Sometimes just two walls between the router and the computer is enough to make slow WiFi down. A practical solution to problems such as these are power line network adapters, also known as Powerline.
Powerline for long distances
It can be expensive to get good advice if WiFi fails in certain rooms. A repeater could be just the solution. But the drawback is that it halves the transmission rate in the wireless network because each signal has to be sent twice: first to the repeater and then to the router.
Powerline networks, on the other hand, work in the same way as a conventional cable network but data can be transferred over greater distances at normal speed. Accordingly, a Powerline network is usually faster than a wireless network if there are more than two walls or a reinforced concrete ceiling.
Powered through your home
With Powerline, data is transmitted from one room to the next via power supply lines. In doing so, specific adapters convert the data flows into high-frequency signals, which are then transmitted to other adapters via electrical wiring. They transform the signals back into usable data and transfer them to a PC, a games console or other network devices.
Similarly, it is possible to install a Powerline network. Provided you have the right number of adapters, you can connect up to 255 PCs. If the adapter supports the “Homeplug” standard, which is the case with nearly all models, you can also use products from different manufacturers.
Also suitable for WiFi
Powerline adapters can be used in a variety of ways. In a lot of cases, computers in remote areas need to be supplied with an Internet connection.
But WiFi coverage can also be increased easily so that you can use a tablet or smartphone to quickly surf the Internet. To do so, you can use a Powerline adapter with access point. They are indicated by terms such as “wireless” or “WiFi”.
Powerline is fast and secure
Powerline is not quite as fast as the manufactures promise, but the same applies to LAN or WiFi. Just as with WiFi, the rate of transmissions slows over distance, although not as drastically. Many power sockets, power-line junctions, lightning protection outlets and intermediate outlets also move things up a gear.
In practice, modern adapters therefore realistically provide for data rates between 20 and 70 Mbit/s.
However Powerline users do not have to worry about the security of their data: Because the data transfer ends at the home power meter, a data thief would have to have access to patio or balcony power sockets to intercept data. But he will also need the Powerline password to do this.
Easy to set up in just a few minutes
All products can be set up easily: Place just two Powerline adapters in two adjacent power sockets, then press the connection buttons and a short time later the adapters connect to each other.
One adapter is then inserted into a wall power socket near the router and is connected to it. The second adapter is inserted into a wall power socket in the room which should be connected to the Internet. The devices placed there can then connect via LAN or WiFi.
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