Powerline Ethernet is the Best Wi-Fi Alternative

Are you struggling with spotty Wi-Fi coverage in your home? I’ve recently bought out the NETGEAR Powerline Adapter Kit, and it really made a difference in my internet connectivity. The NETGEAR PLP2000 Powerline adapter is an easy way to solve Wi-Fi challenges at home without stringing cables between rooms.  In this post I’ll discuss how I resolved my intermittent Wi-Fi challenges by leveraging a powerline adapter.

This kit extends your internet access through your existing electrical wiring, making it perfect for Smart TVs, streaming players, and game consoles. I was impressed by how easy it was to set up—just a few minutes with the push of a button.

NETGEAR Powerline adapter Kit, 2000 Mbps Wall-plug, 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports with Passthrough + Extra Outlet (PLP2000-100PAS), White
  • Use your existing electrical wiring to extend your Internet access to any room in your house..Standards: IEEE 1901 compliant. IEEE 802.3 compliant
  • Homeplug AV2 technology supports Gigabit speeds through your electrical outlets for improved coverage
  • Extremely fast Powerline adapter for Gigabit speeds, perfect for connecting smart TVs, streaming players & game consoles with 4K HD streaming and lag-free gaming

NETGEAR Powerline Adapter Kit

Its 2000 Mbps speed is ideal for 4K video streaming and lag-free gaming. The additional outlet is a thoughtful touch, ensuring you don’t lose a power socket. The two Gigabit Ethernet ports also allow multiple wired connections, which greatly enhanced my media setup.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to upgrade your home network, the NETGEAR Powerline Adapter Kit is a solid choice.

Its ease of use, high speed, and convenient features make it an excellent investment for anyone needing reliable internet performance.

Ready to enhance your connectivity? Click here to purchase the NETGEAR Powerline Adapter Kit and experience a seamless internet connection today!

What is powerline networking?

If you’re not familiar with powerline networking also known as ethernet over power, it’s an easy way to create a network connection with your router using only the electrical wiring in your home or office. A powerline network adapter plugs into an outlet and then you can then connect devices to the adapter via an RJ45 networking cable. And just like that your computer is back online in an area where a weak Wi-Fi signal wouldn’t normally reach.  Furthermore, leveraging a powerline adapter will save you from having to run a network cable from downstairs to upstairs, or drilling holes in walls.

Is a Powerline adapter better than Wi-Fi?

As a remote worker who’s been working from home for years I would say yes using Powerline adapter is better than Wi-Fi.  A powerline network adapter, unlike a Wi-Fi extender, which simply enhances the range of your wireless network signal, creates a physical extension of your existing wired network by leveraging your homes electrical wiring.

The only caveat with using a powerline adapter is that you should not plug it into a surge protector or power strip because it will impact the signal throughput. Additionally depending on the size of your home you should not cross electrical circuits. And it goes without saying that your is that your home’s wiring must be up to the task. If you live in an old home with outdated wiring, you may not good performance.

Overview of NETGEAR Powerline 2000 Adapter Kit

The NETGEAR Powerline Adapter Kit is an efficient solution for extending internet access using existing electrical wiring. I found the setup process to be incredibly straightforward, truly a plug-and-play experience. This kit delivers strong performance, making it suitable for streaming 4K HD content and online gaming without lag.

What stood out to me is the additional power outlet built into the adapters. This feature allows you to maintain access to an electrical outlet while using the adapter. On the downside, I did notice that the connection speed didn’t quite reach the advertised 2000 Mbps. Despite this, the performance remained stable and reliable for most tasks.

The two Gigabit Ethernet ports offer flexibility for connecting multiple devices, which is a bonus for anyone with a home office or multiple entertainment devices. Overall, I recommend this kit for its ease of use and reliable performance, though manage your expectations regarding peak speeds.

High-Speed Connectivity

The NETGEAR Powerline adapter Kit offers incredible high-speed connectivity that truly stands out. I was impressed by the consistent and robust speeds provided by the 2000 Mbps capability. Streaming HD videos and online gaming were smooth without any noticeable lag.

On the downside, it required direct wall outlet usage for optimal performance, which limited flexibility in some areas of my home. Nonetheless, the included gigabit Ethernet ports made device connections seamless.

Having the extra outlet was a practical addition, allowing me to plug in another device without losing an outlet. Overall, the connectivity experience was quite reliable and efficient for demanding internet activities.

Simple Plug-and-Play Setup

Setting up the NETGEAR Powerline adapter was a breeze. All I had to do was plug one adapter into an outlet near my router and the other in the room where I needed better connectivity. I appreciated not having to deal with any additional software installations; it was ready to go in minutes.

I noticed that the kit included an extra outlet, which was handy for maintaining my power options. The built-in noise filter also helped ensure that the internet speed wasn’t compromised. The process was seamless, and I experienced immediate improvement in network coverage across my home. Although it worked flawlessly for me, I could see that some users might encounter minor issues with older home wiring.

Compact Design with Extra Outlet

The NETGEAR Powerline Adapter impressed me with its design. It occupies minimal space on the wall, which means it doesn’t take over your entire outlet. The passthrough outlet is a great feature, allowing you to still plug in other devices without losing an outlet.

I found the additional outlet useful, especially in my older home where outlets are limited. The compact design ensures it doesn’t look bulky or out of place. While the extra outlet adds convenience, it’s important to ensure that the performance remains consistent when additional devices are connected. Overall, it’s a space-efficient solution for extending internet access throughout your home.

