Do Deco's work better when they're all the exact same model?
So just got a question about this. Will Deco Mesh's work better when you use the exact same device for each node instead of mixing and matching them as is supported?
I'm curious because there are a few features I seem to lose out on when mixing or things that just don't seem to be as smooth.
There was this thread that shows OFDMA/Mu-Mimo settings get lost when you combine supported Decos with non supported Decos, and I am in the same situation. I have lost my Mu-Mimo options on my Deco XE75.
https://community.tp-link.com/us/home/forum/topic/655004?sortDir=ASC
Is it worth the trouble to try and find the exact same Deco XE75 with version number that I have and buy that even used just so my network works better and I get access to the features I paid for on the unit?
Thanks
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Okay, I understand that you are concerned about losing certain advanced features, such as MU-MIMO and OFDMA, when mixing different Deco Mesh models in your network. You are wondering if it is better to use the exact same Deco model for all nodes to ensure you get full access to the features you paid for.
When you mix different Deco models in one mesh network, not all features are guaranteed to be available—even if your main Deco supports them. Some features, like MU-MIMO/OFDMA, WPA3 encryption, IoT network, and Reboot Schedule, will only be available if all Deco units in your network support them. If you add a Deco model that does not support these features, they may disappear from your Deco app and cannot be configured, even if your main unit supports them.
On the other hand, features such as VPN Server/Client, Static Routing, Changing WAN MTU, and HomeShield (Parental Control) are available as long as the main Deco supports them, regardless of the other models in the network.
Key points to consider:
• If you want to keep access to advanced features like MU-MIMO/OFDMA, it is recommended to use the same Deco model (and ideally the same hardware version) for all units in your network.
• Mixing different models may result in losing the ability to configure certain features via the Deco app, even if they are technically still available on supported units.
• If you are missing a specific feature, it does not always mean it is completely unavailable—it may just be inaccessible for configuration in the app.
If you want to maximize your network's capabilities and ensure you have access to all the features you paid for, it is worth considering using identical Deco models throughout your mesh network. If you need further clarification or want to confirm feature availability for your specific setup, please contact TP-Link support.
For more details, please refer to the official FAQ or reach out to support if you have questions about features not listed here.
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@HelpFixDecoApp Thanks for the reply, it's frustrating I lose features just if all Decos don't support the same things. I got all of the same Decos and still don't have mu-mimo options now, which is doubly frustrating.
it seems like though decos can be configured with different ones, you get best performance by just using the same models. i'm not sure if i might be wrong
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This is especially frustrating with using the Outdoor models (X50-Outdoor) which, by design, are intended to be used with differing indoor models. Unfortunately, the firmware for the X50-Outdoor does not support the same features even as it's corresponding indoor model (X50), let alone other models, so a lot of advanced features are lost.
OFDMA/Mu-Mimo and ECO mode are all turned off with my XE75 Pro network, I know for sure. I have been waiting years for it to be updated, but it doesn't look like it ever will.
Likewise, the X50-Outdoor now features custom channels and bandwidth, but I don't have much hope for the XE75's will ever support that.
It really feels like every single device (model and differing versions within that model) has it's own code base which is not compatible with any other model/version. This must be a fragmented nightmare to maintain.
I have an indoor mix of XE75 Pro V1 and V2 (I wasn't aware when I purchased them). The V1's have had Eco mode since September 2024, whereas the V2, even though promised, had yet to receive this feature. Between the V2's and Outdoor models, I will most likely never be able to use that feature.
Eero may not be perfect, but all their models share the same firmware base, so when one model gets a new feature, they all receive it (hardware allowing). Much like iPhones. This alone may get me to throw out all my TP-Link hardware and switch.
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@JohnnyBoy I didn't even think about that between the indoor and outdoor models!
It's such an appalling oversight that I can't seem to find clear answers on because TP-Link don't address it.
It 's worse when there are different versions of the same model, and there's no way of knowing which version you'll be getting. The Used market becomes the only way to get some semblance of it. I was talking to TP-Link once and they offered to replace one of my Decos, but absolutely could not tell me which version it would be. If they can't even get congruency then how are users expected to?
I have the regular XE75, I've now managed to get them all the same versions but even then, the XE75 features like Mu-Mimo aren't actually showing up! I think I have to delete my whole network and start again, and that's seemingly because I used to have non XE75 devices in it which I've now deleted
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