Community Spotlight - Home Networking
Hey TP-Link Community!
2026 is in full swing, and we have quite a few updates to catch everyone up on―with the first being our new Newsletter format!
As a marked change from previous years, our teams will now be hosting a Smart Home, Home Networking, and Business newsletter on our Forum’s Knowledge Base. If you have relied on our previous emails, don’t worry – we will be curating the content from these pages into the email.
To start the year, our Home Networking community has had quite a few exciting announcements and releases – from the unveiling of TP-Link aireal™ at CES, to new Deco app features like Heatmap, and a whole new lineup of versatile USB-C Hubs to suit virtually any workspace. Additionally, our Archer and Deco teams are working on numerous new and exciting features via firmware updates, including early access for some models through Pre-Release and Beta testing within the Community!
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Highlights and Featured Firmware Updates (Updated February 6th, 2026)
As a reminder, this is a project from our community team and requires us to review each firmware update – please consider this when asking for updates and confirming compatibility.
You can find our team’s highlights below:
Deco Heatmap (Beta)
Enhanced EasyMesh Support for Archer BE550 V2 (Pre-Release)
Feature-Packed Updates for the Archer BE800 V1 and Archer BE900 V2 (Pre-Release)
Looking for a Detailed List of our Team's Firmware Update Highlights from January? Check out our Knowledge Base Article
Curious about the Latest Firmware News for Tapo and Kasa? Check out our Monthly Featured Smart Home Updates
*The most accurate and official notes will always be on your device’s support page – we may be able to reach out for compatibility, but it is not often readily available.
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aireal – Introducing a Smarter Wi-Fi Experience
View our Official aireal™ Landing Page for More Information: Say Hello to Aireal, TP-Link AI Assistant for Home
aireal™ is TP-Link’s AI Assistant who works across the entire ecosystem, from networking to smart home devices. Aireal helps you take care of your home, stay connected to what matters, and keep your network running smoothly – all through simple, natural conversation.
From learning how your home connects, adapting in real time, and fixing slowdowns before you ever notice them, you can think of aireal as your always-ready home expert who brings clarity and ease to every day, so your home network feels effortless.
Learn More About TP-Link’s aireal in our Official Community Story
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Introducing Deco Heatmap – See Your Home’s Wi-Fi Coverage Like Never Before
Limited Early Access ― Feedback Welcome!
Say goodbye to frustrating dead zones and buffering. The Deco App’s Wi-Fi Heatmap provides a clear, visual overview of your home’s wireless coverage, pinpointing exactly where your signal is strong and where it needs improvement.
This straightforward tool helps you easily interpret your network’s actual coverage and make informed decisions about your Wi-Fi setup.
Unlock Full Home Coverage with Deco Heatmap — Try Now & Share Your Feedback!
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Expand your Connectivity With USB-C, HDMI, SD/microSD, Ethernet, and More
USB hubs have traditionally been a flexible solution for expanding USB peripherals. However, given the variety of modern USB devices and the decreasing number of ports on compact, ultraportable laptops, it’s beneficial for users to have a simple way to connect USB devices while also accessing storage, network, and video output through a single 5 Gbps USB-C connection.
Introducing TP-Link's newest USB Hub Accessories — offering HDMI connectivity up to 4K @60Hz, TF card slots, USB-A and USB-C connectivity (including USB-C PD), a durable aluminum alloy chassis, and a self-storing braided connector cable in a convenient, pocket-sized form factor with Plug and Play Compatibility.
New USB-C Hubs for Versatile Connectivity
Choosing the Right TP-Link USB Hub Accessory for Your Needs
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Next-Gen Wi-Fi 7 Made Easy ― Meet Deco 7
Deco 7 brings faster speeds, stronger whole-home coverage, and simple app-guided control ― all working together to make your home feel effortlessly connected.
- Built-In HomeShield Security helps protect all your Deco devices with smart security features at home or on the go — including parental controls, real-time threat protection, and network insights for everyday peace of mind.
- Hands-Free Voice Control brings the convenience of Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant-enabled devices to control your Deco system with simple voice commands, making it easy to manage your Wi-Fi hands-free.
- All Deco devices work together to form one seamless mesh network. Expand your Wi-Fi coverage anytime by adding more Decos to keep every corner of your home connected.
