Netgear Powerline 1000 Vs 1200 – Getting Strong Internet the Whole House Over!

Dreading that your internet intensive work will increase bickering overinterruptedgaming and streaming in your house? This Netgear Powerline 1000 Vs 1200 discussion offers what it takes to silence thoseinternet-woe criesfor good!

Not only do powerline adapters offer you reliable traditional Ethernet wiring alternatives,they also use the home’s electrical lines to extend internet network to poorly served areas, without drilling holes or trailing cables. What’s more? You will never again have to worry about weak Wi-Fi signal due to walls, distance or whatever interference thatcauses dead zones.But how do you pick the best adapter from the overcrowding of powerline adapters in the market?

Netgearis a company that provides technologically advanced networking products, globally. Some of its powerline adapters are rated amongst the best by users. We therefore hope this Netgear Powerline 1000 Vs 1200 review will give you an in-depth understanding of why the adapter you pick, will best suit your needs.

What are the Differences between the NetgearPowerline 1000 and 1200? 

Model	Netgear Powerline 1000	Netgear Powerline 1200 (Winner)
Theoretical Top Speeds	Up to 1000Mbps	Up to 1200Mbps
Kit Components and Connections	2 Adapters, Start guide, 2 Ethernet cables   1X10/100/1000 Ethernet port	2 Adapters, Start guide, 2 Ethernet cables – 6.5 ft long   1X10/100/1000Ethernet port
Circuits and viable connections	Allows for connection of multiple adapters	Up to 16 adapters on a single network
Setting up	Plug-and-Play	Plug-and-Play
Network Security	Yes – Push and Secure	Yes – Push and Secure
Size	36X100X59mm	4.72×2.28×1.65 inches
Distance/Range	Up to 500m	Up to 500m (5382 ft)
Other Features	HomePlug AV2 support, Power Saving, Pick and Plug	HomePlug AV2, Energy saving, Pick and Plug, MIMO & Beamforming tech.
	Check Price	Check Price

The Netgear Powerline 1000 Vs 1200 – How do they compare?

Speeds

In the real world, the adapters under review will never deliver the promised theoretical high speeds of 1000Mbps and 1200Mbps. There are things like network traffic, noise on electrical wires, distance and quality of electrical installation etc, that always get in the way.

All the same, there are many tests that can be carried out to determine an adapter’s actual performance/speeds. One such test is the throughput test which is a measure of transactions per second that an application handles. The throughput tests for the Netgear PL1000 and PL1200 are given below:

In ideal conditions (no interference) the PL1200 adapter delivered 246Mbps at 10ft. When there was some interference (different room – about 30ft), the adapter had speeds of 120Mbps. For the PL1000, the same room speeds were 186Mbps, while the speeds across different rooms were 91Mbps. It follows then that the Netgear PL1000 has slightly lower than the NetgearPL1200. Just for comparison, the NetgearPL Wi-Fi1000, a model that supports Wi-Fi the Wi-Fi hotspot speed was found to be 87Mbps.

Setting up and Network Security

Both the PL1000 and the PL1200 are very easy to set up, just requiring plugging in. Setting them up doesn’t require any configuration or installing of software. Simply plug one adapter to the router using an Ethernet cable. Plug the other router into a socket and connect it to the device needing connection using another Ethernet cable. When the Ethernet and Power LEDs turn green, you are good to go! It is important, at this point, to turn on network security using the security button. This is to say that the powerline’s network is encrypted at the touch of a button.

Size and Distance/Range

Both the PL1000 and PL1200 are largerthan other adapters in the same range and using them is prone to obstructadjacent sockets in the wall they are plugged in. There is a slightly more costly version of the PL 1000 called the PL1200-100PAS, which comes with a pass-through socket feature.

Both models under review are said to work well over a range of up to 500m. This could translate to a distance of up to 2 floors high. Unfortunately, some users have complained about the PL1000’s unstable performance at these extremes. In these cases, the connection lights were said to have either gone off or turned to red. They would momentarily right themselves but drop yet again. The PL1200 however was found to be more stable. It can be assumed that the MIMO and beamforming technologygave it the necessary boost.

The HomePlug AV2

Both the PL1000 and PL1200 are HomePlug AV2 compliant. HomePlug AV2 is dubbed the next generation connectivity. It is a very fast way of carrying data, including video and audio, over standard electrical cables. HomePlug AV2 works with MIMO.

MIMO and Beamforming

Both the PL1000 and PL1200 have the MIMO and Beamforming technology. MIMO is a Multiple input/Multiple Output technology used in network devices, in which a powerline adapter utilizes all 3 wires in an electric cable (line, neutral and ground). Data is transmitted on any 2 pairs: line/ground, line/neutral, ground/neutral, until the theoretical maximum speed of 1200Mbps is achieved. Earlier HomePlug devices (HomePlug AV) transmitted data through only 2 lines of the electric wiring – the line and neutral. The resulting SISO (Single Input/Single Output) could only deliver a theoretical maximum speed of 600Mbs.

To fully benefit from MIMO, three-prong outlets are required. Though HomePlug AV2 adapters equally work in two-prong outlets, they are forced to step down to SISO mode, hence reducing their throughput.

The diagram below illustrates how MIMO works:

In essence, MIMO doubles rate coverage in a manner similar to adding an extra lane on a highway. Compare its action with SISO. The Beamforming technology aligns or concentrates the signal, so it does not end up going haywire. In this regard, it maximizes performance of each stream/wire. The overall effect of the HomePlug AV2, MIMO and Beamforming is an enhanced delivery of ultra HD video streams.

