TP-Link AV2000 Vs Netgear Powerline 2000 – The battle of the Giants in Powerline Adapters!

Because you know you owe yourself the best, why beat around the bush when you can reach for the best powerline adapters? Consider this TP-Link AV2000 Vs Netgear Powerline 2000 review a means of getting rid of areas withanemic internet in your house!

When it comes to either extending network to areas the Wi-Fi or Ethernet doesn’t reach or connecting devices that do not access Wi-Fi, powerline adapters are the automatic go to. These adapters use your home or office electrical wiring to transmit data. Generally, powerline adapters are not as fast as the traditional Ethernet, but tend to be faster than Wi-Fi. Apart from speed, there are other important features to consider including transmission technology, size, distance/range they cover and network security.

Maybe you want to ultra-upgrade the powerline adapter youhave been using. Or maybe you are seeking to hit the ground (of powerline adapters) from the top! Whatever the reason, the bottom line remains you want a seamlessly reliable hardcore streaming/gaming internet. But how do you pick the best adapter when every product out there claims to be it?This TP-Link AV2000 Vs Netgear Powerline 2000 evaluation hopes to provide a systematic evaluation of2 high quality adapters in the market today.

What are the Differences Between TP LINK AV2000 and NETGEAR Powerline 2000?

Model
TP LINK AV 2000 (Winner)
NETGEAR Powerline 2000
Maximum Theoretical  Speeds
Up to 2000Mbps
Up to 2000Mbps
Connection Components
TL-PA9020P KIT  adapters

2 x Gigabit Ports, Pass-through

 2 Powerline 2000 adapters

2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports,  Pass-through

Circuits
Can work with different circuits
Same Panel
Set up
Easy, Plug-and-play.
Easy, Plug-and-play.
Security
AES encryption (128-bit)
Network Security
Size
131×72×42mm
131×72×42mm
Distance/Range
300 Meters
300 Meters (1000 Ft)
Other Features
Power Saving mode- reduces consumption up to 85%

 

HomePlug AV2, MU-MIMO, Noise filtering, Easy to add multiple adapters, QoS, Intelligent signal indicator

Power Saving mode

HomePlug AV2, MIMO & Beamforming

Pick-A-Plug, noise filtered power outlet, supports multiple adapters

TP LINK AV2000 Vs NETGEAR Powerline 2000 – How do they compare?

Speeds

Both the TP LINK AV2000 and the Netgear Powerline 2000 are said to have maximum transfer speeds of 2000. Though the manufacturers advertise theoretical maximum speeds as adapters’ speeds, this is just a myth since these speeds can never be achieved in real life. There are many environmental factors that contribute to speed slowdown, which happens by a great magnitude. Some of these factors are construction, network traffic, noise on electrical wires, distance and quality of electrical installation. Even though they can never be achieved, the take home from theoretical maximum speeds should be that the more the Mbps, the faster the adapters. This is due to the increase in bandwidth.  As such, 1200Mbps adapters are faster than 500Mbps adapters, and so on.

Having got the myth out of the way, it is important to note that there are many tests performed to measure the actual speed of an adapter. Again, due to environmental factors, specific figures will vary from house to house. The spirit therefore is to use the speeds as a gauge rather than absolute device performance.

In one such test, the AV 2000 was found to have speeds of 432Mbps at 10ft. When moved to 30ft, which is more like the range we usually use an adapter in, the speeds dropped to 117Mbps, which though low compared to the touted 2000Mbps, is still quite high. In fact, this is amongst the highest speeds scored by an adapter.

On the other hand, the P2000 was found to have speeds of 230Mbps at 10ft which dropped to 95Mbps

Connections

Both the TP LINK AV2000 and the Netgear Powerline 2000 come in a starter kit having a pack of two adapters. One is for plugging in a power socket and connecting to the existing internet source using an Ethernet cable. The other connects to the power line and the device that needs connection to the powerline network.

Both the 2 adapters under reviewhave a pass-through socket which offers an extra power socket. The pass-through feature is basically a socket on the adapter on which another plug can be connected.

Both adapters under review come with 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports. These support high speeds. Simple 10/100 Ethernet cables for example limit transfer speeds to 100Mbps. Having 2 ports is advantageous since most people need to connect more than one smart gadget that requires high speeds, at the same time.

