TP-Link Deco AC1200 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System

About This Guide

This guide provides a brief introduction to the Deco Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System and the Deco app, along with regulatory information. Please note that features available in Deco may vary by model and software version, and availability may also differ by region or ISP. All images, steps, and descriptions are examples and may not reflect your exact Deco experience.

Conventions Used in This Guide

Speed/Coverage/Device Quantity Disclaimer

Maximum wireless transmission rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Range, coverage, and maximum quantity of connected devices are based on test results under normal usage conditions. Actual wireless data throughput, wireless coverage, and quantity of connected devices are not guaranteed and will vary as a result of:

1. Environmental factors, including building materials, physical objects, and obstacles.
2. Network conditions, including local interference, volume and density of traffic, product location, network complexity, and network overhead.
3. Client limitations, including rated performance, location, connection quality, and client condition.

MU-MIMO Disclaimer

Use of MU-MIMO requires clients to also support MU-MIMO.

More Info

• Specific product information can be found on the product page at https://www.tp-link.com.
• A Technical Community is provided for you to discuss our products at https://community.tp-link.com.
• Our Technical Support contact information can be found at the Help center of the Deco app and the Contact Technical Support page at https://www.tp-link.com/support.

Appearance

Each Deco unit features an LED that changes color to indicate its status. It also has two RJ-45 Ethernet ports, a power slot, and a Reset button. See the explanation below for LED status indicators:

• ? Yellow pulse: Deco is resetting.
• ? Yellow solid: Deco is starting up.
• ? Blue pulse: Deco is ready for setup.
• ? Blue solid: Deco is setting up.
• ⚪ White pulse: Deco is upgrading firmware.
• ⚪ White solid: Deco is registered and all is well.
• ? Red pulse: Deco is disconnected from the main Deco.
• ? Red solid: Deco has an issue.

Ports and Buttons

• Ethernet Ports: Used for connecting the Deco to your modem, an Ethernet outlet, or other internet devices.
• Power Slot: Connects the Deco to the power socket via the provided power adapter.
• Reset Button: Press this button to reset the Deco to factory default settings.

Set Up Your Deco

Follow these steps to set up your Deco Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System:

Step 1: Download and Install the Deco App

Scan the QR code (not displayed here) or visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to download the Deco app. Install the app on your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet.

[QR Code for App Download]

Alternatively, search for "Deco" on your device's app store.

Step 2: Log In or Sign Up with TP-Link ID

Open the Deco app. Use your TP-Link ID to log in. If you do not have a TP-Link ID, tap "Sign Up". The Deco app will guide you through the remaining steps.

Step 3: Connect Deco to Your Modem

Find and power off your modem. Connect your Deco unit to the modem using an Ethernet cable and then power both devices on. If you do not have a modem, you can connect an Ethernet outlet directly to your Deco.

[Diagram showing modem connected to Deco via Ethernet, and Deco plugged into power]

Step 4: Select a Location

Choose a location for this Deco unit. If the predefined location is not suitable, you can create a custom location.

Step 5: Create Your Wi-Fi Network

Set a network name (SSID) and a password. This will be used to connect your devices to the Wi-Fi network. The password must be at least 8 characters long.

Step 6: Add More Decos

You can add more Deco units to expand your Wi-Fi coverage. The app will guide you through the process of adding additional Decos one by one.

Dashboard

After successfully setting up your Deco network, the Deco app dashboard will display information about your network. You can view connected devices and their internet speeds. Tap the ? (Internet) icon to check the working status of all Decos, and tap the ⚙️ icon to access more features.

Key Dashboard Features

• View Connected Devices: See a list of devices connected to your network, their connection status, and speed.
• Check Working Status of All Decos: Monitor the online status and connection health of each Deco unit in your mesh system.
• Display More Features: Access various settings and management options including:
  • Wi-Fi Settings
  • Blacklist
  • Update Deco
  • Advanced Settings
  • Parental Controls
  • QoS (Quality of Service)
  • Monthly Report
  • Managers

Wi-Fi Settings

You can modify your main network's name (SSID) and password, create a separate network for guests, and use the "Shake to Share" feature to easily share network details with family and friends.

