Embracing a Dedicated IoT Network with TP-Link Routers

The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a network of everything that is connected to the Internet, from something as small as a toy or sensor, to as big as a train. While IoT devices were a new concept just a few years ago, the concept of IoT has spread to almost every aspect of our lives, from medical services to smart home devices, even to agricultural industries across the world. Advancements in Technologies such as cloud computing, big data management, machine learning, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and mobile technologies have allowed IoT devices to offer better privacy, increased stability, and streamlined user experiences.

 

 

Why are IoT Networks Important?

IoT devices, since they are connected to the internet, are capable of communicating with devices across the entire network and with outside services, such as the TP-Link Cloud for both Kasa and Tapo devices. Connecting these devices to the internet, not only provides increased control and functionality, but the anonymous data collected can be used to optimize connections, communicate statistics (energy monitoring), or even create alerts/notifications. In industrial applications, IoT devices allow companies to better monitor, track, and predict changes that may occur on a larger scale, such as how the agricultural industry can even track the detailed humidity, solid moisture, and temperature across their property in order to provide the best-growing conditions for their crops.
 
IoT devices, while providing invaluable experiences to our lives and smart homes, can also use a significant amount of bandwidth or crowd your home network. By placing all these devices on a separate network, you are freeing up your network for the devices where you want the best connection, such as your phone or streaming device.

 

Automation Efficiency

If you have ever attempted to create automation with your Smart Devices on a congested network, you will know that the overall performance, speed, and reliability at which the Automation is performed can be heavily affected or varying. By placing your Smart Devices on a designated IoT network, you can be sure that your devices can effectively communicate with each other to provide the best connections possible. This will also create additional bandwidth on your main wireless network that your streaming devices and phones can now take advantage of.

 

Simplified Setup

IoT networks can also simplify the setup process for your smart devices as a separate and easier-to-input password can be used to connect the devices. IoT networks also provide methods for changing the bands and security used by these devices; meaning that if your device only connects via a 2.4 GHz connection, the 5 GHz bands can be disabled for the IoT network, allowing your other devices to keep their high-speed connection from the main network.
Furthermore, if you would like to use the newest security protocols but are limited by your smart device's compatibility, the encryption method of the IoT network can be different from the method used on the main network to connect your devices.

 

 

What is TP-Link IoT Network?

 

With the aim of delivering an enhanced and more reliable network experience to TP-Link smart home users, we are pleased to introduce a new advancement. A selection of TP-Link routers now supports the creation of a dedicated IoT network, designed to cater specifically to the unique demands of your connected devices. This innovative feature empowers you to tailor your network settings for optimal performance.

 

By opting for a separate IoT network, you can enjoy finer control over crucial parameters. You have the flexibility to independently set wireless frequency bands, establish a distinct SSID for easy identification, choose a secure password, and select your preferred encryption method. This segmentation ensures that your smart devices operate on a streamlined, interference-free network, free from potential conflicts that can arise when they share the same network as other devices.

 

This initiative not only bolsters the stability of your smart home ecosystem but also provides a more seamless, efficient experience for each device. As the landscape of connected technology continues to evolve, our commitment remains unwavering — to furnish you with cutting-edge solutions that elevate the way you interact with your smart home devices.

 

 

Compatible List (08/23/2023 Updated)

If your device is not yet supported, keep an eye out for New Beta Firmware on the official TP-Link forums, and for new firmware updates on your model’s support page.

Archer Routers( All With the latest firmware)	Deco Whole Home Mesh( All With the latest firmware)
Archer C6_V4 Archer C80_V1 with the pre-released version Archer C80_V2.2 with the pre-released version Archer BE900 Archer BE805 Archer BE800 Archer GE800 Archer BE550	Deco M5_V1/V2/V3/V3.2 Deco X20/Deco X25_V2 Deco X50/Deco X55_V1/V1.2 Deco X60 V3 Deco X68 V1/V2 Deco X73 V1 Deco X75 V1/V2 Deco X90_V1 Deco XE75_V1/V2 Deco XE75 Pro_V1/V2 Deco X50-POE_V1 Deco XE200 Deco BE85 /Deco BE95

 

 

Deco's Enhanced "Smart Home" Capability

Discover the enhanced capabilities of the Deco App's "Smart Home" feature, providing a seamless and efficient approach to managing your smart devices.

 

Integration with Philips Hue

Effortlessly manage your Philips Hue bulbs within the Deco App. Enjoy a streamlined setup process and easy management of your Hue bulbs using the Deco App's intuitive interface.

 

Simplified Control with Shortcut & Automation

Experience convenient control with the Deco Smart Home feature. Effortlessly manage Kasa and Tapo devices using the Shortcut and Automation functionalities. 

 

You have the flexibility to directly add new Tapo or Kasa devices through the Deco App, or efficiently sync your existing TP-Link smart devices to the Deco Smart Home device list.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What’s the benefit of having a separate IoT network?
It helps with your own personal management by knowing that all smart devices are on one network, and everything else on the main network. 
Some legacy devices that don’t support the latest WPA3 encryption standards or 5GHz could still connect to Home Wi-Fi without interfering with the wireless settings on the main network.

 

2. Should I use the guest network for IoT devices?
The big drawback of a Guest Network is that devices on it can’t see or connect to other devices. Smart home products, always need to integrate with other devices like turning on/off lights/switches via Google Assistant or live view cameras from Alexa Echo Show. While for the IoT network, the devices on it communicate freely with each other. Since the IoT Network could also communicate with devices on the main network, it would be great when you have the Phillip Hue Bridge or Other Smart Hubs wired to the main network for better stability and connection speed.