipe and once again offers sober and compact devices, again focusing on plastics.
TP Link Deco XE75Functions
First good surprise at the launch of the Deco mobile application: it has been completely updated with a new interface that is much clearer and more modern. Initial setup, as always, is relatively straightforward, with a guided process that adapts to the user’s existing hardware.
On the home page you can see the status of the network and the number of connected devices at a glance. Quick access to Wi-Fi network settings is also offered, as well as an interface dedicated to connected devices compatible with the Deco solution.
Surprising at the level of WiFi: 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 to Wi-Fi 6E. A strange choice for a kit that promotes this compatibility on its box, but this choice is not completely meaningless.
Indeed, Wi-Fi 6E does not really revolutionize the speeds compared to Wi-Fi 6. It may then be relevant to reserve this band for the link gauze to take full advantage of the other two for mobile devices. Be that as it may, the user retains the option of changing this operation to use the 6 GHz band in a “normal” way.
When it comes to advanced networking options, the Deco XE75 kit doesn’t really outperform its predecessors. The settings available are suitable for the vast majority of applications, especially replacing an internet box, but the kit does not fare as well as 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 of the features are available for free, but you need to subscribe to unlock the most advanced features.
TP Link Deco XE75Performance
The TP-Link Deco XE75 kit heralds our new test protocol for Wi-Fi kits and routers. The speed tests are performed between two computers running Windows that are compatible with the Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E standards. We first evaluate the raw throughput, in both directions, using the iperf utility.
To evaluate performance in conditions closer to reality, we also perform file transfers, always in both. Each test is performed in optimal conditions, about 1 meter from the router and then in two more distant locations to measure the range of the signal through partitions and load-bearing walls.
Before proceeding, it should be remembered that TP-Link has decided to equip its Deco XE75 boxes with simple gigabit RJ45 ports. In fact, our speed tests are limited by these ports and don’t “really” reflect the kit’s Wi-Fi capabilities.
On iperf, we easily saturate the RJ45 port with a downstream speed that excites the gigabit in both Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E. By switching rooms, the speed remains around 700 Mb/s for downloading and just over 400 Mb/s for uploading. Outside, the flow logically drops and stabilizes above 200 Mb/s.
File transfers reflect our iperf measurements well with comparable throughput in the vast majority of cases. The Deco XE75 thus delivers the performance expected for a device of this type, taking into account, of course, the limitations of its gigabit ports.
In practice, a single box is sufficient for a house of about 80 m2 and offers stable speeds of about 300 Mb/s. Adding a second box will improve coverage, but is only necessary in large homes or on several floors. Also note that it is possible to connect the boxes with a cable, in order to keep all the links of the Wi-Fi network for customers.
TP Link Deco XE75Price and availability
The TP-Link Deco XE75 kit consisting of boxes is available at the suggested retail price of 400 euros.
Where to buy
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