tp-link AC1200 Deco M4 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System User Guide

tp-link AC1200 Deco M4 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System

About This Guide

This guide provides a brief introduction to Deco Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System and the Deco app, as well as regulatory information. Features available in Deco may vary by model and software version. Deco availability may also vary by region or ISP. All images, steps, and descriptions in this guide are only examples and may not reflect your actual Deco experience.

Conventions
In this guide, the following conventions are used:

redirect to a website or a specific section.

Teal| Key information appears in teal, including management page text such as menus, items, buttons and so on.
Note:| Ignoring this type of note might result in a malfunction or damage to the device.
Tips:| Indicates important information that helps you make better use of your device.

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.

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  localinterference, volume and density of traffic, product location, network complexity, and network overhead, and 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.

Seamless Roaming Disclaimer

• Clients need to support 802.11k/v/r and may require additional set up. Performance may vary depending on the client device.

Appearance

Each Deco has an LED that changes color according to its status, two RJ-45 Ethernet ports, a power slot, and a Reset button. See the explanation below:

Tip: The product label can be found at the bottom of the product.

Set Up Your Deco

The intuitive Deco app guides you through an easy setup process that gets each unit up and running and all your devices connected and online. Follow the steps below to set up your Deco Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System.

1. Download and install the Deco app
   • Scan the QR code below or go to Google Play or the App Store to download the Deco app. Install the app on your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet.
2. Log in with TP-Link ID
   • Open the app. Use your TP-Link ID to log in. If you don’t have a TP-Link ID, sign up first.
   • Note: If you forgot your login password, tap Forgot Password?. The Deco app will guide you through the rest.
3. Identify your Deco
   • Choose your Deco model.
4. Plug in and power on Deco
   • Power off your modem. Connect your Deco to the modem and power them both on.
   • If you don’t have a modem, connect the Ethernet outlet directly to your Deco.
5. Connect to the Deco’s Wi-Fi
   • Wait until the Wi-Fi Signal LED pulses blue, then connect to the Deco’s Wi-Fi using the default SSID printed on the product label.
6. Select a location
   • Select a location for this Deco. If its location is not listed, you can create a new one by choosing Custom. This will be the name of your Deco.
7. Set up an internet connection
   • Select the internet connection type and enter the information. If you are not sure, contact your internet service provider.
8. Create your Wi-Fi network
   • Set a network name and a password. These will be the name and password you use to connect your devices to Wi-Fi.
9. Connect to your Wi-Fi network
   • Connect your phone/tablet to the Deco’s new Wi-Fi.
10. Setup complete
    • Your Deco network is now up. Connect all devices to the Deco network. You can also add more Deco units to expand the Wi-Fi coverage.

Add More Decos

After created a Deco network, you can add more Deco units to the network to expand the Wi-Fi coverage and manage them easily on your Deco app.

• In Overview, tap . Select the Deco model you want to add, and follow app instructions to complete the setup.
• After the setup, you can find the added Deco units by tapping in Overview.

Dashboard

After you successfully set up your Deco network, you will see the dashboard of the Deco app. Here you can get an overview of the network status, check the connected clients, and configure more advanced features.

• Tap to get an overview of the network status and online clients
• Tap for more features

Check Deco Status

In Overview, you can check the working status of all the Decos, check the details of each Deco unit, change the Deco’s location/name, and more.

1. Tap to check all Decos’ status.
2. Tap a Deco unit to check the details.
3. Change or customize the location/name of the Deco.

Set Main Deco

After setup, you can replace the main Deco with any satellite Deco without resetting and reconfigure the whole network.

1. In Overview, tap .
2. Tap > Set Main Deco.
3. Choose a satellite Deco and follow app instructions to complete the settings.

Manage Connected Devices

In Overview, you can check the working status of all the connected devices, view the device details, and change the device settings.

1. Tap a client to check the details.
2. Tap to manage the device settings.
3. Tap Belongs to to add a unique profile for the device and manage its online activities.

Remove/Reboot Deco

You can remove or reboot your Deco easily in the Deco app. Follow the steps below.
Note: Removing a Deco will reset it to factory default settings. You can also press the Reset button at the bottom of Deco for 1 second and release to quickly reset your Deco to factory default settings.

1. In Overview, tap .
2. Select a Deco unit.
3. Tap to remove or reboot the Deco.
   • Note: If the LED light of Deco does not turn pulsing blue after tapping Remove, press the Reset button on the Deco for 1 second and release to reset it.

Create A New Network

In the Deco app, you can create different Deco networks linked with your TP- Link ID and manage them conveniently from the Deco app with one account. You can also help family or friends manage their network on your Deco app. Two methods are provided as below to create a new network:
Method 1. Create a new network from the Overview page

1. Tap > Create New Network.
2. Then follow the app instructions to complete the setup.

Method 2. Create a new network from the Menu page

1. Tap to open the Menu.
2. Tap > CREATE NEW NETWORK.
3. Follow app instructions to complete the setup.

Delete A Network

You can delete a Deco network if you don’t need it anymore. Deleting a Deco network will reset all Decos in this network to factory default settings.

