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

Product Information

Powerline adapters do not slow down wi-fi networks. In fact, they can actually speed up your overall network speeds by reducing the strain and freeing up network bandwidth for your router. Granted, if the device that you are choosing to connect by way of powerline adapter is not a heavy usage device, you may not notice a difference at all. What if I need more ethernet ports than what the powerline adapter has built-in? With broadband speeds getting faster all the time, it makes sense to give yourself the best chance of getting the best possible speed, while future-proofing your home network at the same time. A gigabit ethernet connection does just that. We tested all the powerline adapters and wi-fi extender kits within the same three-bedroom detached home, using one adapter or extender unit upstairs and one downstairs, and running tests with a laptop and a desktop PC. The laptop has a built-in 2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi 6 wireless adapter and Gigabit Ethernet, while the desktop PC has a 2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi 6 adapter and Gigabit Ethernet on the motherboard. 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. In compiling this list of the best powerline adapters of 2023, we've tested several key elements on each adapter.

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. 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%! Once you’ve analyzed the connectivity and speeds you require, you’ll know whether you’re simply looking for a stronger Wi-Fi connection or prefer the increased reliability of being plugged in via an ethernet cable. 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. Square D and Eaton AFCIs have this arrangement and are very HomePlug-friendly; it is fortunate that these brands have a large market share. Some other manufacturers (such as Siemens) have a capacitor in front and this is detrimental to HomePlug signals.

The best powerline adapters and kits you can buy in 2023

Powerline networking is a way of connecting a device to your router using the mains electricity wiring of your house to send and receive signals to and from your router. It is an alternative to using wifi as a way of connecting a device to your home network.

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. 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? If you’re willing to look past that sky-high price, nothing will stretch your Wi-Fi further than the Devolo Magic 2 WiFi 6, especially if you have lots of think walls or an unusual layout. TP-Link – Devices like the TP-Link AV2000 include wifi boosting technology and promise speeds up to 2,000Mbps although as we've said, that's just not a speed you're likely to see once the kit is installed in your homeIf you think about it, it's inevitable that an internet signal being sent through a household electrical mains circuit is going to lose some speed. Whether or not a specific powerline connection is going to lose more or less speed than a wifi connection between the same two devices depends on quite a few variables, including the positioning of the devices in question and the layout of your home. The best powerline adapters and kits you can buy in 2023 1. TP-Link TL-PA7017: Best budget powerline networking kit Electrical noise can be a significant factor in limiting powerline network throughput. And the worst noise sources are often not obvious. Generally, motor noise from hair dryers and power tools doesn’t have much detrimental effect on powerline network throughput because its frequency is too low.