For the Gigabit port to effectively confer gigabit speeds, both the router and device to be connected should be gigabit enabled. Otherwise, the fast speeds will be forfeited. In addition, both models of adapters under review also support extension of the network by connecting additional adapters. This enables many more devices to join the network and enjoy the amazing speeds.

Manufacturers always recommend that the adapters be on the same circuit with the devices they connect. This is probably to maintain the gigabit speeds. In speed tests however, adapters speeds are also tested when devices are on another circuit. While the P2000 only supports devices on the same panel, the AV2000 is able to support devices on a different circuit, though at much lower speeds.

SettingUp and Security

Setting up for both adapters under review uses the simple Plug-and-Play technology. There are no extra wires, software downloads or configuration required. Simply plug one adapter into the wall socket and connect it to your internet source using an Ethernet cable. Plug the second adapter in a socket in the second room where the wired internet access is needed, and connect to the device via another Ethernet cable. Both models under review ascribe to the plug-and-play technique.

It is always good to safeguard one’s data and network. Both the AV2000 and the P2000 have network security which is activated by the touch of a button, advisably when setting up the adapters.

Size and Distance/Range

Unfortunately both the AV2000 and the P2000 are so bulky that they block adjacent sockets on the wall they are plugged in. Considering that they house some serious technology though, the large size is understandable. At least the 2 adapters under reviewoffset this disadvantageby having pass-through sockets.

Distance has a direct impact on the adapters’ speeds. Though the both adapters under review are said to be able to cover up to 1000ft effortless, network reliability beyond 600 to 650ft seems to become compromised.

HomePlug AV2

Both the AV2000 and P2000 have the HomePlug AV2 feature. 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 AV2000 and P2000 employ MIMO and Beamforming technology which results in their very high speeds.

AS HomePlug AV2 transfers data rapidly through the electrical wiring the 2X2 Multi Input Multi Output simultaneously establishes faster and stronger signal transmission by separating the data into 2 streams, to efficiently handle high data demands. It is akin to opening up 2 lanes on a road.

Beamforming focusses the signal towards the adapter, forming more reliable connections thus boosting the performance further. In this way, sharp HD resolution gaming and streaming on multiple devices is made possible without slowing down the signal speed.

Noise Filtering

The P2000 has an extra power outlet for filtering out noise, while the AV2000 utilizes the inbuilt pass-through socket to enhanced noise filtering. This leads to higher connection stability, so that when another device is connected to the pass-through socket, network performance is not compromised.

Pick A Plug/Intelligent Signal Indicator

Using the light color on the LED indicator, the connection strength of the adapter can be determined. The AV2000 refers to this as the intelligent signal indicator. When the connection is weak, the LED indicator turns red. When the connection is strong, the indicator is green. In this way, the signal strength is determined without the hassle of trouble shooting.

The P2000 has a similar approach, referred to as pick a plug. Pick A Plug comes from the adapters ability to display the level of performance of the adapter, 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 between50Mbps and 80Mbps. Finally, a red LED light points to rates that are lower than 50Mbps.

QoS

The AV2000 has a QoS feature which can be used to prioritize traffic to the relevant devices. This simplifies network traffic control.

The PL2000 adapter does not have this feature.

Power saving feature

For both adapters under review, the adapter powers down automatically when not in use. This reduces outlet consumption thereby cutting down on the power bill.

TP LINK AV2000 Vs NETGEAR Powerline 2000 – A Comparison Overview

The TP LINK AV 2000

TP-Link AV2000 Powerline Adapter - 2 Gigabit Ports, Ethernet Over Power, Plug&Play, Power Saving, 2x2 MIMO, Noise Filtering, Extra Power Socket for other Devices, Ideal for Gaming (TL-PA9020P KIT)
  • Power line adapter provides up to 2000Mbps Ethernet over Power; Ideal to be Ethernet extender who can...
  • As network adapters support Home Plug AV2, Easy to add multiple adapters and works under 110 240V; The...

The AV2000 adapters are big, white, glossy devices that are not very aesthetically pleasant when plugged in the wall. Because of their size, these adapters obstruct any adjacent wall socket. It is a good thing that each adapter has a pass-through feature, so at least no socket is foregone when using the adapter.