1. In Overview, tap .
2. Tap > Delete.

Wi-Fi Settings

You can change the network name and password of your main network at any time and share the network easily with family and friends.

1. Tap > Wi-Fi.
2. Manage main network (eg. change your main network’s Wi-Fi name and password).
3. Share your network with others.

Guest Network

You can create and share a separate network for guests to guarantee the security and privacy of your main network.

• Tap > Wi-Fi and enable Guest Network.
• Set a Wi-Fi name and password for the guest network.
• Share your guest network with others.

Reboot Schedule

Reboot Schedule allows you to set when and how often your Deco reboots regularly.

1. Tap > Reboot Schedule.
2. Enable Reboot Schedule.
3. Set when and how often your Deco reboots.

Network Optimization

Network Optimization lets your Deco intelligently scan for a clearer channel and switch your devices to it, ensuring optimal Wi-Fi performance.

1. Tap > Network Optimization.
2. The app will scan the network automatically.
3. Optimize your network for optimal Wi-Fi performance.
4. Enjoy your time if your network status is perfect.

Blacklist

Compile a blacklist to avoid devices added on the blacklist to access to your network, ensuring the safety of your personal information shared in the network.

1. Tap > Blacklist.
2. Tap on the top right corner and add clients or other devices to the blacklist.

Upgrade Your Deco

TP-Link is dedicated to improving product features and providing a better customer experience. An up-to-date firmware provides better and more stable network performance. Always update your Deco to the latest firmware version when prompted in the Deco app.

1. Tap > Update Deco.
2. Download and install the firmware (if any) and follow app instructions to update your Deco to the latest version.

WPS

WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) helps you to quickly and securely connect a client to a network with a tap without entering any password.

1. Tap > WPS.
2. Tap the WPS icon in the Deco app and then on your client.
3. Your client has connected to the network successfully if shown as below.

Parental Controls

Parental Controls allows you to filter content, limit time spent online and check internet history. Start by creating unique profiles for your family members.

1. Tap > Parental Controls.
2. Create unique profiles for family members.
3. Set filter level to block unappropriate contents.
4. Set daily time limits for the total time spent online.

QoS

QoS (Quality of Service) helps you set priority for specific applications and devices, so that they can perform better with lower latency.

1. Tap > QoS.
2. Set the total bandwidth before using QoS.
3. Add devices you want to prioritize to guarantee a better network performance.

Advanced Features

Additional features are available under the Advanced menu. You can modify WAN settings (IPv4 & IPv6), add IPv6 firewall rules, modify LAN IP, set up DHCP server, enable VLAN/IPTV/MAC Clone mode, reserve the same IP address for a specific device, set up port forwarding rules to make your local computers accessible to other devices over the internet, enable TP-Link DDNS, SIP ALG, fast roaming and beamforming, control Deco’s LED, change the working mode, and configure the notification settings.

1. Tap > Advanced.
2. View IPv4 details or change the internet connection type.
3. Enable IPv6 to set up an IPv6 internet connection.
4. Add IPv6 firewall rules to allow specific devices to access the specified services.
5. Modify LAN IP to avoid IP address conflict.
6. Change DHCP server settings.
7. Enable IPTV/VLAN mode to support IPTV services.
8. Enable MAC Clone if Deco fails to connect to the internet.
   • Tip: For more about MAC Clone, refer to https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2925/.
9. Reserve IP addresses for specific devices to recognize and manage the device more easily.
10. Set up port forwarding rules to enable devices in your network accessible over the internet with safety.
11. Register a TP-Link DDNS domain name to access your router and local servers using a domain name.
12. Enable SIP ALG to communicate with SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) servers via NAT).
13. Enable UPNP to enable devices on your local network to dynamically open ports for applications such as multiplayer gaming.
14. Enable Fast Roaming to allow your wireless devices to switch connections to different Decos.
15. Toggle off the LED to turn off the light on Deco. Configure the Night Mode to turn off the LED light at bedtime only.
16. Change the operating mode.
    • Note: When the Deco works in Access Point mode, advanced features such as IPv4, Address Reservation, Port Forwarding, and DHCP server are not available.
17. Set connection alerts to receive notifications once the clients connect to or disconnect from Deco.
18. Set notifications to receive alerts in the notification bar.

Monthly Report

Review the monthly usage statistics, such as security threats and total connected network devices each day.

1. Tap > Monthly Report.
2. View monthly reports.
3. Enable or disable monthly reports. Clear monthly report data.

Managers

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

Tap > Managers, and follow app instructions to add another TP-Link ID account as manager. Then the manager can start to manage the network.

