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Modem, wiring and monthly fees: what the listing skips
Updated
Three things surprise new mesh buyers. The kit still needs a modem. Nodes linked by cable work much better than nodes linked over the air. And some security features cost extra every month.
A mesh kit is not a modem
Every TP-Link listing we read says a modem is required for most internet providers. NETGEAR says to connect the Orbi to your existing modem. The mesh replaces your router and your WiFi. It does not replace the box that brings internet into the house.
- You have a separate modem and router: unplug the old router and plug the main mesh node into the modem.
- Your provider gave you one combined box: keep it, plug the main node into it, and turn off the WiFi on the provider's box so the two do not compete. Many providers offer a bridge or passthrough mode for this. Ask them how, since the steps differ by provider.
- Fiber: the small fiber box on the wall stays. The mesh plugs into it, or into the provider's router.
Wired backhaul: the best upgrade you can make
Backhaul is the link between nodes. Over the air, that link shares radio time with your devices and gets weaker through each wall. Over an Ethernet cable, it does not. If your home has Ethernet jacks in the rooms, use them.
| System | Ports per node | Backhaul notes from the listing |
|---|---|---|
| Deco S4 | 2 Gigabit | Wired Ethernet backhaul supported |
| Deco X55 | 3 Gigabit | Wired Ethernet backhaul supported |
| Deco XE75 | 3 | 6 GHz band links the nodes by default |
| eero 7 | 2 at 2.5 GbE | We did not see backhaul details on the listing |
| Deco BE63 | 4 at 2.5G | Wired and wireless backhaul at the same time |
| Orbi 770 | 7 across the set | Tri-band with Enhanced Backhaul, per the maker |
Count ports before you buy. On the main node, one port goes to the modem. With wired backhaul, another goes to the next node. On a two-port node that leaves nothing for a TV or a game console unless you add a network switch.
No cable in the walls? A tri-band system gives the nodes more air to talk on. That is the case for the Deco XE75. Running new cable inside walls can fall under local building codes. Hire a licensed installer if you are unsure.
The monthly fees
- eero: the listing says an optional eero Plus subscription provides advanced security, ad blocking, parental controls, a password manager and a VPN.
- NETGEAR: the Orbi 770 listing says Armor security is a 30-day trial and then needs a separate subscription.
- TP-Link: the Deco listings describe HomeShield as a premium security service and list the features that cost nothing: basic network security, basic parental controls and quality of service. More than that is a paid tier.
The eero and NETGEAR listings describe these plans as optional or separate, so the WiFi itself works without them. We do not print plan prices because they change. Check the current plan pricing on the maker's site before you count on a feature.
Ready to pick? See the six systems, or go back to the node calculator.