Tp-link has recently launched its new high-end mesh wifi 6e product, the Deco XE200 AXE11000. This cutting-edge product boasts multi-gig internet speed, and arrives amidst a slew of premium offerings from other major vendors such as Netgear, Linksys, and Asus.

In This Article

• TP-Link Deco XE200
• Deco XE200 vs. Deco BE85
• 10G Multi-Gig Internet
• Upcoming Docsis 4.0
• Deco xe200 vs Asus ET12 vs Orbi Rbk963

TP-Link Deco XE200

Tplink’s Deco XE200 is the latest addition to its mesh wifi 6e product lineup, which already includes the Deco XE75 Pro and Deco XE5300 that have been on the market for some time. It appears that tplink is determined not to fall behind in offering top-of-the-line products based on the premium AXE11000 and enhanced wifi 6e technology.

Today, TP-Link has ventured into the realm of next-generation WiFi 7 technology, unveiling a select lineup of products. Among them are the Deco BE95 and Deco BE85 mesh WiFi 7 systems, as well as the Archer BE800 and Archer BE900 WiFi 7 routers.

Now, the question arises: should you opt for the fresh Deco BE85, offering an impressive aggregated bandwidth of up to BE24000, or perhaps consider the ultimate WiFi 6E solution, the TP-Link Deco XE200?

Deco XE200 vs. Deco BE85

In Table 1 below, we present a comprehensive spec comparison between the formidable TP-Link Deco XE200, representing the pinnacle of mesh WiFi 6E technology, and the next-generation Deco BE85, equipped with cutting-edge mesh WiFi 7 technology. One can’t help but notice that the primary distinction lies in the WiFi generation employed in each series. While WiFi 7 is not yet officially released, its promise shines through with double channel bandwidth akin to the Deco XE200, ensuring swifter speeds and support for multi-link operations. With multi-link operation support, the bandwidth connections can be aggregated, providing a broader bandwidth when connected to compliant WiFi 7 devices.

Another notable difference lies in the embedded Ethernet Ports. The new Deco BE85 comes furnished with two multi-Gig 10Gbps WAN ports and two 2.5Gbps LAN ports, expanding your connectivity options significantly.

XE200 vs BE85 Table

Table 1 Deco XE200 vs Deco BE85

Deco Products	Deco XE200	Deco BE85
Wifi Segment	Simultaneous Tri-band axe11000 with 16 streams and AI-mesh technology	Tri-band Be22000 12 streams
Signal rates	1,148 Mbps @2.4GHz 4×4; 4,804 Mbps @5GHz 4×4; 4,804 Mbps @6GHz 8×8 (backhaul)	6 GHz: 11,520 Mbps (802.11be) 4×4 5 GHz: 8,640 Mbps (802.11be) 4×4 2.4 GHz: 1,376 Mbps (802.11be)4×4
Multi Link Operation Support	N/A	Yes
Backhaul link	Dedicated default @6GHz by default, or share network. Optional wired backhaul is also available.	Wired and wifi backhaul (backhaul aggregation)
Antennas	16x High-Gain Internal Antennas	8x High-Gain Internal Antennas
Ethernet Ports	1x 10.0Gbps WAN Port; 2x Gigabit LAN Ports	1x 10 Gbps 1x 10 Gbps SFP+/RJ45 Combo 2x 2.5Gbps LAN Ports
USB Ports	N/A	1x USB 3.0 Port
Security & QoS	HomeShield,	HomeShield QoS: QoS by Device
Channel Bandwidth	160 MHz	320 MHz
Dimension	5.12 in × 4.86 in × 9.49 in (130 mm × 123.5 mm × 241 mm)	5.04 in x 5.04 in x 9.29 in (128 mm x 128 mm x 236 mm)
Price	$799.99 (2-pack)	$999.99 / 2-pack

Click here to learn more details Deco BE85 on Amazon (#ads)

Now back to ourd discussion with TP-Link Deco XE200.

When compared to similar products that have been on the market for some time, such as the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 and Asus ZenWiFi ET12, tplink’s Deco XE200 is more affordable. In fact, it is offered at a more economical price point than both of these products, making it an attractive option for those who want to experience the benefits of wifi 6e technology without breaking the bank.