Troubleshooting

Solutions to common problems during setup or use are provided here for reference. Follow the steps and the provided link below to diagnose and solve problems you might experience with your Deco.

If problems still exist, contact us:https://www.tp-link.com/support.

• Q1. What should I do if I fail to configure the main Deco and get stuck on “We couldn’t find Deco”?
  • Refer to the guide https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2239/. or follow the video https://youtu.be/2HYuEYS9XJM.
• Q2. What should I do if I fail to configure the satellite Deco and get stuck on “We couldn’t find another Deco”?
  • Refer to the guide https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1447/. or follow the video https://youtu.be/iVgDzoo16T4.
• Q3. What should I do if I fail to configure the main Deco and get stuck on “Testing Internet Connection”?
  • Refer to the video https://youtu.be/OSUrGdWH-i0.
• Q4. What should I do if my wireless devices cannot connect to Deco?
  • Refer to the guide https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2718/.
• Q5. What should I do if Deco suddenly loses internet access?
  • Refer to the guide https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1454/.
• Q6. How can I find a suitable spot for my Deco?
  • Refer to the guide https://www.tp-link.com//support/faq/1446/.
• Q7. What can I do if the Deco app isn’t working properly?
  • Refer to the guide https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/1456/.

Authentication

FCC Compliance Information Statement

• Product Name: AC1200 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System
• Model Number: Deco M4
• Component Name: I.T.E POWER SUPPLY
• Model: T120150-2B1

Responsible party

TP-Link USA Corporation

• Address: 10 Mauchly, Irvine, CA 92618
• Website: http://www.tp-link.com/us/.
• Tel: +1 626 333 0234
• Fax: +1 909 527 6804
• 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, under 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 following 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 the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to 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.
Note: 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 applies 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.”
• We, TP-Link USA Corporation, have determined that the equipment shown above has been shown to comply with the applicable technical standards, FCC part 15. There is no unauthorized change is made in the equipment and the equipment is properly maintained and operated.

FCC

FCC Compliance Information Statement

• Product Name: I.T.E POWER SUPPLY
• Model Number: T120150-2B1
• Responsible party:

TP-Link USA Corporation

• Address: 10 Mauchly, Irvine, CA 92618
• Website: http://www.tp-link.com/us/.
• Tel: +1 626 333 0234
• Fax: +1 909 527 6804
• E-mail: sales.usa@tp-link.com0.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, under 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 per 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 the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to 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. We, TP-Link USA Corporation, has determined that the equipment shown as above has been shown to comply with the applicable technical standards, FCC part 15. There is no unauthorized change is made in the equipment and the equipment is properly maintained and operated.

CE Mark Warning

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(the maximum transmitted power)

• 2400MHz—2483.5MHz (20dBm)
• 5150MHz—5250MHz (23dBm)

EU Declaration of Conformity

• TP-Link hereby declares that the device complies 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/support/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.

National restrictions

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

| AT| BE| BG| CH| CY| CZ| DE| DK
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
EE| EL| ES| FI| FR| HR| HU| IE
IS| IT| LI| LT| LU| LV| MT| NL
NO| PL| PT| RO| SE| SI| SK| UK(NI)

UK Declaration of Conformity

• TP-Link hereby declares that the device complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017.
• The original UK Declaration of Conformity may be found at https://www.tp-link.com/support/ukca.

National restrictions

• Attention: This device may only be used indoors in Great Britain.

Canadian Compliance Statement

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

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

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;

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

Industry Canada Statement

• CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)

Note 1：

• “ Exceeding 0.1 wt %” and “exceeding 0.01 wt %” indicates that the percentage content of the restricted substance exceeds the reference percentage value of the presence condition.

Note 2：

• “○” indicates that the percentage content of the restricted substance does not exceed the percentage of reference value of

Note 3：

• The “ − ” indicates that the restricted substance corresponds to the exemption.

Safety Information

• Keep the device away from water, fire, humidity, or hot environments.
• Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device. If you need service, please contact us.
• 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.
• Use only power supplies that are provided by the manufacturer and in the original packing of this product. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
  • Operating Temperature: 0°C~40°C (32°F~104°F)
  • Storage Temperature: -40°C~60°C (-40°F~140°F)
  • Operating Humidity: 10%~90%RH, Non-condensing
  • Storage Humidity: 10%~90%RH, Non-condensing

Please read and follow the above safety information when operating the device. We 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

1910013138 REV4.0.0 ©2021 TP-Link

References

• TP-Link Community
• How can I find a suitable spot for my Deco? | TP-Link
• How to Configure MAC Clone on Deco if Deco fails to connect to the internet | TP-Link Hong Kong
• What can I do if the Deco app isn't working properly | TP-Link
• Main Deco Failed to Complete Setup | TP-Link
• Cannot connect to Deco Wi-Fi | TP-Link

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>