What Is A Powerline Adapter?

Powerline adapters send data through your home’s existing electrical wiring in the same way as Ethernet cables. The majority of the powerline adapters you’ll find available in stores today follow the HomePlug AV and AV2 technology standards developed by the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, ensuring they will work in almost any modern home. As TP-Link notes, the AV standard can reach a physical signal rate up to 600 Mbps, while AV2 can reach Gigabit speed. 

Depending on the age and complexity of the home’s electrical system, a powerline solution will generally perform on par with an Ethernet cable solution. An older or more complex electrical system won’t likely perform as well as a new house with a modern electrical system, but the low cost of hardware and installation of any powerline solution makes the option worth a shot. 

Powerline adapters usually come in pairs and typically look like small boxes that plug into any standard electrical outlet. They need to be plugged directly into a wall outlet — not an extension cord or power bar — to work properly. Typically, an Ethernet socket is found on the bottom of each device. The first adapter connects to the home’s router, while the second can go into any outlet where another connection is needed. 

Adapters can be wired or wireless to suit different needs, and connecting the devices and creating a network between them is as simple as pushing a button on each adapter. As the pandemic pushed people to stay home, and according to Gallup, the trend may become permanent. As such, a fast home network is more important than ever — and a powerline adapter might just be your best, cheapest option if you’re in need of a better connection.