Change Main Network Settings

Modify the Network Name (SSID) and Password for your primary Wi-Fi network.

Create a Guest Network

Enable and configure a separate guest network with its own SSID and password, allowing visitors to access the internet without accessing your main network resources.

Shake to Share Wi-Fi

A quick way to share your main network or guest network credentials by shaking your Deco device.

Parental Controls

Create profiles for family members and assign specific devices to them. Set individualized parental controls, defining when and for how long each person can access the internet. You can also block inappropriate content and pause internet access if necessary.

Filter Level

Select filter levels for different age groups:

• Child
• Pre-Teen
• Teen
• Adult

Content can be filtered by Categories (e.g., Adult Content, Games, Social Networking) and Websites.

Set Time Controls

Configure daily time limits for internet usage on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and weekends (Saturday and Sunday). You can set specific time limits, such as 2 hours per day.

Advanced Features

Additional configuration options are available under the Advanced menu, allowing you to customize settings according to your needs.

Network Settings

• IPv4 Settings: Configure Internet Connection Type (Dynamic IP, Static IP, PPPoE), IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, Primary DNS, and Secondary DNS.
• IPv6 Settings: Configure IPv6 Connection Type (Dynamic IP), IP Address, Primary DNS, Secondary DNS, and LAN Address Prefix.

Other Advanced Features

• Address Reservation: Allows you to reserve a specific IP address for a device, ensuring it always receives the same IP when connecting to the Deco network. This simplifies administration and troubleshooting.
• Port Forwarding: Enables computers and devices on your local network to be accessible from the internet, while maintaining network protection.
• TP-Link DDNS: Allows you to create a friendly domain name to access your Deco and local resources over the internet instead of using an IP address.
• VLAN Settings: Configure VLAN ID and VLAN Mode.
• Fast Roaming: Enables seamless switching between different Decos for wireless devices using IEEE 802.11r. Note: This feature may cause older devices to disconnect.
• LED Control: Manage the LED indicator on Deco units, including enabling or disabling Night Mode to turn off the LED during specified hours (e.g., from 22:00 to 07:00).
• Notifications: Enable or disable alerts for Firmware Updates, New Device Detection, and Monthly Reports.
• Operating Mode: Select between Router (default) mode, where Deco connects directly to the internet and shares access, or Access Point mode, where Deco extends the wireless coverage of an existing network.

Update Decos

TP-Link is committed to improving product features and customer experience. Update your Deco units when prompted in the Deco app.

Update Process

• Update Available: The app will notify you when a firmware update is available for your Deco.
• Updating Deco: The new firmware will be downloaded by your Deco system, not the app. No mobile data or storage on your device is required. A progress indicator shows the download status (e.g., Downloading...37%).
• Up-to-date: Once updated, your Deco Home Wi-Fi System will be current. Firmware versions for specific models like Deco M4R (1.0.0 Build 20180922 Rel. 79344) and Deco M3W (1.0.0 Build 20180921 Rel. 60217) are displayed.

Managers

Add friends and family members to help manage your Deco network. Each manager must have their own TP-Link ID.

Adding a Manager

To add a manager, you will need their email address, which is the email they used to register their TP-Link ID. Enter this email and save.

Manager List

View a list of current managers, including the owner and any added members (e.g., 'Ju', 'Dusko').

Authentication

COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS

Specifications are subject to change without notice. ® TP-Link is a registered trademark of TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

No part of these specifications may be reproduced in any form or by any means, or used to make any derivative work such as translation, transformation, or adaptation, without permission from TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. Copyright © 2019 TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

FCC Compliance Information Statement

[FCC Logo]

Product Name: AC1200 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System

Model Number: Deco M4/M4R/M3

Component Name: I.T.E POWER SUPPLY | Model: T120150-2B1

Responsible Party

TP-Link USA Corporation, d/b/a TP-Link North America, Inc.

Address: 145 South State College Blvd. Suite 400, Brea, CA 92821

Website: http://www.tp-link.com/us/

Tel: +1 626 333 0234

Fax: +1 909 527 6803

E-mail: sales.usa@tp-link.com

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. "To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this grant is applicable to only Mobile Configurations. The antennas used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter."

