What you need to know
- The budget Deco W2400 comes with two nodes.
- Covers up to 3000 square feet with a single Wi-Fi network.
- Exclusive to Walmart at $99.
TP-Link today took the wraps off of a new budget mesh router system called the Deco W2400. Coming in at $99 for a pack of two nodes, the system is sold exclusively at Walmart and undercuts many of the current mesh systems on the market, such as Google Wi-Fi and Netgear's Orbi.
Like all mesh Wi-Fi systems, the Deco W2400 lets you set up multiple Wi-Fi points in your home that work together as one network. That means no switching between networks as you move through your home, as you would normally do with a Wi-Fi extender. Instead, your devices should automatically stick with the best network signal depending on where you are in your home. The network settings, such as parental controls, can also be easily managed through TP-Link's Deco app for Android and iOS.
TP-Link claims the Deco W2400 can cover up to 3,000 square feet of space with dual-band AC1200 connectivity. The company also claims it can handle and manage up to 100 wireless devices at once. There's also compatibility with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT (If This Then That).
As a dual-band system, the one notable thing you'll be missing is a dedicated backhaul band. That translates to a slowdown in raw speed the further you get from the main access point. That isn't something that's nearly as noticeable with a tri-band system, but you'll also have to shell out quite a bit more for that benefit.
If you're looking to break into mesh networking, $99 is a solid starting price to give it a shot. But, because the system is exclusive to Walmart, you'll have to either treck to your local store or order from Walmart.com to get your hands on the Deco W2400.
Mesh Wi-Fi systems are quickly becoming a common way to stay connected in your home, but they're still somewhat expensive. TP-Link's Walmart-exclusive Deco W2400 lowers the barrier of entry to $99 for a pack of two devices, making it a little easier to justify jumping on the mesh bandwagon.
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