10G Multi-Gig Internet

What is the bandwidth of your internet services provided by your cable internet provider? Additionally, which cable modem are you currently using? As of now, the maximum speed for consumer Blast internet service does not exceed 2Gbps with the latest DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem technology. Moreover, the fastest consumer cable modem available in the market today features a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem with a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, such as the Arris Surfboard S33 and Netgear CM2000.

You may be wondering why the Deco XE200 product features a 10Gbps multi-Gig WAN port. Is it not too excessive for the available internet speed offered to consumers today? While this may be true for cable internet services, it is not the case for fiber optic internet services. Companies like Sonic currently offer multi-gig fiber optic internet services at an affordable price, making the 10Gbps multi-Gig WAN port a valuable feature for those who have access to such internet services.

Upcoming Docsis 4.0

The future of cable internet services technology lies in DOCSIS 4.0 cable networks, which can provide upstream speeds of up to 6Gbps and downstream internet speeds of up to 10Gbps. This hybrid fiber optic and coaxial network is the reason why premium router products available today are equipped with multi-gig WAN ports that will be compatible with this upcoming 10G internet technology.

This is why tplink Deco XE200 and Orbi RBK963 are both equipped with 10Gbps WAN ports, and also ultimate TP-Link Archer and Asus Axe16000 wifi 6e routers. Almost all the next generation of wifi 7 products introduced by TP-Link both Deco and Archer series are equipped with multi-gig 10Gbps WAN ports.

This ensures that these products are future-proofed and ready to take advantage of the higher internet speeds that will be available with DOCSIS 4.0 technology, and the next generation of wifi 7 technology that supports up to 10Gbps internet speed.  

Dedicated backhaul @6ghz band

Enhanced wifi 6e technology has introduced the 6GHz radio band as a new, clean and fast lane for backhaul links between nodes. This feature is enabled by default in the Deco XE200, with a dedicated backhaul that utilizes the 6GHz radio band. However, if you have devices that support the 6GHz radio band, you can configure the default settings to opt for the network mode and connect to the available 6GHz band.

To configure the settings for the Deco XE200, navigate to the “Wi-Fi Setting” section and click on “6 GHz.” From there, select “Wi-Fi network” under “Use 6 GHz Wi-fi for” to switch the default dedicated backhaul setting to share bandwidth with compatible 6GHz connected devices. While there are currently only a few models of PCIe Wi-Fi 6e adapters available in the market, USB models are not yet available.

Given the dominance of the Asus ZenWiFi ET12 and Netgear Orbi RBK963 in the market, it remains to be seen whether the Deco XE200 will be able to capture a significant share.

Deco xe200 vs Asus ET12 vs Orbi Rbk963

To compare the products, the most straightforward approach is to create a table that highlights the specifications and features of each device. Table 1 provides a specification comparison between the Deco XE200 and the Asus ZenWiFi ET12, while Table 2 compares the Deco XE200 to the Orbi RBK963.

Wifi

All three products operate within the AXE11000 network segment, but each distributes radio bands in a different manner. The XE200 and ET12 are equipped with three radio bands and utilize the 6GHz band as a dedicated backhaul link for each node. However, the XE200 allows users to opt for the 6GHz band as a network mode, rather than a dedicated backhaul link.

The ET12, on the other hand, shares its 6GHz band as shared bandwidth for both backhaul links and compatible 6GHz-based connected devices. The Orbi RBKE963 is designed differently, as it does not use the 6GHz radio band as a dedicated band, instead using one of its available two 5GHz radio bands. With four bands available, the RBK963 can use its 6GHz radio band for compliant 6GHz connected clients.

There is no definitive answer to which type of backhaul is better in a mesh WiFi system, as it depends on various factors such as the number of nodes, distance between nodes, types of devices connected, and the layout of your home or office.

Dedicated or Share Wifi Backhaul

Dedicated backhaul can provide a more stable and reliable connection as it uses a separate radio band exclusively for the communication between nodes, which can minimize interference and latency. However, using a dedicated backhaul may limit the available bandwidth for connected devices, especially in a crowded environment with many devices.