Beamforming for Better Coverage

After setting up the NETGEAR Powerline adapter, I immediately noticed the benefits of its beamforming technology. The signal strength dramatically improved in the previously weak zones of my house. Unlike my old Wi-Fi setup, connections to smart TVs and gaming consoles became much more stable.

Using the adapter, it felt like the signal was directed exactly where needed, resulting in fewer dropped connections and interruptions. There were occasional slowdowns during peak usage times, which may occur due to network congestion. However, the overall coverage and reliability made a noticeable difference in daily use.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Using the Powerline adapter Kit provided a significant boost to my internet speed, especially in rooms far from the router. This was extremely useful for streaming in 4K and lag-free gaming. The plug and play nature of the setup made installation a breeze, with no need for additional software or configuration.

The integrated extra outlet is a great addition, allowing continuous usage of the power socket without blocking it. The MIMO technology with Beamforming offered improved coverage, ensuring the signal reached every corner of my house effectively.

Cons

One issue I encountered was that the actual speeds were often below the advertised 2000 Mbps. This may vary depending on the electrical wiring in your house. While it performed well, it never hit the maximum speed. It will not work as expected if there is more than 1 circuit in your home and do not plug it into powerstrip.

Authentic Customer Testimonials

The NETGEAR Powerline Adapter Kit has provided a range of experiences for users. Many appreciated its simplicity and effectiveness, enjoying quick and easy installation. It efficiently solved connection issues in hard-to-reach areas like garages or shops.

Despite mostly positive feedback, a few users reported failures within a year, specifically noting power and connectivity issues. Additionally, some noted that the promised speeds weren’t achieved but found it adequate for general use like streaming and browsing.

Overall, the convenience of added outlets and its plug-and-play nature stood out to many users. While some experienced setbacks, the adapter generally delivered a stable and functional connection.

Conclusion

In my experience, the NETGEAR Powerline Adapter Kit offers a solid solution for extending internet coverage where WiFi struggles. Setting it up was straightforward; it truly is a plug-and-play system. I found the additional outlet and two Gigabit Ethernet ports particularly useful as they added flexibility.

If you’re looking for a more reliable way to connect to the internet at home, the Netgear PLP2000 powerline adapter is a great option that will eliminate spotty Wi-Fi and give you the speed and reliability you need. This kit excels in providing a stable connection for general tasks like browsing and streaming, but it may not meet the needs of high-demand users.

Pros:

  • Easy setup
  • Stability and reliability
  • Extra outlet for convenience

Cons:

  • Speeds may not reach advertised levels
  • Performance could vary based on home wiring

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up my NETGEAR Powerline 2000 adapter kit?

Setting up the Powerline 2000 adapter is quite straightforward. First, plug one adapter into a wall outlet near your router and connect it to the router using an Ethernet cable. Next, plug the second adapter into a wall outlet where you need the internet to be extended and connect it to your device via another Ethernet cable. That’s it! The units should detect each other automatically.

What troubleshooting steps should I follow if my NETGEAR Powerline 2000 has connectivity issues?

If you encounter connectivity problems, try these steps:

  • Ensure the adapters are plugged directly into wall outlets, not power strips.
  • Check if the LEDs on the adapters are lit; the power and Ethernet LEDs should be green or amber.
  • Press the “Pair” button on both adapters to re-establish a secure connection.
  • Move the adapters to different outlets to see if there’s an improvement in performance.
  • Restart your router and the connected devices.

Can I use the NETGEAR Powerline PLP2000 kit with other models like Powerline 1200 or 1000?

Yes, the Powerline PLP2000 kit is compatible with older NETGEAR Powerline models such as the Powerline 1200 and Powerline 1000. You can mix and match the units, but keep in mind that the overall speed will be determined by the slowest adapter in the network.

What speeds can I expect from my NETGEAR Powerline 2000 adapter under normal conditions?

Under normal conditions, the speeds you get will vary based on the quality of your electrical wiring and the distance between the adapters. While the theoretical maximum speed is 2000 Mbps, real-world speeds are often lower. From my experience, it delivers sufficiently fast speeds for activities like 4K streaming and online gaming, but the actual speed might range between 100-400 Mbps.

How does the performance of NETGEAR Powerline 2000 adapters compare to Wi-Fi extenders?

Powerline adapters generally offer more stable speeds compared to Wi-Fi extenders, especially in environments with thick walls or multiple floors. Since they use electrical wiring to transmit data, there’s less interference compared to Wi-Fi signals. That said, Wi-Fi extenders are easier to place and can cover more varied spots within a home, whereas Powerline adapters are limited to locations where you have electrical outlets.

Are there any notable drawbacks to using powerline adapters for home networking?

Yes, there are a few drawbacks:

  • The performance can be variable depending on the electrical wiring condition and layout.
  • They need to be plugged directly into wall outlets, not power strips, which limits placement options.
  • Shared circuits may reduce bandwidth, especially if high-power devices are operating on the same circuit.

Consider these factors before deciding if powerline adapters are suitable for your home networking needs.

Peter Viola

Creative, customer focused, results oriented, Senior Web Systems Engineer who enjoys providing the highest level of customer service supporting complex Windows hosting solutions. MCITP, MCSA, MCTS

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