The technique:
Powerline, or when this unit "HomePlug AV" as the experts say, is an excellent technique to a network connection for further from the router / switch establish remote computer, or to expand the wireless network. Especially with wireless repeaters I had a negative experience because these halve the bandwidth and mostly send even on the same channel as the base, which leads to self-made disturbances. If you want to expand its wireless or simply build a network bridge, PowerLine is an optimal way. The "200Mbps" Powerline adapter from TP-Link use all the HomePlug AV protocol and are compatible with each other. So you can simply purchase additional adapter to the desired functions to.
Security:
One right away: Simply press the pairing buttons probably not enough. The connection is then made and indeed even encrypted but, at least in the test with me, just using the default key "HomePlugAV". The best AES 128-bit encryption helps but nothing if everyone knows the key! Even the story of the protective power meter is not true, I use Power Line also has two electricity meters away easily. Like the WLAN you should necessarily protect the PowerLine network! This is by changing the network name, which, unlike the WLAN, is the secret key. This change comes after the connection between all the adapters on a tool of TP-Link or when an adapter with WLAN is in the network, including its web interface. For details, see "Installation and Setup" section below.
Performance and quality:
HomePlug AV reaches up to 200 Mbit / s, which are laboratory values such as the WLAN, of course. In practice, however, the data throughput of these Powerline devices is better than the 300 Mbit / s WLAN after a solid wall. However, the data transfer via the power line also has its pitfalls. Other power supplies and devices sometimes cause strong interference, but you can usually get around. Partially a socket is already further reproduced an optimal connection. On the TP-Link website is available in the download section a software called "Powerline Utility", but only for the Powerline devices without WLAN! So you can easily check the signal quality and throughput of each device in the network and optimize playing to try each other outlets. I'm using Powerline in a 3-storey family house. In the same room I reach about 150 Mbit / s, as in the next room, there are one floor below about 120 Mbit / s and at 40 meters from garden shed for about 80 Mbit / s. For comparison: WLAN is there already out of reach! These are perfectly respectable values, I think.
Installation and Setup:
As already explained it is not sufficient simply to press the pairing buttons, because every foreigner then can eavesdrop and decrypt the data traffic. Unfortunately, the manual of TP-Link sometimes is mistaken and almost incomprehensible in any case, but I draw from a star in the rating. For a secure facility here a step by step guide.
Establishment with the tool 'Powerline Utility'
1. The "MAC Address" and "Password" write on a piece of paper from the nameplate of all adapters.
2. Connect all the adapter into your outlet and note that where is. The first adapter then connect with the supplied LAN cable to the router / switch.
3. "Download" button on the website of TP-Link under "Support", then left click on "Power Line". (Really a single device and not a kit) Now select the "200Mbps Powerline" the device with a LAN cable to the router / switch and download the program "Powerline Utility Setup" or simply "utility", install and launch.
4. In the program of the first adapter should (which is connected to the switch / router or is now connected via the Ethernet network to the computer) appear above the "Local Device". Be recognized by its "MAC address", which we had listed.
5. Click on the button "Add" at the bottom right will gradually brought to all other adapters in the network now. When "Device Name" can be something easy to remember like "Garden House" can be selected. In "Password" has now the password of the adapter to be registered, this we have our list) This step must be completed for all adapters and controlled that it appears in the list and is now Connected. When connecting the values of Quality and rate appear. If the connection is bad, just try a different outlet and control.
6. Are all adapters on the network, select the above scale "Privacy". Under "Private Network Name" enter a good key for encryption and below click on "Set All Devices".
-> Ready
Come and powerline adapter with WLAN for use, it is now with the WLAN on. If an adapter WLAN can and you do not want to use it, you must disable it, because otherwise it transmits unencrypted!
1. "Download" button on the website of TP-Link under "Support", then left click on "Power Line". Now select the "Wireless Powerline" the device with Wi-Fi and download the program "Powerline_Scan", unpack and start.
2. Thanks to the note we wrote, we know for multiple adapters now which is which, because the following steps must be performed for all WLAN adapter! A click on "Connect" opens a browser window to configure. Username and password is "admin".
3. Under the "Wireless Settings" should be assigned the name of the WLAN. This offers to the name of the existing WLAN, so that all devices can connect directly. Anyone who studies the optimal channel allocation, can choose a free channel here. This must, and should not, be identical to the existing WLAN. The WLAN channels have some overlap. This means that only 1, 6 and 11 right "own" are channels. With the tool inSSIDer one can see what is available. Who does not want to, "car" takes.
4. Under the "Wireless Security" you have to set the wireless network key and the encryption method. Again, the values have to be used when existing WLAN, ensure that all devices seamlessly take advantage of the new Wi-Fi. If the own WLAN encrypt still with the uncertain WEP, here is a good time the own wireless, even the existing router / Acesspoint, completely switch to WPA2.
5. Were there with the tool "Powerline Utility" problems in setting up the private network name, which is also the secret Powerline key that this facility may also after registration of the passwords of all the devices under "Powerline" and then "Station Settings" on the page "Network Settings" are made. The procedure here is analogous to the procedure in the tool "Powerline Utility".
-> Ready
So everything is ready. The units are installed, the signal quality is checked, an individual key is the encryption meaning and possibly via Powerline tailed WLAN is safe set. Although the adapter disconnected from the power and plug in another place they do not lose their settings. So have fun with Powerline!
Conclusion:
The units are as TP-Link usual very cheap and the function is good / solid. For this, the device is complicated, a guide in English as a PDF download available as well as the software is continuously to operate in English. Anyone expecting the described, quite complicated, device problems, should better take up this very expensive FRITZ! Products from AVM. They are 'for mommy' easy to use, as I have recently tested. Who does not expect any problems with the device, receives the TP-Link Powerline good technique for a very reasonable price. Therefore, I forgive four star.
Like to take any questions or suggestions to my review in the comments :)
