WiFi 7 routers (including WiFi 7 routers without 6GHz band support)

[kw2023]

Hi, Can anyone share what is the difference between the TP-LINK Deco BE65 and the HB611-SGST router?
I may be getting the Singtel 5bps enhanced plan and plan to buy an extra wifi 7 router.
THANKS!

 

[xiaofan]

Hi, Can anyone share what is the difference between the TP-LINK Deco BE65 and the HB611-SGST router?
I may be getting the Singtel 5bps enhanced plan and plan to buy an extra wifi 7 router.
THANKS!

You can compare the spec: basically Deco BE65 is quite a bit better but more expensive. I will only recommend HB611-SGST for Singtel users. No point to get it if you are not using other ISPs (it will work but you may get more cost effective solutions).
https://www.tp-link.com/sg/home-networking/deco/deco-be65/#specifications
https://www.tp-link.com/sg/service-provider/wifi-router/hb611-sgst/#specifications

Major difference in terms of offering
Deco DE65 --> consumer model
Singtel HB611-SGST --> TP-Link Service Provider Model, only available from Singtel. FW download is from Singtel website.
https://www.singtel.com/personal/su...est-firmware/singtel-wifi-7-router-hb611-sgst

Main spec difference -->
Deco BE65 --> quad 2.5G ports, Deco Mesh (better than TP-Link EasyMesh)
HB6110SGST --> dual 2.5Gbps, dual 1Gbps, TP-Link EasyMesh, remote management by ISP

App difference:
Deco BE65 --> Web UI or Deco app
HB611-SGST --> Web UI or Aginet app

 

[kw2023]

You can compare the spec: basically Deco BE65 is quite a bit better but more expensive. I will only recommend HB611-SGST for Singtel users. No point to get it if you are not using other ISPs (it will work but you may get more cost effective solutions).

Thanks so much xiaofan!!

 

[nsguru]

Hi Bros, would like to do a sanity check on my setup for the above.

• WIFI is disabled on the Archer router.
• Deco Mesh WIFI is set to AP mode.
• Both Deco Mesh WIFI are on different rooms and make use of the single available network port.

Questions that I would like to clarify:

1. Does the above setup works optimally or I need a switch instead of using the Deco ethernet ports to connect more network devices?
2. With this layout, does the Deco Meshes considering using Ethernet Backhaul instead of Wifi Backhaul?
3. ISPs like MyRepublic or ViewQuest support the TP-Link Archer router?

Thanks in advance.

 

[xiaofan]

Hi Bros, would like to do a sanity check on my setup for the above.

• WIFI is disabled on the Archer router.
• Deco Mesh WIFI is set to AP mode.
• Both Deco Mesh WIFI are on different rooms and make use of the single available network port.

Questions that I would like to clarify:

1. Does the above setup works optimally or I need a switch instead of using the Deco ethernet ports to connect more network devices?
2. With this layout, does the Deco Meshes considering using Ethernet Backhaul instead of Wifi Backhaul?
3. ISPs like MyRepublic or ViewQuest support the TP-Link Archer router?

Thanks in advance.

1) Your plan should work. No need a switch.

2) Ethernet backhaul.
https://www.tp-link.com/sg/support/faq/1842/

3) No issues with either MR or VQ.

4) But if you have not signed-up the Fibre Internet plans and have not got the wireless routers, there is a much cheaper option to go with.

Sign-up Starhub 5Gbps offer at S$29.55 per month ONT option, then get TP-Link EB810v as main router (dual 10G ports and three 2.5G ports, triband BE22000, to replace your Archer BE550 Pro, S$360) and two HB710 (dual 10G ports, triband BE18000, to replace your Deco BE65, S$192).

You can read the first page of the sticky thread on top of this forum section to see which ISP is best for you. I have included Starhub 5Gbps special offer link in the posts.
[Official] README First! 2025 SG ISP Comparison & Latest Promo Deals!
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...sg-isp-comparison-latest-promo-deals.6665380/

 

[nsguru]

1) Your plan should work. No need a switch.

2) Ethernet backhaul.
https://www.tp-link.com/sg/support/faq/1842/

3) No issues with either MR or VQ.

4) But if you have not signed-up the Fibre Internet plans and have not got the wireless routers, there is a much cheaper option to go with.

