Description
Understanding Wi-Fi 6/802.11AX Classes
Wi-Fi products are usually advertised with the Wi-Fi standard they support and a number. The number represents the total hypothetical throughput of all the radios combined. For Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) devices, you would see something like AC1300 or AC2200. For Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), you will see AX1800, AX3000, AX6000, etc. These ratings are an easy way to compare devices, but the truth isn’t that simple.
Higher numbers do indicate higher capabilities, either through having additional radios or more spatial streams, but Wi-Fi performance can’t be captured in a single number. The class ratings are shorthand for a lot of underlying complexity. The number is not a direct indication of achievable speeds. You always get a fraction of those advertised speeds.
For example, the Deco X60 is a an AX3000 device, meaning it supports a maximum of 3000 Mbps across it’s two radios. The 3000 comes from adding 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz, plus 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. Wi-Fi clients will never join both bands at the same time, so already you’re looking at a maximum link rate of 2400 Mbps. So why won’t you ever achieve 2.4 Gbps, let alone 3 Gbps? That 2400 Mbps data rate relies on 2 spatial streams with a 160 MHz channel width, or 4 spatial streams with an 80 MHz channel. In reality, client support for 160 MHz channels or 4 spatial streams is very limited.
The majority of Wi-Fi client devices support up to an 80 MHz-wide channels, and up to two spatial streams. Adding an additional spatial stream requires another antenna, another path for the RF to travel, a better Wi-Fi chipset, and more battery life. That’s why most mobile devices support a maximum of 2. Recent MacBook Pros are one of the exceptions, supporting 3 streams. Support for 160 MHz channels is even less common. A wider channel also offers less range, requires a stronger signal, and is more likely to run into interference issues. Supporting 160 MHz channels in 5 GHz is unrealistic, unless you’re in a very clean RF environment with no other Wi-Fi networks around you.
Deco X60 Specs
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5 GHz Radio:
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Wi-Fi 6: 4×4, up to 2,402 Mbps
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Wi-Fi 5: 3×3, up to 1300 Mbps
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2.4 GHz Radio:
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Wi-Fi 6: 2×2, up to 574 Mbps
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Wi-Fi 5: 2×2, up to 300 Mbps
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4 internal antennas per Deco unit
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Qualcomm 1 GHz Quad-core CPU
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OFDMA, MU-MIMO, up to 1024 QAM
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Supports 802.11k, v and r
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Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2-PSK/WPA3 encryption
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WAN Type: Dynamic IP/Static IP/PPPoE/L2TP/PPTP
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FCC Transmit Power:
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<30 dBm(2.4GHz)
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<30 dBm(5GHz)
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CE Tranmit Power:
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<23 dBm(2.4GHz)
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<23 dBm(5GHz)
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X90 and X96
When they are available, the X90 and X96 will form the high-end of the Deco Wi-Fi 6 lineup. These models were announced back in January 2020, but they still aren’t available in the US. I’m not sure if this is due to an issue with certification, production, or just from TP-Link changing plans.
The X90 is a tri-band AX6600 device, featuring one 2.4 GHz radio and two 5 GHz radios. Just like the other Wi-Fi 6 Decos, the 2.4 GHz radio is 2×2, supporting up to 574 Mbps. There is also a 2×2 5 GHz radio, and a 4×4 5 GHz radio. Having one 2.4 GHz and two 5 GHz radios makes this a tri-band device. All of these radios are funneled through 6 antennas and 2 smart array antennas.
The addition of a 3rd radio has benefits for the wireless backhaul necessary for good mesh performance, allowing more streams of faster 5 GHz signal to serve clients and transport backhaul traffic to the gateway. The X90 also features a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port, allowing for faster WAN connections. TP-link claims the 2-piece kit will cover up to 6000 square feet and support up to 200 devices, but I’d take those claims with a grain of salt.
The X96 is largely the same as the X90, but adds support for Wi-Fi 6E and the 6 GHz band that was recently unlocked in the US and a few other countries. If you want more details on Wi-Fi 6E
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