On the other hand, sharing the WiFi backhaul can provide more available bandwidth for connected devices, but it may result in slower and less stable connections, especially if the nodes are far apart from each other.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you have many devices that require a stable and fast connection, a dedicated backhaul may be a better choice. If you have fewer devices and want to maximize available bandwidth, sharing the WiFi backhaul may work better.

Ethernet Ports

Ethernet ports are crucial for wireless routers in various situations, especially when a stable, high-speed network connection is necessary. For example, in small businesses that use network storage (NAS) to host essential business applications, a reliable and uninterrupted connection is crucial. Although this may seem too technical for the average user, it is common for IT departments that manage large corporate networks. Another example is when you need a reliable wired connection for your game console to ensure smooth, uninterrupted online gaming.

In the tables, the number of Ethernet ports and the WAN port can be found in the sixth row. Tplink Deco XE200 and Orbi RBK963 are equipped with 10G high-speed internet technology, ready for the upcoming DOCSIS 4.0 cable technology. You may connect the wan port to most popular arris s33 docsis 3.1 cable modem.

Orbi always distinguishes which node is a router unit and which ones are satellite nodes without the WAN port.

Network protection

It’s become commonplace for many individuals to overlook the security of their home internet network. Even in small and medium-sized office networks, security is often low on the priority list until a security breach occurs.

Both the Deco XE200 and Orbi RBK963 offer network security services that require annual subscription. In contrast, the Asus ZenWiFi ET12 includes the free, lifetime Asus AiProtection Pro, powered by Trend Micro.

Asus AiPortection Pro

Asus AiProtection Pro is a network security software that comes pre-installed on select Asus routers, including the ZenWiFi ET12. It is powered by Trend Micro, a well-known cybersecurity company, and provides advanced security features such as malicious site blocking, intrusion prevention, and advanced parental controls. AiProtection Pro uses machine learning algorithms to identify and block security threats in real-time, providing users with comprehensive protection against malware, viruses, and other online threats. Additionally, AiProtection Pro also provides network security reports and alerts, making it easier for users to monitor and manage their network security.

TP-Link HomeShield and Netgear Armor are both network security services offered by their respective companies, but not free services like Asus.

TP-Link HomeShield is a subscription-based service that provides a suite of security features to protect your network and connected devices. These features include antivirus and malware protection, intrusion prevention, parental controls, and a built-in VPN for secure remote access. HomeShield also offers real-time monitoring and alerts, as well as the ability to block specific websites or apps.

Netgear Armor, on the other hand, is a security service powered by Bitdefender that provides similar security features as HomeShield. Armor includes antivirus and malware protection, parental controls, and vulnerability assessment for connected devices. Armor also offers real-time alerts and protection against known and unknown threats. Like HomeShield, Armor is a subscription-based service that can be added to select Netgear routers.

The purpose of all these network protections is to ensure that every device connected to the network, including mobile devices, laptops, tablets, and Smartphone, are safeguarded against any potential internet threats.

Deco xe200 vs et12 comparison table

Below shows you spec comparison tables between Deco xe200 vs Asus ET12 and Deco xe200 vs Orbi 960 series.