Sign-up Starhub 5Gbps offer at S$29.55 per month ONT option, then get TP-Link EB810v as main router (dual 10G ports and three 2.5G ports, triband BE22000, to replace your Archer BE550 Pro, S$360) and two HB710 (dual 10G ports, triband BE18000, to replace your Deco BE65, S$192).

You can read the first page of the sticky thread on top of this forum section to see which ISP is best for you. I have included Starhub 5Gbps special offer link in the posts.
[Official] README First! 2025 SG ISP Comparison & Latest Promo Deals!
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...sg-isp-comparison-latest-promo-deals.6665380/

Hi Xiaofan,

Thank you for your verification. Will check up the ISP deals.

Would like to check if there are any Asus equivalent for both the Archer and Deco which suits my needs since understandably Asus provides more regularly updates to its devices though they are also pricey.

 

[xiaofan]

Hi Xiaofan,

Thank you for your verification. Will check up the ISP deals.

Would like to check if there are any Asus equivalent for both the Archer and Deco which suits my needs since understandably Asus provides more regularly updates to its devices though they are also pricey.

Asus WiFi 7 routers (with 6GHz band) are in general more expensive.

Only cheap option is Asus ZenWiFi BT10 with dual 10G ports and one 1G port, probably at around S$800 for two units, dumped by M1 users. Price may soon drop to around S$720 for a pair.

If you do not mind no 6GHz band, then China version of Asus RT-BE88U, RT-BE86U and TUF-BE6500 can be a good option. They are much cheaper than local version and they have the same HW/FW as local version, just minor behaviour differences and no local warranty.
https://www.asus.com.cn/store/gallery-476.html
Asus RT-BE88U, one 10G RJ45 port, one 10G SFP+ port, quad 2.5G ports, quad 1G ports, RMB 2049
Asus RT-BE86U, one 10G RJ45 port, quad 2.5G ports, RMB 1749
Asus TUF-BE6500, quad 2.5G ports, RMB 799

 

[xiaofan]

1) My recommended China version of WiFi 7 router now.

a) 10G capable

Using as main router with dual 10G ports and some 2.5G ports. Can be used as a 10G AP as well.

Take note the second 10G port is of SFP+ type so you may need a SFP+ 10G copper module to connect to other 10Gbase-T RJ45 devices, or SFP+ Optic module or DAC/AOC cable to connect to SFP+ devices.

RT-BE88U, BE 7200, dual 10G ports, quad 2.5G ports+ quad 1G ports, BCM4916 CPU, 2GB RAM, RMB 1999 to 2199
Xiaomi BE10000 triband (dual 10G ports, maybe good for 10G plans): RMB1499 to 1599

Using as 10G AP with single 10G port, or use as the main router for 5Gbps/6Gbps plan
RT-BE86U, BE 7000, single 10G ports, quad 2.5G ports, BCM4916 CPU, 1GB RAM, RMB 1799

b) as main router with dual or more 2.5G ports. Can be used as 2.5G AP as well.

Xiaomi BE7000 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans): RMB799
Xiaomi BE6500 Pro (quad 2.5G ports, good for 2.5G plans): RMB699
Xiaomi BE6500 (quad 2.5G ports, good for 2.5G plans): RMB499
Ruijie BE72Pro, dual band, BE7200, five 2.5G ports and four gigabit ports, launch price: RMB 699
Ruijie BE68 Ultra, dual band, BE6800, quad 2.5G ports, launch price RMB 589
TP-Link TL-7DR7260 BE7200 (five 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans): RMB 599
TP-Link TL-7DR6560 BE6500 (quad 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5G plans), RMB 559
ZTE BE7200 Pro+ (中兴问天BE7200Pro+, dual 2.5G ports, good match for 2.5Gbps plans): RMB 599
Asus TUF-BE6500 (quad 2.5G ports) : RMB 799
Huawei BE7 Pro (quad 2.5G port version, 512MB RAM), BE6500, RMB 699
Huawei BE7 (dual 2.5G port version), BE6500, RMB 599
...

c) as a lower end main router with single 2.5G port (with at least 512MB RAM), or with lower end CPU. Can be used as 2.5G AP as well.
TUF GAMING小旋风WiFi7 BE3600电竞路由器, single 2.5G WAN/LAN port, BCM6754 CPU, 1GB RAM, RMB 499
TP-Link TL-7DR7230 BE7200 (single 2.5G port), RMB 499 launch price, good Filogic 860 chipsets
Ruijie 雪豹BE50, dual band, BE5000, single 2.5G port, 512MB RAM, launch price RMB 399, lower end AN7563PT CPU
Xiaomi BE5000, dual band BE5000, single 2.5G port, RMB279 lauch price (usual price RMB 329), lower end AN7563PT CPU
TP-Link TL-7DR5160 BE5100, RMB 429 (quad 2.5G ports, 512MB RAM), lower end AN7563PT CPU
TP-Link TL-7DR5130, dual band BE5000, single 2.5G port, RMB 329, lower end AN7563PT CPU

China version WiFi 7 router (no 6GHz band) vs local alternative.

Note 1: HB710 and HB410 are supposed to be only for Starhub customers. But it is reported that some Starhub shops do not check the status of the buyer so you may be able to get them without being a Starhub customers. Or you can ask your friend using Starhub to help.

Note 2: In general I only recommend Starhub users to get HB710/HB410 as they are mainly supported by Starhub. But it will actually work for other ISPs. And as per the reports, the users are able to get FW updates even outside of Starhub network.

1)High end around S$300 or higher, 10G capable

Xiaomi BE10000 and Asus RT-BE88U China version
Local alternative: TP-Link Archer BE805 BE19000 at around S$300+; Asus ZenWiFi BT10 dual-pack at S$720+.

2) Mid-high around S$200, 10G capble
No offering from Chinese vendors
Local version: Starhub HB710 at S$192 (mainly for Starhub users).

3) Mid-end at S$100 to S$160 (dual 2.5G ports or more).
Xiaomi BE7000 and Xiaomi BE6500 Pro, Asus TUF-BE6500, Ruijie BE72 Pro and BE68 Ultra, ZTE BE7200 Pro+, TP-Link TL-7DR6560, TP-Link TL-7DR7260, Huawei BE7 Pro and BE7, etc.

Local alternative:
Starhub HB410 BE6500 at S$120 (mainly for Starhub users).

4) Low end below S$100 with single 2.5G port or more 2.5G ports
Xiaomi BE3600 2.5G version and Xiaomi BE5000, TP-Link TL-7DR5130 and TL-7DR5160 (quad 2.5G ports)

Local alternative: Xiaomi BE3600 2.5G local version is at S$82, TP-Link Archer BE230 is at about S$90+ BNIB from Carousell (dual 2.5G ports).

 

[windwaver]

Hi @xiaofan , is the 7DR3630 or Xiaomi BE3600 2.5G better as AP?

Can buy Xiaomi BE3600 2.5G from taobao? No region lock right?

Another question is can 7DR3630 mesh with BE230? Both TP-Link.

 

[xiaofan]

Hi @xiaofan , is the 7DR3630 or Xiaomi BE3600 2.5G better as AP?

Can buy Xiaomi BE3600 2.5G from taobao? No region lock right?

Another question is can 7DR3630 mesh with BE230? Both TP-Link.

1) Yes

2) Yes you can. No region lock for the Xiaomi China routers for basic usage. You can use Web UI to configure it.

The Mi Home mobile app is kind of region locked though. But I do not use Mi Home app myself. Certain more advanced function may need to be configured in Mi Home app and in that case you may have to use Mi Home app in China region (not so sure if you need mainland China mobile number or not).

3) No, cannot mesh with each other. TP-Link China and TP-Link System Inc are two different companies and the product lines are not compatible with each other. I have tested this one myself with Archer BE805 and TL-7DR6560.

 

[windwaver]

1) Yes

2) Yes you can. No region lock for the Xiaomi China routers for basic usage. You can use Web UI to configure it.

The Mi Home mobile app is kind of region locked though. But I do not use Mi Home app myself. Certain more advanced function may need to be configured in Mi Home app and in that case you may have to use Mi Home app in China region (not so sure if you need mainland China mobile number or not).

3) No, cannot mesh with each other. TP-Link China and TP-Link System Inc are two different companies and the product lines are not compatible with each other. I have tested this one myself with Archer BE805 and TL-7DR6560.

Hi @xiaofan

For question 1, which model is better as an AP.

If I buy an AP now, should I also consider what to buy so that I can mesh up in future.

Thank you.

 

[xiaofan]

Hi @xiaofan

For question 1, which model is better as an AP.

If I buy an AP now, should I also consider what to buy so that I can mesh up in future.

Thank you.

I will tend to like Xiaomi a bit better than TP-Link China.

Usually you decide which router to go with and then choose the mesh node from the same vendor.

 

[windwaver]

I will tend to like Xiaomi a bit better than TP-Link China.

Usually you decide which router to go with and then choose the mesh node from the same vendor.

So if I buy Xiaomi BE3600 2.5G from taobao, I'll have to buy from taobao in future for mesh?

 

[xiaofan]

So if I buy Xiaomi BE3600 2.5G from taobao, I'll have to buy from taobao in future for mesh?

Yes. You have to buy Xiaomi China version router next time to mesh with this Xiaomi BE3600.

Xiaomi China version and Xiaomi Local version cannot mesh with each other as far as I know.

 

[windwaver]

I see, is there a big difference between the local BE3600 and China's version?

Price is lower in taobao of course.

 

[xiaofan]

I see, is there a big difference between the local BE3600 and China's version?

Price is lower in taobao of course.

I believe they should have the same HW spec but the global version may support things like SingTel VLAN and potentially more 5GHz channels (bith are not that important now).

Need the confirmation from the users of local version.

More advanced users can use the SSH hack for the China version of Xiaomi BE3600, not so sure about local version.
https://github.com/openwrt-xiaomi/xmir-patcher/issues/19

I am able to use the SSH hack for the Xiaomi BE5000 (more difficult than Xiaomi BE3600) and enable more 5GHz channels (not really that useful though).
https://github.com/openwrt-xiaomi/xmir-patcher/issues/26

 

[windwaver]

If buy from taobao

TP-Link 7DR3630 will cost $43.10
Xiaomi BE3600 2.5G is $45.84

Both by air delivery.

Guess now is whether to choose more RAM or more powerful CPU.

 

[xiaofan]

If buy from taobao

TP-Link 7DR3630 will cost $43.10
Xiaomi BE3600 2.5G is $45.84

Both by air delivery.

Guess now is whether to choose more RAM or more powerful CPU.

You can always spend a bit more to get Xiaomi BE6500 Pro or TP-Link TL-7DR6560 or TP-Link TL-7DR7260, no need to have such trade-offs. They all have quad 2.5G ports.

Or go with Xiaomi BE6500 which is a bit lower end than the above three, but still have okay CPU and quad 2.5G ports.

But if you really have to make the trade-off, I will say to get 512 MB RAM is more important for this kind of low end stuff. In that case, I will actually go with Xiaomi BE5000, which is only slightly more expensive than Xiaomi BE3600 2.5G version.

BTW, if you use them as AP, then the CPU and RAM are both not that important, especially the CPU.

 

[windwaver]

You can always spend a bit more to get Xiaomi BE6500 Pro or TP-Link TL-7DR6560 or TP-Link TL-7DR7260, no need to have such trade-offs. They all have quad 2.5G ports.

Or go with Xiaomi BE6500 which is a bit lower end than the above three, but still have okay CPU and quad 2.5G ports.

But if you really have to make the trade-off, I will say to get 512 MB RAM is more important for this kind of low end stuff. In that case, I will actually go with Xiaomi BE5000, which is only slightly more expensive than Xiaomi BE3600 2.5G version.

BTW, if you use them as AP, then the CPU and RAM are both not that important, especially the CPU.

Is BE5000 similar to 7DR5130?

ZTE BE5100Pro+ is $68.17.

 

[xiaofan]

Is the BE5000 similar to 7DR5130?

ZTE BE5100Pro+ is $68.17.

Yes, Xiaomi BE5100 should be similar to TP-Link China TL-7DR5130.

ZTE BE5100 Pro+ (dual 2.5G ports) is way better than Xiaomi BE5100 and TP-Link China TL-7DR5130. The CPU ZX279133 is also slow (same 4600 in terms of DMIPS score as the AN7563PT) but it has the 8-core NPU built-in to help out on routing and other router functions.

I have the higher end ZTE BE7200 Pro+ myself, which has very good ratings from Chinese reviewers.

ZTE BE5100 Pro+ review