Do powerline adapters work?

So i'm becoming increasingly frustrated with -

1) The wireless connection on my smart tv randomly disconnecting (not a range issue, it seems to be software, all updates have been done), and

b) The slow wifi chip on my Series X limiting download speeds to circa 200mb/s when I have 1Gb fibre.

I cannot move the router nearer the appliances to hard wire them due to the feed in to the house (its in a cupboard under the stairs). My only option other than wifi is a powerline adapter, but are they any good?

Most importantly are they reliable, and will I actually see good download speeds on my Series X, or do half of you have 1Gb broadband but only see around 300mb/s download speeds anyway (in which case I won't bother). The TV wifi issue is annoying, but not the end of the world.

I understand the issues around having to plug direct in to the socket (no power strip), being on the same electric ring (i think this is a potential issue) etc. I also know I will need one with 2 ports on each end and pass through sockets. Anything else I should be wary of?

PostRe: Do powerline adapters work? by **Jenuall** » Wed Dec 06, 2023 1:36 pm

They do work, but the end result will ultimately be dependant on factors like the quality / configuration of your wiring setup in the house.

They come in a variety of brands and configuration so make sure you get ones that are rated for the speeds you're looking for - many of the cheaper ones are limited to 200mpbs for example.

What about a WiFi bridge instead of a powerline? Can't you get those with an additional ethernet port on it?

I use a tplink one to get wired speed from the router downstairs to the pc upstairs. It's really good.

I've got one next to my router downstairs and one by the TV in my bedroom putting out wifi. Works well.

PostRe: Do powerline adapters work? by **Octoroc** » Wed Dec 06, 2023 1:48 pm

My experience with them - even in old houses with dodgy wiring - has been very good.

I've had them for well over a decade and they work great.
I've gone from standard internet speeds to now having fancy pants full fibre and had no issues at all.

Great to hear positive comments - thanks guys. How about average download speed on Xbox Live (or whatever it's called now)?

If you have a 1Gb Network connection, do you regularly see download speeds greater than say 400 Mbps? On wifi it tends to hover around 170 Mbps.

One work of caution - I’ve found that performance is reduced if you plug them into multi adapters, they seem to prefer the actual sockets to work best.

Cheers - I put this in my first post as I know it's a potential issue

kazanova_Frankenstein wrote:Great to hear positive comments - thanks guys. How about average download speed on Xbox Live (or whatever it's called now)?

If you have a 1Gb Network connection, do you regularly see download speeds greater than say 400 Mbps? On wifi it tends to hover around 170 Mbps.

I get about 250 with mine.
I have ok plugs but certainly not the most expensive.
TP link av1000

I agree about the adapters.
I have mine in the wall and they have passthough for power.

PostRe: Do powerline adapters work? by **Moggy** » Wed Dec 06, 2023 2:53 pm

I hate it when you ask a question and then rather than answering people come up with other solutions.

But...have you thought of running Ethernet cables from the router to the TV/Xbox? It's probably far more hassle than you can be arsed with, especially if the router is far away from those rooms, but would be the way to get a fast wired connection.

Peter Crisp wrote:
kazanova_Frankenstein wrote:Great to hear positive comments - thanks guys. How about average download speed on Xbox Live (or whatever it's called now)?

If you have a 1Gb Network connection, do you regularly see download speeds greater than say 400 Mbps? On wifi it tends to hover around 170 Mbps.

I get about 250 with mine.
I have ok plugs but certainly not the most expensive.
TP link av1000

I agree about the adapters.
I have mine in the wall and they have passthough for power.

Those are the ones I am looking at. So 250 with 1 Gb connection? Hmmm, maybe it's not worth the investment for me then.

Thanks for the numbers.

This is the one I've got:

https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-network ... 9020p-kit/

PostRe: Do powerline adapters work? by **aayl1** » Wed Dec 06, 2023 3:01 pm

I used them for a while. Not sure if you'll get faster than 200mbps with them, but they are more reliable. Excellent for plugging into a smart TV that's far from the router.

Thanks again all. If they are really topping out at those kind of numbers on a 1Gb connection I think I might not bother. My actual WI-FI connection to my consoles is absolutely reliable (5ghz), I was just after a significant download speed bump. I guess it would still be worth it to bypass my flaky Wi-Fi chip in my smart TV though.

If you are lucky to have a WiFi 6 router there is capability to get fantastic speeds over WiFi. Like 500-600meg.

Mommy wrote:If you are lucky to have a WiFi 6 router there is capability to get fantastic speeds over WiFi. Like 500-600meg.

I am, but the Series X does not support it.

My Phone gets about 850meg on the top floor of the (town) house (router is in a broom cupboard on ground floor). Annoyingly though non of my consoles (PS5, Series X, Switch, Steam Deck) can utilise it.

And no, I am not buying an OLED Steam Deck

kazanova_Frankenstein wrote:Those are the ones I am looking at. So 250 with 1 Gb connection? Hmmm, maybe it's not worth the investment for me then.

Thanks for the numbers.

One thing I will advise if you do go for this is don't be afraid to use the used as new option on amazon as that'll save you a bit.
You get the normal guarentee and can send them back if they don't give the perfermance you want.

kazanova_Frankenstein wrote:
Mommy wrote:If you are lucky to have a WiFi 6 router there is capability to get fantastic speeds over WiFi. Like 500-600meg.

I am, but the Series X does not support it.

My Phone gets about 850meg on the top floor of the (town) house (router is in a broom cupboard on ground floor). Annoyingly though non of my consoles (PS5, Series X, Switch, Steam Deck) can utilise it.

And no, I am not buying an OLED Steam Deck

Ah, waiting for the Steam Deck 2 then.
Sensible.

Do powerline adapters work?

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