As a replacement for my (not so old) N-access points I ended up with this EAP245. Bought in part because of the good experiences with other TP Link products.
Recently also purchased the router from TP Link type AC2300, see also my review.
I also looked at the DECO M5 from TP Link and think it is a wonderful system. What I'm afraid of is limiting the bandwidth (just like with repeaters/extenders) since the chip in it has to both transmit/receive and connect to the other DECO satellites simultaneously.
That is why we opted for 2 access points again, but a business version.
The EAP245 has a nice design so you don't have to place it in a corner or out of sight. That also makes a difference in range. After some walking back and forth through the house, I seem to have a good to excellent connection everywhere. It can only be better in the attic, but I don't go there that often and I can always mount an extra copy there (but first pull the cable).
Concrete walls/floors in today's houses impose many restrictions. Every access point has a bit of trouble with that.
However, the dimensions are a bit on the bulky side, I think it could have been a little smaller.
The box also includes a mounting plate if you want to hang the EAP from the ceiling (business use). I did use the mounting plate, but then to hang the AP on the wall in a nice spot in the living room. I also have some use for it in the garden.
I connected 1 copy in the living room via the power adapter. The other copy is on the first floor via PoE.
I have both set up with a fixed IP address. That simply offers a more stable network without hitches.
You can configure the EAP via the standard method, but I always like to look at all kinds of configuration options. And for that you can configure both APs simultaneously via the EAP controller software.
Note that EAP controller software is not available for MAC. You will therefore have to borrow a laptop from a family member or friend if you are an Apple user.
Another option (and that is possible with any MAC) is to log in directly to the AP via the web browser. Then you can also change various settings, but I noticed that you have more setting options via the EAP controller software.
This is also confirmed when you read the TP Link site at FAQ.
One thing I ran into was setting up a guest network, and I mean configuring it properly and securely. Contrary to what I read in reviews here and there, it is not just creating an extra SSID and portal.
That portal is a nice touch (just like logging in visitors at a hotel) but it doesn't cover the load.
If you create it via the 1-2-3 method and you then connect to the extra SSID (for the guests), it turns out that you can still access your own NAS via that WiFi connection. Client isolation does not prevent this either. Something that is not desired for the visitors.
After some searching I found out to create an access control rule. You can link this to the extra SSID, and you can set it up in such a way that you cannot connect to the other devices in the same subnet.
After performing the necessary tests again, it turned out to work well that way.
A trick is to back up the settings. If something goes wrong, it is easy to reset the settings.
The EAP controller software is quite extensive, but can be improved here and there.
You can also monitor your WiFi network very well. Nice trick, but you don't actually do that every day in practice.
The EAPs work here in house to our full satisfaction. Offer a good range, never drop out and ensure a stable WiFi network. That last one is the most important.
Overall an excellent AP for a decent price.
