In some situations when we go to plug into an Ethernet jack there just isn't one available, there is the option of running a new cable through the wall, which isn't a hard task, or connecting directly to WiFi. WiFi isn't always great though, and for plenty of reasons Ethernet is just better, if you're in a place you can't quite make modifications to, such as a house or apartment that you're renting, is the powerline adapter a worthwhile alternative?
What is a powerline adapter?
Powerline adapters are ingenious devices that utilize your existing copper wiring in your home and use it as a network connection.
Lets assume you had a nice Samsung UHD TV hooked up in your downstairs fourier, the WiFi isn't quite strong enough to reach it, meaning you can't access your NetFlix, but there is a spare power outlet next to the TV. By plugging one end of the powerline adapter into the spare power outlet, and ethernet to the television, and the other end plugged into the power outlet by the router, once again plugged in to the router via ethernet. The digital current begins to flow between the two boxes completing a network connection and getting that new UHD TV on the internet.Brilliant repurposing of an existing infrastructure, and a very useful device in times of over drawn WiFi, or just wanting to be on a cable driven network.
Speed and reliability
Most, if not all, powerline adapters are full duplex, this is a HUGE benefit over WiFi that only is capable (currently) of half duplex networking, which yes I know sounds a bit techy, so here is a quick metaphorical explanation.
We've all been in cars, driving up the road, or down the road. Traffic flows in one or two directions. If a road is a one way road, traffic can only go in one direction, straight. But if it is not a one way road, traffic can flow both with you, and against you. This is the difference between full and half duplex. Full duplex supports traffic flowing in both directions, where is half duplex only supports a single direction of traffic. The inability to download files and upload files at the same time is brought in when in a half duplex environment.Yes I know many of you are thinking "I can play xbox and upload files all the time on WiFi", which yes it can be done, but with one way traffic at any given time being capable, you can't download 100MBps and upload 100MBps at the same time as you'd be capable of doing with Full Duplex. Half Duplex will split the traffic and only allow for one thing at a time, being capable of processing in fractions of seconds makes this process invisible to the end user, but time wise we can see a huge difference. Try uploading a file and downloading a file that'll take 20 minutes on WiFi, and see it'll take half the time on a wired connection.
Speed wise these powerline adapters are amazing, and if we're using a TV, a BluRay player, or a desktop, they far outweigh buying additional Access Points to cover that extra area if we're looking for speed.
Can I have multiples?
This one had me pondering personally, can you run multiple powerline adapters at once? A simple pairing makes sense, but what if we have four, six, or twenty of these guys, we'd be sharing the power cables wouldn't we?
Technically yes, but each pair functions as their own paired network, a 1:1 setup for each individual pair of powerline adapters. Just as long as they are named differently, there will be no problems.
They are better than WiFi?
Yes they are much more powerful than WiFi and can be moved anywhere in the house as long as there is a power connection on both ends.
Are they better than standard Ethernet?
No, Ethernet is designed for the purpose of networking and networking only. Where as these are a repurposing of an existing wiring that isn't designed for networking.
Should I use this in my business?
No, although these are amazing devices, they can be easily tricked.Imagine if you will being in an office setting and using one of these as a simple alternative to running a wire. Simple in nature, but simple in failure as well. By simply purchasing the same adapter as is in the wall any ne'erdowell with physical access to the network can plug one in, rename it to the network, and be on board for the ride without really trying at all.
Lets put it this way, computers are dumb and are willing to believe anything they are told. It's like explaining to someone how to get to your house, they always need to drive straight on main street and then a right on forest drive, you'll be the 3rd house on the left. If you moved 1 street over and 4 houses in to jungle ave and the 4th house in, that person will accept it as reality and do as they're told. The same applies to networking and computers, if an instruction changes in the network it accepts it as reality and does as its told. Even if the IT staff is unaware of the changes they will be made. Avoid using powerline adapters in a business.
Conclusion
If you're looking to run a single connection but don't want to actually run a cable, these are a much better alternative than WiFi, in terms of streaming video or playing games there is a much more stable connection using a powerline adapter over WiFi. Now if you're capable of running an ethernet connection, go that route, if you just don't want to, or are limited contractually, they are worth a shot. Perfect for home use, bad idea for business use.
List Of Suggested Powerline Adapters.
- Good http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833156417&cm_re=powerline_adapter-_-33-156-417-_-Product
- Better
http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-PA4010KIT-Powerline-Adapter-Starter/dp/B00AWRUICG/ref=lp_1194444_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1432735005&sr=1-1 - Best
http://www.amazon.com/Netgear-Powerline-Extra-Outlet-PLP1200-100PAS/dp/B00S6DBGIS/ref=lp_1194444_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1432735005&sr=1-3
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