Simpler Networks HomePlug AV 200 Mbps Plug-through powerline ethernet adapter starter kit, comprised of 2 plugs

Product Information

A bit of a niche one this, but worth mentioning. Amateur radio enthusiasts have reported that powerline networking causes electrical circuits to emit low frequency radio waves, which can interfere with their broadcast signals. We've waxed lyrical about the benefits of powerline networking so far, but it is not the solution to all of life's problems. The technology does have its limitations and it would be remiss of us not to talk you through them. More advanced models support the AV2 600, 1000, 1200 and 2000 standards, which use all three power cables (live, ground and neutral) to boost bandwidth to the maximum speeds indicated (which are also, needless to say, only theoretical). But speed isn’t the only consideration. Not all of these powerline adapters featured are the most intuitive to install, so if you’re unfamiliar with the subject, you’ll likely want to prioritize a plug-and-play option. Finally, these powerline adapters can vary significantly in price, so make sure you know your budget and tailor your choices accordingly. How we test the best powerline adapters

These are some of the biggest names in powerline adapters, as good a place as any to start the search for your latest bit of tech.Putting a powerline networking adapter on a circuit protected by an AFCI breaker can significantly reduce throughput. The top trace in the IxChariot plot below shows a pair of HomePlug AV2 MIMO adapters, plugged into outlets on two sides of a single wall, physically about a foot apart. The bottom trace moves one adapter to a location on the same wall, about 6 feet away, but in a room protected by an AFCI breaker. While there is some reduction due to longer powerline length caused by the separate branch circuits, there resulting throughput is reduced by more than 50%! The best powerline adapters provide a simple way of extending the reach of your home network, and as such, there are several factors you ought to consider before you make your choice. The other big plus in favour of powerline networking is that it is very easy to use. There's no faffing about trying to get adapters to sync up. As soon as everything is plugged in, connected and switched on, the adapters detect each other automatically and those sweet internet signals start flowing immediately. The only way to find the sources that can be affecting your powerline network is to carefully look for them and then run throughput experiments using tools like LAN Speed Test, or better NetStress (see How Fast Is Your Network? Five Ways To Measure Network Speed). Make sure you run a long enough test to get a good throughput average in each case. Some throughput loss can be intermittent and hard to find using a short test. In this guide, we'll explain what powerline networking is, how it works, and talk you through the pros and cons you need to know if you're going to make an informed decision. We'll also have a look at some of the powerline options out there on the market, so you can start to familiarise yourself with the available brands.

The Devolo dLAN 1200+ WiFi ac is one of the fastest powerline adapters on the market. It can reach speeds of 1.2 gigabits a second - though, as above, you should note that you won't often get those speeds as numerous factors can affect powerline speeds. In compiling this list of the best powerline adapters of 2023, we've tested several key elements on each adapter. Instead of sending a wifi signal to your chosen device, your router will now use the ethernet cables and adapters to send signals through the electrical wiring in your house. Clever, eh? AFCI circuit breakers can harm HomePlug signals depending on the design of the breaker. If the design has an inductor in front of the power supply bridge, there is little if any impact on HomePlug signals.

Need a better connection in an outside office or back bedroom? Make it easy with the best powerline adapters

Much like the previous product, this model also has two ethernet ports on the receiving end of the extended ethernet line, offering the same great connection abilities as the newer and more expensive model above. Where there is a difference from the above model is that there is only on ethernet port on the sending side of the powerline connection. For us, as well as probably most use cases, this is not a problem at all, as we don't have products right by our router that need ethernet. We have them further away, thus the need for the powerline adapter in the first place. And, if we did need to expand and put network-enabled devices right next to our modem and router, we could grab one of the best network switches to help bring more local ports. As well as providing you with a wired ethernet connection to one particular device, a powerline wifi extender also gives your wifi a boost wherever you choose to plug it in. Today’s HomePlug AV2 adapters can yield best-case throughput close to 400 Mbps and even 100 Mbps at many locations in a typical home or apartment. The IxChariot throughput plot below shows even a mixed pair of AV500 and AV2-MIMO adapters can yield over 200 Mbps of best-case throughput. When browsing powerline adapters you'll notice that they all include a top speed. Take these with a big ol' pinch of salt, as the speeds you're likely to see in real life are likely to be a fair bit slower. There are several options to explore, ranging from mesh setups that can spread coverage more evenly around the home, to upgrading to the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology for better performance at long range. However, the first isn’t always the most effective way to target a particular room or area, while the latter doesn’t work so well if the smartphones, TVs and other devices that you’re using only support the older Wi-Fi 4 and 5 standards.