I have several Deco units; 3 x X55, 3 x M5 and 3 x E4R models throughout a long 2 story 250 sq/m house and do like the Mesh system that keeps everything connected whilst traversing the house. The only problem has been keeping my cameras connected (four outdoor cameras of various manufacturers). Previously to buying the X50-Outdoor I used a TP-Link EAP-110 Access Point and a set of Powerline adapters to get the Ethernet into the house. This was a bit Heath Robinson and although it did work, it was never ideal. So I purchased the X50-Outdoor. Despite my house being one big Faraday cage, I now get a wifi link between the outdoor X50 and the nearest X55 node of 2 out of three bars, I am happy with that strength which seems to be stable. Using the X50-Outdoor now allows me to use the IoT network the X55 gives me to link the cameras, so now I have one strong network inside and outside allowing all my devices, including my car, to link to it. My car now does OTA updates to the Infotainment system while it sits on the drive. Bad points: It does not come with a PoE Injector and unfortunately the one supplied with the EAP-110 is not powerful enough, so it was another €30 for another injector putting the price nearer €160. I do feel most people will use PoE so as to get a decent Backhaul signal into the Main Deco either via Ethernet or powerline adapters, so this is a bit mean of TP-Link hot supplying one. It would be nice to be able to turn off the LED independently of the other Decos. I like to leave them on in the house so I can see if there's an issue, but would prefer to permanently turn the LED off the Outdoor Deco as I have no need of it. Fiddly base plate. If you are mounting up high, you need two hands to screw on the Base Plate. Not ideal if you are trying to keep to the 'three points of contact' rule up a ladder. Size: Its HUGE! 4.3" × 4.8" × 8.5" in (110 × 121.3 × 215.5 mm) Check those measurements on a tape measure, you will see what I mean. It's bigger than 2 stacked X55 nodes! Good points: Good wifi coverage, at least as good as the EAP-110 it replaced. One of my cameras is 40metres away and I get a 75% signal reported from it, and a 3 bar signal reported from the Deco app. It has also taken over a smart plug I have in a shed that operates a deck light. Signal strength of that has gone from "Weak" connected to one of the M5 nodes indoors to "Medium" now its connected to the X50-Outdoor that is more than three times the distance away. Good range of fixing options included: with wall and pole mounting options. Smart Antenna option: Can use Vertical, Horizontal or Auto options, this is good if the antennas of outdoor cameras are fixed in vertical or horizontal planes, it can improve the signal. I leave mine in Auto as I have some of each. Long power lead. I didn't use it, but it's clear TP-Link realise you will need a long power cable. I estimate it's 2m long. Good power options: Both mains powered (cable supplied) or PoE (but injector NOT supplied). Decent wifi speeds: 574Mbps (2.4Ghz) and 2402Mbps (5Ghz) I have a 1 acre plot and the wifi signal covers 90% of it. Pretty good really! One star knocked off for lack of PoE injector and fiddly base plate.
