WLAN powerline adapters can be a good solution to optimize Internet reception. If the wireless connection needs to reach through thick walls or into the remotest corners, an adapter can connect through the home’s power line.
Different designs, diverse functions: Is it worth investing in the more elaborate powerline adapters from well-known brand manufacturers, or is an inexpensive WLAN powerline set from the discounter already enough? Depending on the purpose, different products are particularly suitable. To get a better idea of the models, atechbook recommends five devices that impress with their performance.
Overview
What makes a good powerline adapter?
Ideally, you plug the powerline adapter into a power outlet near the WLAN router and connect both with an Ethernet cable. Then the second adapter is positioned in the room where Internet reception is to be boosted. The plugs connect automatically, and the wireless network is expanded. In practice, unfortunately, it doesn’t work so easily with all devices. The atechbook editors therefore paid attention to both the effort required for installation and the performance when making their selection.
Depending on the living situation, the latter can differ for the different Powerline adapters. Therefore, it is always important to note how far the network should extend from the router and which devices are otherwise integrated into the power grid.
How to improve your WLAN with a powerline adapter
The comparison winner: devolo Magic WiFi next
The manufacturer devolo promotes the devolo Magic WiFi next as the fastest powerline adapter in the world. The maximum bandwidth that can be achieved thanks to this device is remarkable – both near the router and in more remote corners of a home or office. The powerline adapter is optimal for dropout-free streaming and gaming. With an integrated power outlet and two LAN ports, additional devices can be connected to the power grid thanks to the devolo Magic WiFi next: a computer, a network-compatible printer or a smart TV. Setup works quickly and easily, including via a handy app.
Features of the devolo Magic WiFi next
| devolo Magic WiFi next | |
|---|---|
| Functionalities | WLAN, power socket, plug & play |
| Connections | 2 × RJ45 |
| WLAN function | MIMO |
| WLAN standards | a, b, g, n, ac |
| WLAN frequency bands | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz |
| Max. transmission rate | 2400 Mbps |
| LAN standard | Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1,000 Mbit/s) |
| Range | 500 m |
| max. WLAN speed | 866 Mbit/s |
| Number of adapters | 1 |
| WLAN encryption | WPA, WPA2 |
Advantages and disadvantages of the devolo Magic WiFi next
Rating at idealo: Score 2.0 | 4 of 5 stars
Per
- + Very good WLAN speed
- + 2 LAN ports
- + Automatic selection of the faster frequency band
- + Quick and easy installation
- + Practical setup via app
- + Security thanks to encryption options
- + Good compatibility
Contra
- – Rather unsuitable for old buildings
The best value: devolo dLAN 1200+
The devolo dLAN 1200+ may be an older model from Germany’s best-selling powerline brand and therefore relatively inexpensive, but the device is still one of the best on the market. It is best suited for 3D and HD streams, online gaming as well as audio streaming. The powerline adapter is set up quickly. The software from devolo is also available for smartphones, it is intuitive to use and allows adjusting to all necessary configurations. The firmware can also be updated so that the settings always remain up to date. The scope of delivery includes an RJ45 Ethernet cable and installation instructions.
Features of the devolo dLAN 1200+
| devolo dLAN 1200+ | |
|---|---|
| Functionalities | Power socket, Quality of Service (QoS), Plug & Play |
| Output of the integrated socket | 16 A |
| Dimensions | 130 × 66 × 42 mm |
| Connections | 1 × RJ45 |
| Pertocols | CSMA/CA |
| Frequency range | 2-68 MHz |
| Max. transmission rate | 1200 Mbit/s |
| LAN standard | Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) |
| Range | 400 m |
| Power consumption in operation / stand-by | 4.2 watts / 0.7 watts |
| Number of adapters | 1 |
| Powerline encryption | 128-bit AES |
Advantages and disadvantages of the devolo dLAN 1200+
Rating at idealo: Score 1.4 | 5 of 5 stars
Per
- + Automatic selection of the faster frequency band
- + Very good transmission speed
- + Particularly well suited for streaming
- + Easy installation
- + Practical setup via app
Contra
- – Limited compatibility
- – No ventilation slots, adapter back gets warm quickly
The classic: TP-Link AV1200 KIT (TL-PA8010 KIT)
The TP-Link AV1200 Gigabit Powerline Adapter KIT (TL-PA8010 KIT) is one of the most affordable WLAN powerline products. It primarily convinces with the simplicity of commissioning with the help of the plug-&-play function and a good performance. HD video streaming works without interference even on devices that are located further away from the router. After just two clicks, the kit is ready to go. The two compact and handy plugs included in the package are each equipped with a LAN port and are compatible with virtually all operating systems.
