As more and more of us work from home and use streaming entertainment services, having a fast home network is now as essential as a microwave or central heating.
The fastest way to improve the speed of your home network is to add Powerline adapters to the rooms that need them. Don’t worry, they are very easy to install.
We have tested different models of PLC adapters to work, so don’t miss our guide on which in our experience are the best PLC adapters.
TP-Link AV1000 Gigabit Powerline
TP-Link AV1000 Series Powerline adapters are a highly recommended quality option. In some speed tests, we found it to be faster than the TP-Link AV1200 adapters, so we prefer this option.
It is available in four versions: the TL-WPA7010 single-port base KIT, TL-PA7010P single-port KIT with through-hole power plug, TL-PA7020P KIT with through-hole plug and two Gigabit Ethernet ports, and KIT TL-WPA7510 which can create a new fast Wi-Fi hotspot in your home.
If you need the model with wifi, it is worth the extra cost, just like the models with plugs. Although in the mid-range of the TP-Link, it offers great value at very optimal speeds.
Devolo Magic 2 WiFi
The system WiFi Magic Powerline & Mesh from Devolo offers the best of both worlds in terms of home networking.
Using the latest G.hn network standard, it outperforms other PLC adapters, and with advanced mesh capabilities (roaming speed, band control, synchronization of settings and fairness of uptime) will be able to excel in larger homes that require more than one additional Wi-Fi access point.
Small homes (where you don’t need an extra Wi-Fi hotspot or just one) can get the same performance with cheaper systems that aren’t just mesh powerlines.
TP-LINK AV1200 Gigabit Powerline Adapter
The TP-Link AV1200 adapter kit (TL-PA8010 KIT, TL-PA8010P KIT, TL-PA8030P KIT or TL-WPA8630P KIT) becomes a worthy candidate for the best PLC adapter, based on our speed tests.
We prefer the version, a a little more expensive, the TL-PA8030P, because it offers three Gigabit Ethernet ports.
If your home Wi-Fi connection is weak, consider purchasing the WPA8630P as it offers the option to add a new Wi-Fi hotspot (as if it were another router) in your home.
If, on the other hand, your home’s Wi-Fi connection is acceptable, you do not need a new connection. router, so in this case TL-PA8030P would suffice.
Tenda PH3 / PH5 AV 1000
The Tenda PH5 AV1000 Wi-Fi is a powerful device and very affordable for its two Ethernet ports and its Wi-Fi function.
We would have appreciated that there had been pass-through sockets on each adapter, but at this price point, it’s a great beginner Powerline kit that features a new Wi-Fi hotspot in a second room.
It is comparable to the TP-Link TL-WPA7510KIT Powerline Wi-Fi which we also recommend.
The base PH3 lacks Wi-Fi and one of the Gigabit Ethernet ports, but it’s very affordable.
Netgear Powerline 1000
The Netgear Powerline 1000 is quite limited by its no-frills features: one Ethernet port per adapter and no wireless connection. But we give you points for passing shots.
While lacking in features, it will make a big difference to your home network and your PC’s download speed or entertainment.
The price is great, although you can get it cheaper (though not as fast) with a 500Mbps Powerline like the Trendnet Powerline 500 AV kit which doesn’t have the convenient pass-thru sockets.
Trendnet Powerline 1200 AV2 wireless kit
The Trendnet WiFi Everywhere Powerline 1200 AV2 Wireless Kit (TPL-430APK) has a long name and a second very large adapter with prominent antennas to signal its Wi-Fi functionality.
This starter kit actually consists of two different adapters, the TPL-421E from Trendnet’s other wireless starter kit and a TPL-430AP adapter that builds you a new Wi-Fi access point in the second room. .
The performance is impressive, but we were a little put off by the giant adapter and its lack of a power outlet.
It has three Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired connection of various devices, but the TP-Link TL-WPA8630PKIT seems to be a more affordable option for three LAN ports and a Wi-Fi connection.
Trendnet Powerline 1200 AV2 Adapter Kit (TPL-420E2K, TPL-421E2K)
As we have explained, PLC adapters or
Despite its simple features – only one Ethernet port per adapter, inability to go wireless, it’s still worth it for its connection speed.
Two models are available: the TPL-40E2K and the slightly larger TPL-421E2K, which also features the convenient functionality of having built-in sockets.
Asus PL-AC56 AV2 1200 Powerline Extender Wi-Fi
The ASUS PL-AC56 AV2 1200 Wi-Fi Powerline Extender demonstrated good performance in our wire speed tests. We were a bit disappointed with the wifi point of view despite its external antennas suggesting it would be a wireless champion.
Asus claims its product is able to improve signal strength at greater distances than adapters with built-in antennas.
The design of this model is much coarser and more rudimentary (less inconspicuous) than the models previously explained.
We think its price is quite expensive, although it has all the best tools of PLC adapters: three Gigabit Ethernet ports, built-in Wi-Fi and outlets.
What is a PLC adapter?
PLC adapters, also called adapters electric line, are technological devices designed for the home, which create a fast Wi-Fi connection network, even in areas where the signal of the router does not reach.
To do this, the PLC adapter will connect to the outlets in your home, creating a connection network which in most cases is much faster than a normal Wi-Fi connection.
The devices that you want to connect to the network do not need to be plugged in, as many of these Powerline adapters offer wireless Wi-Fi connection services (as if it were a router).
How to install a PLC adapter?
To install a PLC adapter, you just need to follow these simple steps:
- Plug the PLC adapter into an outlet near the router and connect the two devices using an Ethernet cable.
- Go to the room where you want the signal to go and plug in the second PLC adapter there.
- Connect the second API adapter using an Ethernet cable to the device you want to connect to the Internet.
Do I need a Wi-Fi connection to use a PLC adapter?
As we explained above, some models of PLC adapter do not require a cable connection to a router wifi, that is, they come with a built-in wifi connection.
It means you can get fast and stable internet connection for your laptop, smartphone, Tablet or any other device capable of connecting to a Wi-Fi network.
What should I consider before purchasing a PLC adapter?
- We recommend a model delivered with integrated socket so as not to lose this exit.
- The connection speed This is important: the cheaper ones generally offer 200 Mbps, the mid-range 500 Mbps, and the more expensive 2000 Mbps.
- It is also convenient that if you buy a high speed model, you check that it Ethernet connection this is the latest model.
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