TP-Link aims to combine the mesh router with the smart home hub-- the Deco M9 Plus mesh wifi system aims to handle both home wifi connectivity and the management up to 100 ZigBee and Bluetooth devices.
“From everyday activities like streaming Netflix and using smart voice assistants, to occasional video chats with friends or online gaming, our home lives are more connected than ever before,” the company says. “Today, families need wifi systems that can support the higher demands put on their network, delivering reliable performance in every room of the home. Deco M9 Plus is a powerful solution designed to meet the wifi needs of the modern smart home.”
The Deco M9 is a tri-band router featuring Mesh technology to eliminate dead spots around homes of all sizes. It promises "stronger and more dynamic backhaul" by boosting the dedicated 5GHz backhaul with additional throughput from other wifi bands, according to network demand. To do so it can identify the strongest path and connection for every device, even those in the backyard.
Meanwhile smart home hub functionality enables control of ZigBee, Bluetooth and wifi-enabled smart home devices via companion Deco App. The system is compatible with devices from a wide range of vendors, as well as Amazon Alexa and IFTTT. TP-Link also claims security is top notch, since it includes Trend Micro HomeCare antivirus and malware protection complete with malicious site blocking.
The Deco M9 is available as a 2-pack, and customers can buy separate boosters to further add to the mesh network.