Features of the TP-Link AV1200 Gigabit Powerline Adapter KIT (TL-PA8010 KIT)
| TP-Link AV1200 | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 131 × 72 × 42 mm |
| Connections | 1 × RJ45 |
| Max. transmission rate | 1200 Mbit/s |
| LAN standard | Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) |
| Range | 300 m |
| Power consumption in operation / stand-by | 6 watts / 0.5 watts |
| Number of adapters | 2 |
| Powerline encryption | 128-bit AES |
Advantages and disadvantages of the TP-Link AV1200 Gigabit Powerline Adapter KIT (TL-PA8010 KIT)
Rating at idealo: Note 1,5 | 5 of 5 stars
Per
- + Easy installation
- + Practical setup via app
- + Clever design with wide ventilation slots
Contra
- – No integrated power socket
The all-rounder: AVM Fritz!Powerline 1260E
Der AVM Fritz!Powerline 1260E kann die Range von drahtlosen Netzwerken mittels Repeaterfunktion oder als WLAN-Access-Point erweitern. Das Modell ist sofort ohne Softwareinstallation einsetzbar. Es verbindet die Endgeräte automatisch mit dem aktuell schnelleren Frequenzband, sodass die optimale Internetgeschwindigkeit jederzeit gesichert ist. Der Adapter unterstützt WLAN Mesh und ist somit für die Einrichtung eines stabilen Netzwerks mit anderen AVM-Geräten mit besonders starker Range geeignet. Im Lieferumgang sind ein RJ45-Ethernetkabel und eine Bedienungsanleitung enthalten.
Features of the AVM Fritz!Powerline 1260E
| AVM Fritz!Powerline 1260E | |
|---|---|
| Functionalities | LED status indicator, Plug & Play |
| Dimensions | 67 × 132 × 32 mm |
| Connections | 1 × RJ45 |
| LEDs | LAN, power, powerline activity |
| LAN standard | Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) |
| Max. transmission rate | 1200 Mbit/s |
| WLAN standards | a, b, g, n, ac |
| WLAN frequency bands | 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz |
| WLAN speed | 866 Mbit/s |
| Pertocols | IPv6 |
| Power consumption in operation / stand-by | 6 watts / 0.5 watts |
| Powerline encryption | WPA2 |
Advantages and disadvantages of the AVM Fritz!Powerline 1260E
Rating at idealo: Note 1,8 | 5 of 5 stars
Per
- + WLAN speed is on top level
- + Sehr gute Range
- + Automatic selection of the faster frequency band
- + Very easy installation
Contra
- – No integrated power socket
The compact one: D-Link PowerLine AV 500 Wireless N Mini
Kompakt und sicher: Der Einzeladapter D-Link PowerLine AV 500 Wireless N Mini ist optimal, wenn in der Wohnung oder im Büro wenig Platz ist und man die Inneneinrichtung möglichst minimalistisch gestalten möchte. Die Range und die Übertragungsrate sind zwar niedriger als bei den vorgestellten Modellen, was bei diesem Modell jedoch abgesehen vom Design überzeugt, ist die Vielfalt durch Verschlüsselungsoptionen und der nachhaltige Energiesparmodus. Die Sicherheitsfunktionen können ganz einfach per Tastendruck aktiviert werden. Der Adapter ist vor allem gut geeignet für Voice-over-IP (VoIP), Audiostreaming und digitales Fernsehen. Im Lieferumgang sind ein RJ45-Ethernetkabel, ein Support CD-ROM mit Software und Handbuch sowie eine Bedienungsanleitung enthalten.
Features of the D-Link PowerLine AV 500 Wireless N Mini
| D-Link PowerLine AV 500 Wireless N Mini | |
|---|---|
| Functionalities | WLAN, LED status display, Plug & Play, energy-saving functions, Quality of Services (QoS), WiFi Pertected Setup (WPS) |
| Dimensions | 65 × 90 × 50 mm |
| Connections | 1 × RJ45 |
| LAN standard | Ethernet (10/100Mbit/s) |
| Max. transmission rate | 500 Mbit/s |
| WLAN standards | b, g, n |
| WLAN frequency bands | 2.4 GHz |
| WLAN speed | 200 Mbit/s |
| Pertocols | IPv6 |
| Power consumption in operation / stand-by | 6 watts / 0.5 watts |
| Powerline encryption | 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2 |
Advantages and disadvantages of the D-Link PowerLine AV 500 Wireless N Mini
Rating at idealo: Score 2.1 | 4 out of 5 stars
Per
- + small and compact
- + Relatively good WLAN speed
- + Easy installation
- + Wide range of encryption options
- + Energy-efficient
Contra
- – Only works on the 2.4 GHz frequency band
- – No integrated power socket
Conclusion
A stable and interference-free wireless network – depending on the application, it is possible without any trouble thanks to the presented power adapters. Although the devolo Magic WiFi next power adapter is the most expensive of the devices, it is a clear winner when it comes to performance: all of the integrated functions are convincing for getting the fastest possible WLAN speed out of the home network. The atechbook editorial team’s favorites also include the D-Link PowerLine AV 500 Wireless N Mini, which scores particularly well on energy efficiency and design, and the devolo dLAN 1200+, which offers a very good transmission rate for a small budget.
Other recommended articles on the topic of WLAN
- Setting up WLAN access for guests on the Fritzbox
- WLAN becomes faster and more stable! 6 GHz band enabled
- 5 first aid tips in case of an Internet malfunction at home
Für alle, die noch mehr darüber erfahren wollen, wie sie ihren WLAN-Anschluss optimieren können, bietet atechbook viele weitere Artikel mit praktischen Ratschlägen, Perdukttests und Trendthemen rund um das kabellose Internet.