Getting a new Deco unit, keeping Homecare

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.

Getting a new Deco unit, keeping Homecare

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.
Getting a new Deco unit, keeping Homecare
Getting a new Deco unit, keeping Homecare
2022-11-26 20:41:30

For the last few years, I have been using 3x Deco M5 and they were working great, but now one of the units needs replacement.

I was thinking of getting one of the newer wifi 6 units, but after some investigation, I discovered that the new Deco series use Homeshield, and as this is a subscription-based software this is a no go for me. I started looking to replace the entire Deco mesh when I discovered that there may be an option to upgrade and keep Homecare.

On the link https://www.tp-link.com/us/homecare/ I discovered that some of the newer wifi 6 models also use Homecare so I have a few questions:


1. Will I encounter any problems with my mesh if I combine Wifi 6 and Wifi 5 Deco models (1x X60 as the main unit and 2x M5) ?

2. As I need to buy a specific hardware version of the product in order to have Homecare (for X60 I see that V1 supports Homecare), how do I recognize this when shopping for a new unit?

Note, I would like to have wifi 6 on the main unit, so this unit needs to have Homecare. 

  0      
  0      
#1
Options
1 Reply
Re:Getting a new Deco unit, keeping Homecare
2022-11-26 21:22:48

  @Cali2 

 

I'll try to answer your questions:

 

>1. Will I encounter any problems with my mesh if I combine Wifi 6 and Wifi 5 Deco models

 

Most likely not. Some WiFi 6 capable device might not want to roam from WiFi 6 node to WiFi 5 node until signal from WiFi 6 node gets extremely weak, but this is mobile device (smartphone, tablet) specific. If you insist on having the mix of WiFi 6 and WiFi 5 nodes, this is minor inconvenience you may have to live with, or you might not see it at all.

Nothing else comes to mind.

As far as Deco mesh concerned, all units from models you listed will work together just fine.

 

 

>2. As I need to buy a specific hardware version of the product in order to have Homecare (for X60 I see that V1 supports Homecare), how do I recognize this when shopping for a new unit?

 

I would not trust anything stated online, even major online retailer like Amazon could post outdated info or not mention hardware version at all. For M5 and M9 Plus I have, hardware version is listed at the bottom of device. Just check your M5: it is on the bottom label after serial number. That same info is on the box M5 came with. Same for M9 Plus. I am assuming every other Deco model uses same labeling. Which means, when buying it in person at the store you can check the version on the box.

 

After the fact, you'll find it in Main Deco Web interface, where you can log in with the browser, using Main Deco IP address. In case Deco unit was mislabeled, you'll see actual hardware version there. Of course, Deco app will provide different features for Homecare vs Homeshield, thus giving a clue what your Main Deco has.

 

It appears Homecare is on its way out, so it makes sense to find the place where you can inspect Deco box (Deco unit itself) in person before buying it.

  1  
  1  
#2
Options