I would advise against the X50-Outdoor product as it is no longer being updated by TP-Link. They freely admit the product was not popular and therefore is hugely behind its indoor cousins where features are concerned. If you install the X50-Outdoor, you will note the loss of various functionality in the app. I removed the X50-Outdoor and replaced it with an outdoor AP and use a Powerline adapter to transmit the signal to my router. Even cheap outdoor APs (like the one I bought) transmit further and therefore faster than the X50-Outdoor. Some Outdoor APs also run 'Repeater Mode' (no need for the Powerline Adapter), mine does, but I have not tried this, but there is no reason it should not work. You could probably try this, and if you have issues, buy a power line adapter set. Even with the Powerline Adapter Kit, the Outdoor AP was cheaper, faster and I retained all the features of the indoor Decos. You can even utilise a different SSID for security if you prefer, something you cannot do with the X50-Outdoor.

  @Solla-topee 

 

"We're currently providing ongoing maintenance for the Deco X50-Outdoor."

So is it just lack of interest in this model? Is it that the X50-Outdoor cannot (for example) be programmed with Eco-Mode? (I was promised an answer to this question nearly 6 months ago, but never got it). The only Firmware updates my unit received were bug fixes and stability improvements, something I would expect anyway, supported or not. I was previously informed TP-Link are not updating this model as the interest was not there, was I lied to? If not, where are the updates? I so, is it a commercial decision to lie to existing customers, or just something you do unilaterally to get out of a sticky situation?

 

"However, firmware release schedules can vary across different Deco models, which means the feature sets are not always identical."

From a customer POV, X50/X50-5G/X50PoE/X50-Outdoor are all the same as they all begin "X50". If they are classed as completely different models, would you accept that model designation used by TP-Link is flawed? What other similar designations have this same flaw?

 

"As a result, when you combine multiple models in a single network, you may notice that certain features available in the Deco app before disappear."

We know, we're the customer who sees one model "upgraded" ony to lose other features along the way when you do because those models that were similar or identical now are no longer identical.

 

"We generally recommend using identical models to build your network"

So (as established) the X50/X50-5G/X50PoE/X50-Outdoor are not "identical models" even though they all use the "X50" prefix?

If so, are you therefore telling us that if I want to use an X50-Outdoor, outdoors, that you 'recommend' ALL other Deco have to be X50-Outdoor (even when they're indoors)?

Similarly, if I use an X50-5G, that all the others need to be X50-5G models too?

If not, what are you suggesting, please clarify as it has to be one or the other surely?

 

"however, mixing different models is ok if your main goal is simply to take advantage of the Deco system's Wi-Fi connectivity."

As opposed to what? What other goal would I have?

 

Your message has only further muddied the waters for me in respect of what works with what and how. I am now at a loss as to the business model of TP-Link's Deco range.

  @Solla-topee 

 

"The Deco X50 / X50-5G / X50-PoE / X50-Outdoor are different models designed for different use cases. Although they share the "X50" naming, they are not identical products; therefore, their supported feature sets may differ."

Since purchasing three of the listed models, at least I can agree on this statement. However, it does not change the fact they all share the same prefix designation, and therefore any customer looking to purchase these products would at least consider them to be at least similar. I made this mistake and bitterly regretted it.

 

"However, I hope users understand the phenomena they may experience when using different models together before purchasing, so they can choose devices that fit their scenarios and needs."

As above, how would we know all models prefixed "X50" would be so different?

 

"We do not have information on whether a new feature will be added to a specific model or when it will be added, so it's recommended to pay attention to the new firmware's release notes on our official website to see what changes are included."

You missed the point. I truly cannot be bothered to repeat it. Perhaps you can review and resubmit.

 

"Before purchasing a Deco product, if you do not simply want to take advantage of the Deco system's Wi-Fi connectivity, but also have specific functional needs, we recommend contacting our technical support team to verify the details before making a purchase."

Again, you have completely missed the point.

 

Noted also you have ignored all the pertinent and clearly difficult to address points and questions that I asked. It comes as no surprise as I asked some very pertinent points that cannot be argued to the contrary. Your silence on those points speaks volumes to me and hopefully to others.

In my professional capacity I advise companies on such matters so they can avoid such questions. TP-Link should not be in such a position. Products should be labelled clearly and with the clarity needed for customers to make an informed decision at point of purchase without the need to contact a technical support team prior to making a decision. It is so easy to correct problems before they exist by employing a good Quality Assurance Team, something you either don't currently possess, or something you do, but  are simply not doing their jobs.