Any downsides to using Spark Smart modem 3 with TP Link Deco X60?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Any downsides to using Spark Smart modem 3 with TP Link Deco X60?

jkg456

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#303205 24-Jan-2023 15:10

I am currently researching upgrading our existing network to TP Link Deco X60 Wifi6 Whole home mesh system. (3 pack).

I would like to use all 3 as satellites linked to a Spark smart modem 3. Would there be any significant performance or any other issues in this approach as against using 1 mesh as the router connected to the ONT?

TP Link Deco mesh systems seem to have better reviews than the Netgear Orbi.

Thank you for your thoughts.

michaelmurfy

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#3026440 24-Jan-2023 15:51

As you've got the Smart Modem 3 just purchase some Smart Mesh units for it: https://www.spark.co.nz/shop/mobile/accessories/spark-smart-mesh-2---white

Both cheaper, and compatible with your existing router. I also recommend always using your provider router where possible and the Smart Modem 3 is actually a great router.

More information: https://www.spark.co.nz/shop/internet/spark-smart-mesh/

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jkg456

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3026471 24-Jan-2023 16:39

Thanks Michael,

What is your reasoning for alway using the ISP router. Aren't these fairly generic and mid range performance?

In terms of overall cost, there is not lot of difference
Spark: $106 for smart modem + 4 mesh @ $159 = $742 (require 4 as 1 must be connected to router and 3 satellites)

TP Link 3 pack $663 (PB Tech) + $106 router. $769

Will the TP Link work with the Spark router?

Cheers

michaelmurfy

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#3026539 24-Jan-2023 18:20

As you've got the Smart Modem 3 you only need 3x Mesh units but IMHO you're better to just start off with lets say 2 units and if they don't suffice just add another. The Smart Modem 3 works seamlessly with the mesh units and can either connect wirelessly or via Ethernet.

The ISP routers are actually very good these days and the Smart Modem 3 has WiFi 6 too and works with Gigabit Broadband. Plus, if you have problems then Spark can help you vs having a third party system where Spark can't help.

shk292

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#3026671 24-Jan-2023 20:50

As far as I know, if you don't have a Deco acting as the router, you won't get the benefit of the extra features that Deco offers - such as anti-virus, parental controls, device access control. Up to you how important those are. I have the earlier mode Decos and now have them only as meshed APs connected by ethernet to the ISP-supplied Smart Modem 1 - I find the WAN connection to be slightly more reliable using the ISP device

jkg456

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3026855 25-Jan-2023 09:23

Thanks for the responses. If the Spark Modem 3 was not in the picture, would you still go for the ISP option? I understand they are simpler and have support but are they better? The Spark store that supplied the modem recommended the Orbi above their own mesh routers. I need to ensure we have a great coverage/perforamnce as 2 of the buildings (garage and cabin) are disconnected from the main house.

Cheers and thanks

trig42

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#3026872 25-Jan-2023 10:02

Can the Garage and Cabin currently see WiFi signal from the house?

The Mesh units will be useless if they can't see a WiFi signal to Mesh with.

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#3026877 25-Jan-2023 10:10

shk292:

As far as I know, if you don't have a Deco acting as the router, you won't get the benefit of the extra features that Deco offers - such as anti-virus, parental controls, device access control. Up to you how important those are. I have the earlier mode Decos and now have them only as meshed APs connected by ethernet to the ISP-supplied Smart Modem 1 - I find the WAN connection to be slightly more reliable using the ISP device

This is correct, and trying to get TP link to work flawlessly with another modem wasnt that easy I find - reason I sold my old Deco's M4 and bought mesh units for my Spark smart modem.

The mesh unit range is impressive so maybe do start with 2 and go from there.

jkg456

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3026889 25-Jan-2023 10:25

trig42:

Can the Garage and Cabin currently see WiFi signal from the house?

The Mesh units will be useless if they can't see a WiFi signal to Mesh with.

Yes both can see the signal but it is week and does drop out.

Cheers

PJ48

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#3026985 25-Jan-2023 14:31

jkg456:

trig42:

Can the Garage and Cabin currently see WiFi signal from the house?

The Mesh units will be useless if they can't see a WiFi signal to Mesh with.

Yes both can see the signal but it is week and does drop out.

Cheers

J

If that is the case, regardless of which system you use, one of the Mesh units will need to be placed within the house such that the garage and cabin have a reasonable signal to Mesh with. I would concur with others that the Smart Modem 3 is an excellent router, and you should just use the Smart Mesh 2 units that seamless work with it.

If you could somehow connect the smart MESH 2 (that provides signal to the garage from the house) to the SM3 via ethernet, that will maximise your performance, but it will still work as a solution if done wirelessly. I am assuming from your original description that the current placement of the router is not optimal for wifi to penetrate to the garage or cabin.

I have no idea why the Spark Store staff were trying to sell those Orbi MESH units instead, but I got a similar response recently at the Nelson Spark store - I suspect either they earn a small commission on the Orbi, or they are trying to clear stock. There is no way the Orbi unit has better routing performance than the SM3. They tried to tell me that the SM3 wouldn't cope with more than 7 devices, which is complete nonsense.

If anybody from Spark is monitoring this discussion, you may want to find our why your retail arm is dissing the SM3?? @talkiet