TP-Link Deco Be25 test: an affordable wifi 7 mesh kit to capture everywhere in your accommodation

TP-Link quietly unveils the Mesh Wifi 7 kits from its Deco range. Meanwhile, After the very efficient BE85. Furthermore, the BE65, offering a compromise between performance and prices, here is the Deco Be25, which is therefore placed at the entry level of Mesh Deco kits compatible with the WiFi 7 standard.

Obviously, at € 199 the two modules, TP-Link was forced to compromise compared to the models sold more expensive. Nevertheless, Thus, the Deco Be25 is a biband kit with the support of the frequency bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. However, Exit The 6 GHz frequency band introduced with the 6th wifi. Consequently, It is on this largest compromise kit. Furthermore, since we are still entitled to multiGigabit network sockets and home automation compatibility with the matt protocol support to pilot our connected objects.

On the WiFi side. Therefore, we are therefore entitled to theoretical flows of 2882 Mb/s on the frequency band of 5 GHz and 688 Mb/s on the frequency band of 2.4 GHz. Similarly, The WiFi 7 standard provides MLO (Multi-Link Operation) support. Meanwhile, which aggregates the two frequency bands to reduce latency in congested environments and 4K-QAM modulation which increases the theoretical flow tp-link deco be25 test: affordable by 20 %. In addition, As we have said. For example, the frequency band of 6 GHz is not supported by this kit, and we are therefore not entitled to the strip width of 320 MHz, which makes it possible to double the flow compared to WiFi 6.

Unlike Netgear, the manufacturer does not reserve specific frequency band for communication between modules (the “backhaul”). Nevertheless, On the Deco kits, tp-link deco be25 test: affordable each band therefore ensures its own backhaul. Similarly, Thus. However, the theoretical flow will be divided by two if you connect to a satellite module which itself communicates with the router module (the one connected to the Internet box).

The DECO BE25 modules are equipped with two RJ45 ports, each supporting speeds of up to 2.5 GB/s. Similarly, The good news is that all the modules have the same connection. Similarly, Since the ports are self-negotiated, you can connect the cable from your Internet box to any RJ45 sockets.

These RJ45 ports are not only used to connect your devices. Consequently, They can also be used to connect two modules between them (wiring backhaul). For example, This possibility makes it possible to fully exploit the potential of WiFi by ensuring a stable. rapid connection between the modules.

Note that unlike the DECO BE65, no USB port is present on the modules to possibly connect a storage unit. On the other hand, we gain compatibility with the management of the Matter protocol for connected objects.

Interaction with modules is limited to the essentials. You will find a WPS button to quickly connect new devices. as well as a reset button discreetly placed under each tp-link deco be25 test: affordable module.
A light light located on the underside of the case provides you with the module’s state:

• Green: the. module works properly
• Red: there is a problem
• Orange: the module is not connected
• Flashing blue: it is pending pairing

The design of the Deco Be25 modules is as consensual as possible with a flying supevage. shape with a diameter of 15 cm for 6.3 cm high, all for a weight of tp-link deco be25 test: affordable 510 g. If its shape could have lent itself to an installation on the ceiling. in height, it is not so since no fixing allows this assembly and it is not compatible with POE (power supply by the ethernet cable). In his discharge, TP-Link addresses the general public more than businesses.

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Installing the Mesh Deco Be25 kit is a remarkable simplicity. The Deco App (iOS, Android) actually benefited from an overhaul a few months ago. It supports the user step by step. detailing the box connection procedure and setting the basic parameters of the WiFi network, such as the network name (SSID) and its safety tp-link deco be25 test: affordable key. For more convenience. the application even takes care of connecting your phone to the freshly created network, avoiding you to enter the password manually.

The administration of the Deco Be25 is just as simple as its installation thanks to a refined interface and well arranged in four tp-link deco be25 test: affordable sections. The first provides a global overview of the network and the devices related to it. The second section is devoted to security and incorporates an analysis tool to identify possible vulnerabilities. It is in this tab that TP-Link highlights its paying security+ subscription to € 39.99/year and an entire offer at € 79.99/year which adds an antivirus and a VPN.

The third section is used to configure parental control with free basic functions (creation of profiles, associations, simplified access hours) and more advanced options (tailor -made hours, detailed web filtering) via paid parental control service at € 19.99/year.

The latest tab finally centralizes all the technical settings of the system. such as WiFi band management, link mode (backhaul), the creation of a network for guests, MLO (inactive by default), port redirection or VPN support.

Finally, the DECO BE25 does offer a management interface via an internet browser at http://tplinkdeco.net. Its usefulness is however very limited. It is confined to consultation with the state of the system. update its internal software (firmware) and the download of error reports.

To assess the performance of the Mesh Deco Be65 system from TP-Link. we connected the router module to our operator box, to which we connected a tp-link deco be25 test: affordable laptop via an adapter to the 2.5 GB/s intake. We carry out speed tests with OpenSpeedtest locally. our laptop PC connected via a 5 GB/S adapter acting as a server. We move in our accommodation a second laptop PC equipped with a Qualcomm FastConnect 7800 chip with the last. drivers allowing to take full advantage of the WiFi 7 under Windows 11 24h2.

On the 5 GHz frequency strip, the Deco Be25 offers a maximum measured speed a little below 1.5 GB/s, or in practice a file transfer speed of 187.5 MB/s. The passage on the satellite module tp-link deco be25 test: affordable literally divides the flows, which is completely normal. Remember, the satellite module must both communicate with the module connected to the box and the laptop. It is thus 600 Mb/s on average that we obtain as close as possible to this satellite module. At the most distant point from our accommodation, we still manage to obtain speeds of the order of 300 Mb/s, 37.5 MB/s. It is not ideal for downloading your games on its favorite platform. but more than sufficient to watch the video services on demand.

The 2.4 GHz frequency band does not particularly tp-link deco be25 test: affordable shine by its flows. which is in itself not very surprising, because the latter is mainly present for connected objects and the extensive scope it offers. We have thus measured maximum speeds of 200 Mb/s as close. but which drop under 80 Mb/s to our most distant point. Similarly, we noticed large disparities between the download and gathering flows, of the order of 2 to 1. We had observed similar behavior on the Deco Be65.

In practice, the DECO BE25 offers flows closest to Gigabit, perfect for enjoying a fiber connection in medium -sized accommodation. Indeed, once far from the modules, the flows can drop significantly. We suspect that the reduced size of the modules. their shape are not particularly suitable for an ideal placement of antennas.

In absolute terms, the Deco Be25 offers speeds doubled compared to the WiFi 6 kit, and even 6th equivalent.

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TP-Link provides two 18 W transformers with a coaxial socket to supply each Deco Be25 module. It would have been more practical to have USB-C sockets. such as those of Amazon’s EERO kits, to facilitate the replacement of cables if necessary. In addition to these two transformers, a flat RJ45 cable is included in the kit.

Each Deco Be25 module has a contained energy consumption. On average, a module consumes 6 W in standby and 9 W when it is strongly requested. Based on € 0.25/kWh, the estimated annual cost is € 29. A consumption divided by more than double compared to the Deco Be25. and even lower than the Mercusys Halo H80X kit which grants a maximum flow of 900 Mb/s.