Pick and Plug

Both the adapters under review have the Pick and Plug feature. Pick and Plug comes from the adapter’s ability to display its level of performance, by its LED lights. You therefore have the option of picking a better performing outlet and plugging the adapter in it.A green light signifies best performance (80Mbps and more). Amber signifies a link rate of 50Mbps and 80Mbps. Finally, a red LED light points to rates that are lower than 50Mbps.

In real sense, the pick and plug feature only assists in making one aware of the strength of the signal.Let’s face it, unless you are choosing between plugging the adapter in an extension or directly onto the wall, you may not have much choice over the performance of sockets in a room since they are few and second and probably have the same output.

All the same, knowing the signal strength helps you know if there is a problem, and whether the available speeds can support the task at hand.

Power Saving Feature

Both adapters under review have this power saving feature. There are 3 power levels on this feature: active, standby and idle. Each of these consumes power differently. The feature automatically switches between them, depending on the adapter’s activity at hand.

The Netgear Powerline 1000 VS 1200 – A Comparison Review

The Netgear Powerline 1000

The Netgear Powerline 1000 starter kit comprises 2 compact adapters and 2 Gigabit Ethernet cables that some users have complained are too short.Setting themup takes the form of a simple plug and play. The adapters work right out of the box and don’t require software installation or any configuration whatsoever.

The Netgear Powerline 1000 is considered the next generation powerline because of its very fast, relieable gigabit speeds. It is supported by the HomePlug AV2 system.

The adapters come with an automatic power saving feature that automatically powers down when the network is not in use. The powerline’s security feature enables it to secure the network at the push of a button (Push and Secure).

Because of the high speeds, the adapters are suitable for lag-free gaming, HDstreaming and even connection to smart TVs. The PL1000 is also compatible with HomePlug Green PHY and HomePlug AV.A few users have however complained that the adapters don’t pair well with those of other models.

Pros

• Very high speeds
• Supports additional adapters
• Compatibility with other models
• Power saving
• Pick and plug
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Wide, obstructs adjacent socket
• No pass-through socket
• Only one Ethernet port
• Short Ethernet cables

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The Netgear Powerline 1200

Released at the beginning of 2015, this adapter has quickly become one of the most popular adapters in the market. It comes in a white, plastic compact design that has a glossy finish. Because of its big size, it can obstruct an adjacent socket. For this reason, one could opt to get the Netgear PL 1200 – 100 PAS model which though even taller, has a pass-through socket on each adapter. Of course this comes at an additional cost.

At the front, the adapter has LED lights for Ethernet, Power and Powerline. This is where the Pick and Plug feature comes in. It enables you pick the outlet that gives you the strongest signal using the color of the LED light. A green light signifies best performance (80Mbps and more). Amber signifies a link rate of 50Mbps and 80Mbps. Finally, a red LED light points to rates that are lower than 50Mbps.

The adapter also has a Security button, a factory reset button and one Gigabit Ethernet port. This is a disadvantage for both the PL 1200 and PL 1200-100PAS because it is common to want to connect more than one device close to each other. Nevertheless, the network created by PL1200 adapterssupports connection of up to 16 adapters to expand the gigabit internet connectivity. Some users however complain of the adapters becoming too hot, and freezing during such heavy use.

The PL1200 offers reliable, very fast speeds thanks to the HomePlug AV2 standard. This is further boosted by the coupling by MIMO (Multiple data streams) and the beamforming technology which beef up coverage in every corner. This makes the network suitable for connecting streaming players, smart TVs and game consoles.

The adapters have an energy saving feature and are compatible with HomePlug AV and HomePlug Green PHY systems.

Pros

• Extremely high speeds
• Supports additional adapters
• Compatible with other models
• Pick and Plug

Cons

• Big in size
• No Wi-Fi access feature
• Only one Ethernet port

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Conclusion

So, armed with these facts, we are sure you are now able to make an informed choice between the two adapters. We know it is not an easy decision, because, not only do the 2 adapters have the same positive features, they also share the same negative features. Though the PL1200 is faster than the PL1000, the PL1000 still holds its own. For one thing, its speeds are still fairly high. It can still connect smart TVs and support high level gaming and streaming. It is also much cheaper than the PL1200.

On the other hand, the PL 1200 is definitely faster and more reliable. For a higher cost, it will handle heavy duty streaming and gaming.We can only say in conclusion that only your needs will make the Netgear Powerline 1000 Vs 1200 decision!

Verdict: So which is better?  The Netgear PL1000 or 1200?

Though both adapters have extremely high speeds, it is clear that the NetgearPL1200 has an edge over the PL1000. Its speeds are much higher, it sustains more reliable performance over a high range, and it better supports the extension of the network, by up to 16 additional adapters. With the MIMO and Beamforming technology further stabilizingits high performance, ithandles very demanding high-speed tasks, without breaking a sweat. It therefore takes the trophy in the Netgear Powerline 1000 Vs 1200 comparison.

Frequently asked Questions

Q1. How do I set up my Netgear Powerline 1000?

Ans: Simply plug one adapter to the router using an Ethernet cable. Plug the other router into a socket and connect it to the device needing connection using another Ethernet cable. When the Ethernet and Power LEDs turn green, you are good to go!

Q2. What does the Netgear Powerline 1000 do?

It extends wired networks using Gigabit speeds. It is supported by the HomePlug AV2 technology. The high speeds make it suitable for HD video streaming, connecting smart TVs and gaming consoles.