I have to-link 1750 with extender is this a better setup ?? Cause every once in awhile the extender loss singl.

Extenders will definitely allow connections from further away, BUT they always cut your speed exactly in half. So an extender is just that a range extender, not a speed increaser, it decreases speed. However the range extension can prevent dropouts so it acts like it is a speed increase but it is really just preventing dropouts (and remember it always cuts your speed in half). On the other hand a Mesh system is actually 2 (or more) routers that you place in 2 different spots and so it does NOT start by cutting your speed in half. It is full speed. But since your computer (or wifi TV or doorbell etc) is closer to one of the 2 (or more) mesh spots it will also extend your range for that reason, and prevent dropouts for that reason. And the closer your device (computer, laptop, etc) is to the router, the chances are the faster the internet speed could very well be (for instance on the ookla online speed test website). BUT an extender works with your old router. A mesh system IS a router (actually it is 2 or 3 or more routers), so it will not work with your old router. The routers are built in to the mesh system. With an extender you need a router (your old one for instance), the extender(s), and a modem. With a mesh system you just need the mesh system and a modem. You do not need a router (because it is built in).

how far from the base can a node be placed and does each node have to talk to the base or do they talk to one another in a chain?

The nodes talk to each other to form the mesh network. The setup app will guide you in the placement of each node. My base is in one corner of the downstairs, I placed one node in the kitchen which is in the middle of the house and the other node upstairs. That gave me great coverage everywhere in the house.

I just installed this and apple is indicating wpa/wpa2 (tkip) is not considered secure. how can i configure this to wpa2 (aes) or wpa3 security type?

Hi! The security message you are receiving is due to a recent update of your smartphone’s mobile operating system. To remedy this message and to make sure your Deco S4’s encryption is optimally configured, please ensure your Deco app is fully updated, then update the firmware of your Deco S4. Once the firmware has been updated, the Deco S4’s WiFi encryption will be set to WPA2-PSK [AES] by default, so this message will no longer appear. For detailed instructions on how to update your Deco’s firmware, please visit FAQ 1599 on our official TP-Link website. To locate this FAQ, visit our website and enter 1599 in the top-right search field, then click the corresponding FAQ in the search results.

How reliable and user friendly are the parental controls?

The Parental Controls feature on our Deco Mesh WiFi systems is designed to provide robust, yet intuitive and convenient features to help safeguard your network and those who use it. For more details on the Parental Controls feature, please visit FAQ 1598 on our official website. To locate this FAQ, visit our website and enter 1598 in the top-right search field, then click the corresponding FAQ in the search results.

Brand	TP-Link
Product Dimensions	9.14 x 9.14 x 16.26 cm; 762 g
Item model number	Deco S4(1-pack)
Manufacturer	TP-Link
Series	Deco S4
Color	Black
Connectivity Type	Wi-Fi
Wireless Type	802.11a, 802.11ac, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n
Number of Ethernet Ports	2
Voltage	100240 Volts
Operating System	Deco OS
Item Weight	762 g

Deco Whole Home Mesh WiFi System (Deco S4) – Up to 2,000 Sq.ft. Coverage, AC1900 WiFi Router/Extender Replacement, Gigabit Ports, 1-Pack

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