Table 1 TP-link Deco XE200 vs Asus Zenwifi ET12

Wifi 6e model	TPlink Deco XE200	Asus Zenwifi ET12
Wifi technology	Simultaneous Tri-band axe11000 with 16 streams and AI-mesh technology	Simultaneous tri-band axe11000 with 12 streams support AiMesh router or Aimesh node
Signal rates	1,148 Mbps @2.4GHz 4×4; 4,804 Mbps @5GHz 4×4; 4,804 Mbps @6GHz 8×8 (backhaul)	1,148 Mbps @2.4GHz 4×4; 4,804 Mbps @5GHz 4×4; 4,804 Mbps @6GHz 4×4 (backhaul)
Antennas	16x High-Gain Internal Antennas	10x internal antennas
Processor	2.2 GHz Quad-Core 64-bit Qualcomm CPU with 2x 512MB DDR4 Memory	2.0GHz Quad Core 64-bit Processor 256 MB Flash + 1.0 GB RAM
Ethernet Ports	1x 10.0Gbps WAN Port; 2x Gigabit LAN Ports	1x 2.5 Gbps WAN 1x 2.5 Gbps LAN 2x 1.0 Gbps LAN
Backhaul	Dedicated default @6GHz by default, or share network. Optional wired backhaul is also available.	Dedicated backhaul @6GHz and optional wired Ethernet backhaul
Coverage	6,500 sq ft / 2-pack	6,000 Sq ft / 2-pack
Security	WPA2, WPA3, HomeShield	WPA2; WPA3-personal Guest network 9 rules RADIUS server Free Aiprotection pro
Works with Alexa and Ok Google	Yes	Yes
Dimension	5.12 in × 4.86 in × 9.49 in (130 mm × 123.5 mm × 241 mm)	4.5 in x 4.5 in x 9.4 in (115 mm x 115 mm x 241 mm)
Weight	‎4.08 pounds	3.3 lb (1,500 g)
Price (Nov 2022 in Amazon)	$799.99 (2-pack)	$899.99 (2-pack)

Deco xe200 vs Orbi table

In Table 2 below, you can find a comparison of the specifications between Deco xe200 and Orbi rbk963. Unlike Asus, neither of these products offer free network protection. Additionally, while Orbi is more expensive, it comes with more Ethernet ports compared to Deco xe200.

Table 2 TPlink Deco XE200 vs Orbi Rbk963

Wifi 6e model	TPlink Deco XE200	Netgear Orbi Rbke963
Wifi technology	Simultaneous Tri-band axe11000 with 16 streams and AI-mesh technology	Simultaneous four-band axe11000 with 16 streams
Signal rates	1,148 Mbps @2.4GHz 4×4; 4,804 Mbps @5GHz 4×4; 4,804 Mbps @6GHz 8×8 (backhaul)	1200 Mbps @2.4GHz 4×4   2400 Mbps @5GHz 4×4;  2400 Mbps @6GHz 4×4 ;   4800Mbps @ 5GHz 4×4 (backhaul)
Antennas	16x High-Gain Internal Antennas	12x high-performance internal antennas with high-power amplifiers
Processor	2.2 GHz Quad-Core 64-bit Qualcomm CPU with 2x 512MB DDR4 Memory	Powerful Quad-Core 2.2GHz processor 512MB NAND Flash and 1GB RAM
Ethernet Ports	1x 10.0Gbps WAN Port; 2x Gigabit LAN Ports	Router:   1x 10.0 Gbps WAN port;   1x 2.5 Gbps LAN port;   3x 1.0 Gbps LAN ports       Satellite:  1x 2.5Gbps LAN  3x 1.0Gbps LAN ports
Backhaul	Dedicated default @6GHz by default, or share network. Optional wired backhaul is also available.	4800Mbps @5GHz dedicated backhaul and optional wired backhaul
Coverage	6,500 sq ft / 2-pack	6,000 sq ft / 2-pack
Security	WPA2, WPA3, HomeShield	WPA2; WPA3 Guest network Netgear armor plan
Works with Alexa and Ok Google	Yes	Yes
Dimension	5.12 in × 4.86 in × 9.49 in (130 mm × 123.5 mm × 241 mm)	11 in x 7.5 in x 3.3 in (279.0 mm x 190.5 mm x 83.8 mm)
Weight	‎4.08 pounds	3.0lb (1,360 g)
Price (Nov 2022 in Amazon)	$799.99 (2-pack)	$1,499.99 (3-pack)

What Next

Now that you have a better understanding of each of the three products, it’s time to explore further. The Deco XE200 and Orbi RBK963 are both equipped with the latest 10G internet technology, whereas the Asus ZenWifi ET12 comes with the added benefit of free lifetime Asus AiProtection Pro.

To learn more about each product and find the best deals on Amazon, click on the links provided below (#ads).

• Click here to SHOP Deco XE200 in Amazon
• Or you may like to SHOP Asus Zenwifi ET12
• Or shop the top notch Orbi Rbk963

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Many people prefer simple compact all in one cable modem combo, you may consider new released of Arris G54 BE18000, a wifi 7 router with built-in DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem.