Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System

Seamless Roaming | Parental Controls | Easy Setup

User Guide
AC1200 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System

1910013138 REV4.0.0 ©2021 TP-Link

Contents
About This Guide····················································· 1 Network Optimization··········································19
Appearance································································ 2 Blacklist·······································································20
Set Up Your Deco···················································· 3 Upgrade Your Deco··············································21
Add More Decos······················································ 7 WPS···············································································22
Dashboard··································································· 8 Parental Controls···················································23
Check Deco Status················································ 9 QoS···············································································24
Set Main Deco·························································10 Advanced Features··············································25
Manage Connected Devices··························11 Monthly Report·······················································30
Remove/Reboot Deco········································12 Managers···································································31
Create A New Network·······································13 Troubleshooting·····················································32
Delete A Network···················································15 Authentication·························································33
Wi-Fi Settings··························································16
Guest Network························································17
Reboot Schedule···················································18
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 Speed/Coverage/Device Quantity Disclaimer

In this guide, the following conventions are used: Maximum wireless transmission rates are the physical rates derived from
IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Range, coverage, and maximum
Convention Description quantity of connected devices are based on test results under normal
usage conditions. Actual wireless data throughput. wireless coverage,
Deco Stands for Deco Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System/Unit. and quantity of connected devices are not guaranteed and will vary
as a result of 1) environmental factors, including building materials,
Hyperlinks are in teal and underlined. You can click to physical objects, and obstacles, 2) network conditions, including local
Underline
redirect to a website or a specific section. interference, volume and density of traffic, product location, network
Key information appears in teal, including management complexity, and network overhead, and 3) client limitations, including
Teal rated performance, location, connection quality, and client condition.
page text such as menus, items, buttons and so on.

Ignoring this type of note might result in a malfunction

Note:
or damage to the device. MU-MIMO Disclaimer
Use of MU-MIMO requires clients to also support MU-MIMO.
Indicates important information that helps you make
Tips:
better use of your device.
Seamless Roaming Disclaimer
Clients need to support 802.11k/v/r and may require additional set up.
More Info Performance may vary depending on the client device.
• 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.
1
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.

Pulse Yellow:
Deco is resetting.
Solid Yellow:
Deco is starting up.

Pulse Blue:
Deco is ready for setup.
Solid Blue:
Deco is setting up.

Pulse White:
Ethernet Ports:
Deco is upgrading firmware.
For connecting Deco to your modem, the
Solid White: Ethernet outlet, or for other internet services
Deco is all set up and connected. in Wireless Router mode.

Power Slot:
Pulse Red:
The satellite Deco is disconnected from For connecting Deco to the power socket via
the main Deco. the provided power adapter.

Solid Red: Reset Button:

Deco has an issue. Press for 1 second and release to reset Deco
to factorydefault settings. The light changing
from pulsing yellow tosolid yellow indicates a
successful reset. 2
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 2. Log in with TP-Link ID 3. Identify your Deco
Scan the QR code below or go to Google Open the app. Use your TP-Link ID to log in. If Choose your Deco model.
Play or the App Store to download the Deco you don’t have a TP-Link ID, sign up first.
app. Install the app on your Android or iOS Note: If you forgot your login password, tap Forgot Password?.
smartphone or tablet. The Deco app will guide you through the rest.

or

3
4. Plug in and power on Deco 5. Connect to the Deco's Wi-Fi 6. Select a location
Power off your modem. Connect your Deco to Wait until the Wi-Fi Signal LED pulses blue, Select a location for this Deco. If its location
the modem and power them both on. then connect to the Deco's Wi-Fi using the is not listed, you can create a new one by
default SSID printed on the product label. choosing Custom. This will be the name of
If you don't have a modem, connect the
your Deco.
Ethernet outlet directly to your Deco.

4
7. Set up internet connection 8. Create your Wi-Fi network 9. Connect to your Wi-Fi network
Select the internet connection type and enter Set a network name and a password. These Connect your phone/tablet to the Deco's new
the information. If you are not sure, contact will be the name and password you use to Wi-Fi.
your internet service provider. connect your devices to Wi-Fi.

5
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.

6
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 After the setup, you can find the added Deco units by tapping in
app instructions to complete the setup. Overview.

7
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 Tap for more features

status and online clients

8
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.

9
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.

10
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 3. Tap Belongs to to add a unique profile for the device and manage its
settings. online activities.

11
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.

12
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.

13
Method 2. Create a new network from the Menu page

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

14
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.

15
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.

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

16
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 Share your guest network with others.
the guest network.

17
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.

18
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 3. Optimize your network for optimal 4. Enjoy your time if your network
automatically. Wi-Fi performance. status is perfect.

19
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.

20
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.

21
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 3. Your client has connected to the network
then on your client. successfully if shown as below.

22
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 3. Set filter level to block 4. Set daily time limits for the total
members. unappropriate contents. time spent online.

23
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 3. Add devices you want to prioritize to guarantee a better network
using QoS. performance.

24
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.

Tap > Advanced. View IPv4 details or change the Enable IPv6 to set up an IPv6 Add IPv6 firewall rules to allow specific
internet connection type. internet connection. devices to access the specified
services.

25
Modify LAN IP to avoid IP address Change DHCP server settings. Enable IPTV/VLAN mode to support Enable MAC Clone if Deco fails to
confict. IPTV services. connect to the internet.
Tip: For more about MAC Clone, refer to
https://www.tp-link.com/support/faq/2925/

26
Reserve IP addresses for specific Set up port forwarding rules to Register a TP-Link DDNS domain Enable SIP ALG to communicate
devices to recognize and manage enable devices in your network name to access your router and with SIP (Session Initiation Protocol)
the device more easily. accessible over the internet with local servers using a domain name. servers via NAT).
safety.

