Powerline adaptor vs wired access point for extended wi-fi coverage

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Powerline adaptor vs wired access point for extended wi-fi coverage

kiwimainlander

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#208307 6-Feb-2017 15:09

My internet access is limited in my home, mainly due to low grade ADSL rural broadband provided by old copper wire. My router/modem is a Linksys XAC 1200 connected to PC via ethernet. I'd appreciate opinions on whether a more extensive range can be achieved by either 1) wired access point or 2) a powerline adaptor kit. I understand extenders/repeaters will reduce the functionality of the primary router, hence the above selected options. So, if option 1, any recommendations for brand/model? And if 2, once again brand/model ... but more importantly I'd like to know if there is a maximum distance the wired plug can be from the primary router? I currently have an ethernet cable available approx 8 metres (real distance or approx 15 metres of cable) from the router. TIA

froob

688 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1716095 6-Feb-2017 15:30

If you can run an ethernet cable to the part of the house where you have poor wifi coverage and set up a second wifi access point, then that will be the best option.

If you can't do that, for example because there is no subfloor access or ceiling space access to run the cable, or you are renting, then connecting the second access point with powerline adapters is arguably the second best option.

Ethernet cable shouldn't be longer than 100 metres. Powerline will work differently in different houses, because it is affected by the cable, switchboard, etc.

I have used TP-Link powerline adapters with AC passthrough, and have found them to be quite good.

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coffeebaron

6198 posts

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#1716102 6-Feb-2017 15:58

Powerline adaptors can have varied results. Case in point; I used a powerline adaptor recently to extend a wired connection to an external office for a printer to plug in. Speed over this link was 20Mbps Vs 30Mbps for the weak'ish Wi-Fi signal received in same area.

Another job I did recently, the power line adaptor worked fine getting the maximum 50Mbps of their VDSL connection.

So where possible - Wired connection

Then best of powerline or point to point wireless bridge (which will be the final solution to my example above).

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raytaylor

4001 posts

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#1716286 7-Feb-2017 01:19

TP-Link make an awesome kit. Costs $150

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dickytim

2514 posts

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#1716956 8-Feb-2017 06:37

I used a powerline adaptor in my old house that had the old fuse wire type switchboard, for me it worked very well, in the back room wi-fi was patchy at best. I even used it through a powerboard, which isn't recommended!

As above however the results do vary from house to house.