The 2 Gigabit ports are placed at the top of the adapter which means cables hang out of the top, a very practical approach where sockets are lowly placed.

The device’s power saving feature helps save up to 85% of the power consumption. The 128 bit AES encryption makes the network secure, private and safe.Other cutting edge features that help set the AV2000 above the rest include the intelligent signal indicator, QoS and noise filtering.

The AV2000 uses the 2X2 MIMO with Beamforming technology to ensure blazing fast internet. This is a result of AV2 MIMO making use of all 3 wires of the electric cable, by utilizing any 2 pairs for data transmission. The resulting tremendous speed increase enables the AV2000 to easily handle many streaming devices and game consoles even while attached to a smart TV.

Pros

  • Blazing fast internet
  • 2 Gigabit ports per adapter
  • Socket Pass through feature
  • QoS
  • Noise Filtering
  • Power saving

Cons

  • No Wi-Fi feature

View Price on Amazon

The NETGEAR Powerline 2000

NETGEAR Powerline adapter Kit, 2000 Mbps Wall-plug, 2 Gigabit Ethernet Ports with Passthrough + Extra Outlet (PLP2000-100PAS)
  • Use your existing electrical wiring to extend your Internet access to any room in your house..Standards:...
  • Homeplug AV2 technology supports Gigabit speeds through your electrical outlets for improved coverage

The Netgear Powerline 2000 boasts of being the next generation powerline with high internet speeds. The adapters are white and big enough to obstruct adjacent sockets. Fortunately they have a pass through socket to make up for the loss of an adjacent socket.

The adapters have 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports which not only facilitate Gigabit speeds, but coupled with the latest technology in MIMO and Beamforming ensures extremely fast internet speeds. This makes it the answer for streaming, gaming consoles and Smart TVs connection.

The clever Pick A Plug feature enables one to know right away the signal strength, and pick another socket to plug in. The best signal (80Mbps and above) is signified by a green light on the LED indicator. Amber comes up when the signal is between 50 and 80Mbps. When the signal is weak (below 50Mbps), the light turns red.

The adapters have an extra outlet that helps filter noise. In addition, premium features like power saving mode and encrypted network security at the touch of a button, place the adapter on another level.

Pros

  • Easy set up
  • Pass through socket
  • 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Noise filtering
  • Power saving feature

Cons

  • Unreliable speeds
  • No Wi-Fi

View Price on Amazon

Conclusion

Modern competition tends to make adapters from different manufacturers duplicate the same edge-cutting features.It is no wonder then that both the TP LINK AV2000 and the NETGEAR Powerline 2000 have incorporated Gigabit Ethernet ports, HomePlug AV2, MIMO and Beamforming, adding more adapters to the network, etc. Suffice is to say, the 2 models are top-of-the-range in their respective companies and bring on the table equally top-of-the-range features.

The bottom line is, your specific needs will determine the adapter you pick.  If all you want is lag-free gaming and 4K HD then the Netgear powerline P2000 will be good. However, for heavy duty streaming and gaming in sharp 4K resolution you may consider paying more for the TP Link AV2000.

Verdict: So, which one is better betweenTP LINK AV2000 and NETGEAR Powerline 2000?

Though both adapters have theoretical maximum speed of 2000Mbps, TP Link AV2000 has an edge over the Netgear powerline 2000 when it comes to actual throughput speeds. It has also done something right with its MU-MIMO technology, resulting in reliably, stable high speeds. Though Netgear Powerline 2000 is still insanely fast, it is not quite at par with the TP Link AV2000 yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I use my Netgear Powerline 2000?

Ans: The Netgear Powerline 2000 uses electrical wiring to transmit data. It is used to either help extend network to areas the Wi-Fi or Ethernet doesn’t reach or to connecting to the internet devices that don’t access Wi-Fi e.g. printers. To use it, simply plug one adapter into the wall socket and connect it to your internet source using an Ethernet cable. Plug the second adapter in a socket in the second room where the wired internet access is needed, and connect to the device via another Ethernet cable.

Q2. Does TP Link AV2000 have Wi-Fi?

Ans: There is the Wi-Fi Extended version of the TP Link AV2000 that has Wi-Fi. It works with the 3 wires of the electric cable. Its speeds are however lower.

 

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