Tips for installing them
It is important that you take into account certain recommendations to optimize the performance of PLC equipment. The goal is to achieve good connection speed, quality and stability. Sometimes we make mistakes while installing them and that means we are not getting adequate performance.
Location
The first thing is the location where we are going to place the powerline devices. Ideally they are in a isolated place other interfering devices. For example, do not place it near a TV or computer, as these may affect signal quality and make operation worse.
If you are going to connect via Wi-Fi to the automatons, it is better that it is located in a place where you can really enjoy it. For example, near the room from which you are going to connect or in a space where you can distribute the signal well to other devices and there are no cuts.
Pay attention to the distance
While powerline devices are very good at bridging significant distance, the truth is that the farther you place them, the worse they will be. After all, it may lose signal as the distance increases. However, we are talking about the fact that you can place it several times without problems. tens of meters.
The problem is if you are using an old installation. In this case, if the electrical wiring is not in good condition, you may notice a significant loss of signal as soon as you start to move away from the PLC which is connected to the router.
same electrical circuit
The house is divided into different electrical circuits. That’s why sometimes you can lose light in the kitchen, but you still have it in another room. For PLC equipment to operate correctly, making maximum use of resources, it is ideal that they are connected in the same electrical circuit.
This will not always be possible, as you may need to bring the connection to a room that is on another circuit. However, whenever possible, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that it works as well as possible.
Avoid the rules
You should also avoid connecting PLCs to a power strip. Ideally, plugs directly into the wall, into an electrical outlet. Avoid using devices of this type, as they will make the signal drop more easily, noise will be generated and ultimately you will not be able to achieve the same speed and quality.
You should also apply it when you have several very close shots. Avoid connecting the automats if there is another outlet nearby and you have another device connected. It could also cause failures and prevent them from working well.
What to consider when buying them
After explaining some essential tips for installing automats correctly, we are going to talk about what to consider when you go to buy one. You will find many different models and not all of them perform equally well. Therefore, being clear about certain factors can help you make a good purchase.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet
The first thing is that it’s a good idea to buy powerline devices that have Wi-Fi and Ethernet. In this way you will be able to connect equipment wirelessly, which is the most common these days, but also via an Ethernet cable. For example, you can connect a computer or cable TV and use mobile devices via Wi-Fi.
You will find options that only have Wi-Fi and others that only have the ability to connect via cable. If you buy devices that offer both options, it is better to be able to choose at any time.
dual band
Of course, it’s a good idea for powerline devices to be dual-band. What does it mean? You will be able to connect to both the band of 2.4GHz like that of the 5GHz. Each has its positives and negatives, so it can sometimes be better to use one or the other and thus better enjoy the connection.
Basically, we can say that the 5 GHz band is the one that will allow you to browse the Internet faster, although it will also be more sensitive to distance. On the other hand, if you are going to connect from further away, the best for you is to use the 2.4 Ghz band, although the speed in this case will be lower.
Maximum speed
Here you should look at the maximum speed it supports and a good way to know it’s the standard-type that you use For example, AV600 guarantees you real 200-300 Mbps. It is a very interesting speed to connect a computer which is in another room, far from the router, and to be able to work normally. The higher the standard, the better.
You can also look at the speed which comes next to the model name. For example 1200, which means it supports a maximum speed of up to 1200 Mb/s. Again, the higher this number, the better they will go and you will be able to browse the network faster.
number of ports
On the other hand, another factor to take into account when buying powerline equipment is the number of ports they have. If you plan to connect devices via Ethernet, you should see if they have the capability you need to avoid the problem of running out of available ports and being forced to use Wi-Fi only.
But beyond the number of ports, it’s also a good idea to see if it’s Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet. Ideally they should be gigabitbecause in this way you will be able to have a speed greater than 100 Mbps and you will not be limited.
In short, as you can see, it is important to choose the PLC equipment well and also to configure it. In this way, you will be able to transport the Internet connection from one place to another in the house, obtaining good speed and stability. There are many options available, but not all will work equally well.