What's a powerline adapter?

A powerline adapter offers extra network connectors or a WiFi point in your house. Powerline adapters are available both with and without WiFi. You can use an adapter without WiFi to connect a television receiver, for example. A powerline adapter with WiFi is a type of WiFi booster. It lets you create an extra WiFi point in a room that you don't have reception in yet. That way, you can also go online in the attic to make a video call or stream.

A powerline adapter sends the internet signal over your AC power. A set always consists of at least 2 adapters. Place the fist powerline adapter near your router. This one will convert the internet signal into something that can be sent over the power cables. Place the second adapter where you need it. This one will convert the signal from the AC power back to an internet signal. That way, you can go online with your laptop, smartphone, or television

Powerline adapters have a maximum speed of 1000Mbps. The speed you actually achieve also depends on your AC power. In an older house, the maximum speed is lower than in a newly built house. Want an equally wide coverage with the same speed you have right next to your router? Choose a mesh network.

To use a powerline adapter, you need at least 2 free ground sockets. That's because you always plug a powerline adapter into a regular socket. When you plug in the adapter in a power strip or extension cord, the internet signal isn't distributed properly. In addition to free sockets, you'll also need a network cable. With this, you can connect the first powerline adapter to your router. Do you want to connect multiple appliances wired? Don't forget to buy network cables.

The maximum speed and support of WiFi are the most important specifications for a powerline adapter. The maximum speed determines what you can use the adapters for. A speed up to 1000Mbps is enough to browse the internet, send emails, and to stream once in a while. For regular streaming in HD or gaming, you'll need a higher speed. You can use a powerline adapter with WiFi as an extra WiFi point. That way, you can go online anywhere wirelessly

It's not difficult to install a powerline adapter. When you buy a set of powerline adapters, they've been linked in the factory. All you'll need to do is plug them into the socket and connect the cables. You often don't have to go through a setup. Do you want to give your WiFi network a name yourself? You can set it up with an app.