CE Mark Warning

[CE Mark]

This is a class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

OPERATING FREQUENCY (maximum transmitted power)

• 2412MHz–2483.5MHz (20dBm)
• 5150MHz–5250MHz (23dBm)

EU Declaration of Conformity

TP-Link hereby declares that the device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of directives 2014/53/EU, 2009/125/EC, 2011/65/EU and (EU)2015/863. The original EU declaration of conformity may be found at https://www.tp-link.com/en/ce.

RF Exposure Information

This device meets the EU requirements (2014/53/EU Article 3.1a) on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields by way of health protection. The device complies with RF specifications when the device is used at 20 cm from your body.

Attention: This device may only be used indoors in all EU member states and EFTA countries.

Canadian Compliance Statement

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

The French translation of the Canadian compliance statement is provided below for reference:

L'émetteur/récepteur exempt de licence contenu dans le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : 1. l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage; 2. l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, meme si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

Caution:

The device for operation in the band 5150–5250 MHz is only for indoor use to reduce the potential for harmful interference to co-channel mobile satellite systems;

Avertissement:

Le dispositif fonctionnant dans la bande 5150-5250 MHz est réservé uniquement pour une utilisation à l'intérieur afin de réduire les risques de brouillage préjudiciable aux systèmes de satellites mobiles utilisant les mêmes canaux;

Radiation Exposure Statement (IC)

This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

Déclaration d'exposition aux radiations: Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements IC établies pour un environnement non contrôlé. Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé avec un minimum de 20 cm de distance entre la source de rayonnement et votre corps.

Industry Canada Statement

CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)

Korea Warning Statements

당해 무선설비는 운용중 전파혼신 가능성이 있음. (This wireless equipment may cause radio interference during operation.)

NCC Notice & BSMI Notice

Attention!

According to the Low-Power Radio-Frequency Devices Management Regulations:

Article 12: For low-power radio-frequency devices that have passed type certification, companies, business units, or users shall not alter frequency, increase power, or change original design characteristics or functions without permission.

Article 14: The use of low-power radio-frequency devices shall not affect flight safety and interfere with legal communications. If interference is found, the device shall be stopped immediately and improved until no interference occurs. Legal communications refer to radio communications operated in accordance with telecommunications regulations. Low-power radio-frequency devices shall tolerate interference from legal communications, or industrial, scientific, and medical radio-frequency devices.

• 4.7.9.1 Avoid interfering with the operation of nearby radar systems.
• 4.7.9.2 High-gain directional antennas shall only be used for fixed point-to-point systems.

Safety Advice and Precautions

• Use only the original power adapter or a power source specified for this product.
• Before cleaning, unplug the power cord. Do not use liquid, spray cleaners, or a damp cloth for cleaning.
• Beware of moisture; do not spill water or other liquids on the product.
• Slots and openings are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation and prevent overheating. Do not block or cover these openings.
• Do not place the product near heat sources. Do not place it in an enclosed space without adequate ventilation.
• Do not open the casing yourself. Do not attempt to repair the product; this should be done by authorized professional personnel.

Restricted Substances Declaration

Note 1: "Exceeds 0.1 wt %" and "Exceeds 0.01 wt %" refer to the percentage content of the restricted substance exceeding the reference percentage value.

Note 2: "○" indicates that the percentage content of the restricted substance is below the reference percentage value.

Note 3: "-" indicates that the restricted substance is exempted from the application.

Safety Information

The product is certified according to the requirements of the UkrSEPRO system and complies with regulatory documents and requirements stipulated by the current legislative acts of Ukraine.

[EAC Mark]

• Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity, or hot environments.
• Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device.
• Do not use a damaged charger or USB cable to charge the device.
• Do not use any other chargers than those recommended.
• Do not use the device where wireless devices are not allowed.
• The adapter shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.

ℹ️ Use only power supplies provided by the manufacturer and in the original packaging of this product. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact TP-Link. Please read and follow the above safety information when operating the device. TP-Link cannot guarantee that no accidents or damage will occur due to improper use of the device. Please use this product with care and operate at your own risk.

Explanation of the Symbols on the Product Label