27
Enable UPNP to enable devices on Enable Fast Roaming to allow Toggle off LED to turn off the light Change the operating mode.
your local network to dynamically your wireless devices to switch on Deco. Configure the Night Mode Note: When the Deco works in Access Point mode,
open ports for applications such connection to different Decos. to turn off the LED light at bedtime advanced features such as IPv4, Address Reservation,
Port Forwarding, and DHCP server are not available.
as multiplayer gaming. only.

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28
Set connection alerts to receive Set notifications to receive alerts in
notifications once the clients connect the notification bar.
to or disconnect from Deco.

29
Monthly Report
Review the monthly usage statistics, such as security threats and total connected network devices each day.

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

30
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 other TP-Link ID account as manager. Then the manager can start to manage the network.

31
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 lost 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/ 32
Authentication
FCC Compliance Information Statement

Product Name: AC1200 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System

Model Number: Deco M4
Component Name Model
I.T.E POWER SUPPLY 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, pursuant to 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 in accordance with 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 receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
33
• 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 is applicable 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, 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.

Issue Date: 2021-12-13

34
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.com
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to 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 in accordance with 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 receiver.
• Connect the equipment into 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.

35
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.
Issue Date: 2021-12-13

36
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 is in compliance 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 used at 20 cm from your body.

National restrictions
Attention: This device may only be used indoors in all EU member states and 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)

37
UKCA Mark

UK Declaration of Conformity
TP-Link hereby declares that the device is in compliance 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.

UK

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.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux
deux conditions suivantes :
1. l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage;
2. l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, meme si le brouillage est susceptible d’en compromettre le
fonctionnement.

38
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;

Avertissement:
Le dispositif fonctionnant dans la bande 5150-5250 MHz est réservé uniquement pour une utilisation à l’intérieur afin de réduire les risques de
brouillage préjudiciable aux systèmes de satellites mobiles utilisant les mêmes canaux;

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 minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

Déclaration d’exposition aux radiations:

Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d’exposition aux rayonnements IC établies pour un environnement non contrôlé. Cet équipement doit
être installé et utilisé avec un minimum de 20 cm de distance entre la source de rayonnement et votre corps.

Industry Canada Statement

CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)

Korea Warning Statements:

당해 무선설비는 운용중 전파혼신 가능성이 있음.

NCC Notice & BSMI Notice:

注意！
取得審驗證明之低功率射頻器材，非經核准，公司、商號或使用者均不得擅自變更頻率、加大功率或變更原設計之特性及功能。
低功率射頻器材之使用不得影響飛航安全及干擾合法通信；經發現有干擾現象時，應立即停用，並改善至無干擾時方得繼續使用。
前述合法通信，指依電信管理法規定作業之無線電通信。
低功率射頻器材須忍受合法通信或工業、科學及醫療用電波輻射性電機設備之干擾。
39
應避免影響附近雷達系統之操作。

安全諮詢及注意事項
• 請按照本產品注明的電源類型使用本產品。
• 清潔本產品之前請先切斷電源。請勿使用液體、噴霧清潔劑或濕布進行清潔。
• 注意防潮，請勿將水或其他液體潑灑到本產品上。
• 插槽與開口供通風使用，以確保本產品的操作可靠並防止過熱，請勿堵塞或覆蓋開口。
• 請勿將本產品置放於靠近熱源的地方。除非有正常的通風，否則不可放在密閉位置中。
• 不要私自拆開機殼或自行維修，如產品有故障請與原廠或代理商聯繫。
限用物質含有情況標示聲明書
設備名稱： 型號（型式）：
Equipment name: Type designation (Type)
AC1200 Whole Home Mesh Wi-Fi System Deco M4
限用物質及其化學符號
Restricted substances and its chemical symbols
單元 鉛 汞 鎘 六價鉻 多溴聯苯 多溴二苯醚
Unit Lead Mercury Cadmium Hexavalent Polybrominated Polybrominated
(Pb) (Hg) (Cd) chromium biphenyls diphenyl ethers
(Cr+6) (PBB) (PBDE)
PCB ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
外殼 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
電源供應器 − ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
其他及其配件 − ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

40
 備考1. 超出0.1 wt %” 及 “超出0.01 wt %” 系指限用物質之百分比含量超出百分比含量基準值。
Note 1：“Exceeding 0.1 wt %” and “exceeding 0.01 wt %” indicate that the percentage content of the restricted substance exceeds the
reference percentage value of presence condition.
備考2.“○”系指該項限用物質之百分比含量未超出百分比含量基準值。
Note 2：“○” indicates that the percentage content of the restricted substance does not exceed the percentage of reference value of
presence.
備考3.“ − ”系指該項限用物質為排除項目。
Note 3：The “ − ” indicates that the restricted substance corresponds to the exemption.

Продукт сертифіковано згідно с правилами системи УкрСЕПРО на відповідність вимогам нормативних документів та вимогам,
що передбачені чинними законодавчими актами України.

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 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.
• Adapter shall be installed near the equipment and shall be easily accessible.
• Use only power supplies which are provided by 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)

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• 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

Symbol Explanation
Class II equipment
Polarity of d.c. power connector

Energy efficiency marking

DC voltage
Caution
Operator’s manual
Indoor use only
RECYCLING
This product bears the selective sorting symbol for Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This means
that this product must be handled pursuant to European directive 2012/19/EU in order to be recycled or dismantled to
minimize its impact on the environment.
User has the choice to give his product to a competent recycling organization or to the retailer when he buys a new
electrical or electronic equipment.

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