TP-Link Powerline adapter

[BO Terry]

I've got a new client that needs to connect 5 computers in their home office via ethernet cable. They currently have wi-fi but want to go wired without the hassle of doing new cable runs. I've used the TP-Link Powerline adapter recently and had great luck. I know it says it needs to be on the same circuit and for me (only one install so far) it worked perfectly, even on a different floor. Has anyone gone to install this setup and not had it work due to the way the home was wired? It is fairly new construction but this is a REALLY large home (9 bedrooms!). I'm told the router is just down the hall/same floor as the office. I will tell them it depends on the way the wiring is done in the house, just in case, but wanted a feel for how often the issue actually comes up.

They have 200 Mbps Business internet from the cable company (Spectrum). I am considering the TL-WPA8630 KIT V2 and a TL-SG108 to accommodate the office computers. They want to be sure they won't have a significant signal loss. I know I will lose a little signal on the switch but read only 10-15% but that doesn't seem terrible to me.

If that works out, my next phase recommendation will be a mesh wi-fi setup (another first for me).

 

[mraikes]

I've used & recommended powerline adapters a number of times and haven't had any problems. I know there's a theoretical problem with crossing circuits, but either I've just been lucky (quite possible) or it's not as big a problem as we may think.

They don't cost much. I say just give them a try. If they don't work out, return them or save them for a different customer/scenario.

 

[Larry Sabo]

... or just buy a couple and do a survey of each room, then buy 3 more if all good.

 

[Diggs]

As long as there is just one fuse/circuit panel for the entire home you are good. Power-line modules don't like to cross mains but they will cross sub-panels.

 

[TAPtech]

I've used the powerline adapters once or twice for friends/family. Never more than 1 in the same house though. I'm a bit unclear here- are you putting a switch into a spot with 5 computers, and connecting the switch to the router via the powerline adapter? That seems OK to me. If you're talking about 5x powerline adapters... No idea! Would be interested in knowing how it works though.

 

[glennd]

As long as there is just one fuse/circuit panel for the entire home you are good. Power-line modules don't like to cross mains but they will cross sub-panels.

That's been my experience. In any domestic situation (and most business and many industrial situations) they will work well. They don't like power boards, you should plug them directly into the wall outlet.

 

[Markverhyden]

That's been my experience. In any domestic situation (and most business and many industrial situations) they will work well. They don't like power boards, you should plug them directly into the wall outlet.

Most consumer locations here will have just one breaker panel to the main. As mentioned it's preferred to be on the same breaker but I've seen them work on multiple breakers. But the OP might very well have more than one breaker panel given the size of the building. Personally I'd talk to the EU about using wireless. A house that size means budget is less of a concern. A main AP in the center and then mesh to second AP's.

 

[HFultzjr]

I've used a 3 adapter set-up on same panel with no issues.
When I went to a different part of the building I couldn't get 4th one to work.
Found out in was on a different panel.

 

[BO Terry]

As long as there is just one fuse/circuit panel for the entire home you are good. Power-line modules don't like to cross mains but they will cross sub-panels.

Very helpful, thanks!

 

[BO Terry]

I've used & recommended powerline adapters a number of times and haven't had any problems. I know there's a theoretical problem with crossing circuits, but either I've just been lucky (quite possible) or it's not as big a problem as we may think.

I was thinking this may be the case but wasn't sure. Fingers crossed! And yes, it's a reasonable thing to keep on hand for quick turn around for a future client if this doesn't work out.

 

[BO Terry]

That's been my experience. In any domestic situation (and most business and many industrial situations) they will work well. They don't like power boards, you should plug them directly into the wall outlet.

Thanks, I've read that too. I'm assuming it weakens the signal by trying to run it off of a power strip. Is that the case? Just curious. I confirmed open outlets in the one space and the need to combine some stuff in the other space (onto a power strip) to free up an outlet for the powerline.

 

[BO Terry]

But the OP might very well have more than one breaker panel given the size of the building. Personally I'd talk to the EU about using wireless. A house that size means budget is less of a concern. A main AP in the center and then mesh to second AP's.

What is "OP"?

I plan to present mesh in the future but for now they are adamant that they want to office computers are each on a wire. I've never setup a mesh system. What are good options?

 

[BO Terry]

I've used the powerline adapters once or twice for friends/family. Never more than 1 in the same house though. I'm a bit unclear here- are you putting a switch into a spot with 5 computers, and connecting the switch to the router via the powerline adapter? That seems OK to me. If you're talking about 5x powerline adapters... No idea! Would be interested in knowing how it works though.

For this initial setup, one powerline adapter kit and 1 8 port switch.

 

[Diggs]

What is "OP"?

Original Poster

 

[TAPtech]

For this initial setup, one powerline adapter kit and 1 8 port switch.

Oh, you're probably fine then. That way you can get reliable gigabit comms between the computers, and just using your powerline jobber for the slow lane to the internet

 

[BO Terry]

Original Poster

ah, thanks!

 

[NJW]

I confirmed open outlets in the one space and the need to combine some stuff in the other space (onto a power strip) to free up an outlet for the powerline.

Use a Powerline adapter with mains feed-through, e.g., TL-WPA8630P kit – no need to lose a socket. Buy a couple of kits and mix-and-match to get the selection of adapters that you need. Any extras will stay in stock for next time or as demonstrators.

Re power strips: the installation has to be pretty marginal for a power strip to prevent operation. There will be a loss of throughput, but this is often not important for the application.

 

[Markverhyden]

I plan to present mesh in the future but for now they are adamant that they want to office computers are each on a wire. I've never setup a mesh system. What are good options?

Ubiquiti equipment offers mesh as well as some others. There is a bunch of new players in the market offering plug 'n pray like eero and google. The down side is that each subsequent hop between AP nodes represents a significant decrease in available bandwidth when wireless relay is used. There are techniques whereby they split the spectrum and use one for backhaul but it still is not optimum.

Have there been any discussions about running copper? Given the size of the house I'd think that they could handle that budget. Most electricians these days know how to handle Cat5/6 runs. Maybe spend a little time putting together a plan which will add value to the property.

Like others mentioned you could pickup a couple of powerline adapters and test them. Then discuss the results with the customer.

 

[Sky-Knight]

I have two of the three port TP-Link Powerline adapters in my home right now, the best I can get is 300mbit through, and sometimes far less. Wifi is actually faster.

 

[Diggs]

Use a Powerline adapter with mains feed-through, e.g., TL-WPA8630P kit – no need to lose a socket.

These worry me a bit. First thing the user will do is plug a 1500+ watt heater in there in the winter. I know, it should take it, but.... Hmm......

I have two of the three port TP-Link Powerline adapters in my home right now, the best I can get is 300mbit through, and sometimes far less. Wifi is actually faster.

The thing to remember is the powerline module maintains its speed much further than WiFi.