Do powerline adapters need to be on the same circuit

If you have certain spots in your house that don’t reach the wifi network, you should consider using powerline adapters. These can help you extend your network. 

They prevent you from having to install additional cables around the house and can help you save cash. Once you have bought powerline adapters and are ready to install, you may wonder whether they have to be on the same circuit for them to function correctly. Though powerline adapters can still work even when they are connected to various circuits, experts recommend connecting them on the same electric circuit. Doing this can lead to good performance. Here is more!

Introduction to an electrical circuit

Before you begin building a home network, it is essential to understand all the relevant basics. An electric circuit refers to the path that electrons from a source of current or voltage follow. The source of electrons refers to the specific point where electrons enter.

There is also the earth ground, which refers to the point at which the electrons leave a circuit. In an electric circuit, the part that is between the earth ground and source is referred to as the load. When you plug in a powerline adapter, it becomes a part of the electric circuit and serves as the load. Electric circuits are often divided into different types, such as radical, lightning, and ring circuits. The most common method that is used to install electrical outlets is the ring circuit.

Find out how powerline adapters work

When you have different data cables around your home, it can make it appear cluttered. Powerline networking can help you send the internet in different rooms with less clutter. This type of technology was designed to help you send strong data signal down existing cabling. You should buy at least two powerline adapters to achieve this.

You first have to connect an Ethernet cable near the broadband hub and into the Ethernet port, then plug a powerline adapter into the mains point. Feel free to install the second powerline adapter in the next room where you need an internet connection. You can plug it into the mains point of the room nearby. Get a second Ethernet cable that you can use to plug into a device such as a smart TV or PC.

How to get the best performance when using powerline adapters

If you want powerline adapters to perform well, you should consider installing them on the same electric circuit. In this age, high electric demands force people to fit multiple circuits in one property. Some houses even have the upstairs and downstairs ring circuit.

Using a powerline adapter in such a home can help boost the internet connection in different rooms. If you fail to use powerline adapters on the same circuit, you may not get the expected results.You can avoid any connectivity issues by choosing powerline adapters from one manufacturer. Ensure you also use the same modulation to minimize such issues.

Most of the powerline adapters available today are compatible with wifi. They can, therefore, help you connect different wireless devices such as tablets or smartphones. Consider using more than a single powerline adapter in different rooms in a house. As you plug in a powerline adapter, you should ensure that you plug into the main socket instead of plugging it into trailing electrical sockets. Using these adapters over short cable distances can boost their performance.

Are powerline adapters fast?

Powerline adapters deliver different speed rates depending on the specific model you choose to install. Some of the powerline adapters deliver higher speed rates than others. For instance, if you choose some of the earliest models, such as Home Plug 1.0, you should expect maximum speed rates of 14 Mbps. This is not the best powerline adapter since you cannot rely on it when you want to stream HD video content.

Manufacturers of powerline adapters have been working on boosting the speeds of different models. While some now offer maximum speed rates of 85 Mbps, you can still get powerline adapters that provide up to 200 Mbps. If you want a better performing powerline adapter, you should consider the Home Plug AV, which can provide a maximum speed rate of 600 Mbps. This can help you stream audio and video content with minimal speed issues.

Though some of the fast powerline adapters are advertised to offer speed rates of up to 1200 Mbps, you should expect the actual speed to be lower. Different factors also determine how fast a powerline adapter is. The rate is limited to how fast your internet is and how many people in your home use it. If the connection between two powerline adapters installed in your home is reliable, you should expect fast internet speeds.

You should also assess the condition and length of electrical cabling since this can also affect the overall performance of powerline adapters. If the length of the main electric cabling is very long, it can lead to a slow connection. This can lead to slow loading times during streaming video or audio content.

Examples of powerline adapters and their speed rates

Name	Maximum speed rate
Devolo Magic 2	2400 Mbps
TP link AV2000	2000 Mbps
Asus AV2	1200 Mbps
TP link AV600	600 Mbps

Conclusion

Using powerline networking can help you enjoy a reliable signal in every room in your house. It allows you to send a better internet connection to a room that is not receiving great wifi coverage. You need to use at least two powerline adapters. Connecting them on the same circuit can lead to a better performance than using different circuits.

FAQs

How can I enjoy fast connection speed with powerline adapters?

Start by choosing a quality pair from a reputable manufacturer such as Asus. Go for one that can deliver high-speed rates.

Can I check the connection status when using a powerline kit?

Yes. Suitable kits come with this feature. You should notice an LED indicator on your powerline adapter.