TP-LINK TL-PA8010P KIT - Starter Kit - Bridge - GigE, HomePlug AV (HPAV)

Over the past couple of years we have accumulated several pieces of AV equipment that require internet connectivity for streaming. Since our network hardware is located in the office, far away from the AV room, it’s been a real challenge getting adequate coverage and signal strength to stream content via a wireless connection. Typical devices like phones, tablets, Kindles and laptops connect in most locations, but we can usually expect hiccups when streaming. My frustration has gone from bad to worse as I've played around with many different locations and configurations for high-powered access points, wireless extenders, etc., using both 2.4G and 5G signals. I must admit that I’ve always been very skeptical of devices purporting to "provide network connectivity over existing electrical wiring", but I was running out of options. So after my latest failed wireless experiment, I gave this kit a try. The two adapters are identical, each with three LEDs: (1) Power; (2) Powerline; (3) Ethernet. My kit came with the two adapters, two 6m lengths of network cable and some paperwork, including setup instructions. There was no disk of software or documentation included. The instructions are basic and clear. There is also a “Pair Button” on each adapter, but the setup instructions say pairing is optional. A separate “Powerline Utility” is available to download and install from TP-Link’s website. The utility is also very basic, showing connection speed between the adapters and allowing selection from four QoS configuration options: internet; gaming; audio/video; VOIP. After plugging the adapters into the electrical outlets you’re supposed to wait until the Power and Powerline LEDs are lit on both adapters before connecting the network cables. It took a bit of trial and error to find a pair of outlets that would sync-up quickly, meaning: I got my exercise running back and forth between rooms to see if the two adapters were talking to each other yet. Each adapter does slightly invade the space of the electric port above it, so I use a short (15”) extension cord on one of the adapters to free up the top port. Since these adapters (PA8010) have only one network port each, I bought a small, unmanaged 8-port Cisco (100 series) gigabit switch to hide in the rear of the AV cabinet. Off that switch I hung a Roku, Amazon Fire TV and my AV receiver. I turned the switch backward so the port LEDs face the rear of the cabinet to minimize nervous spasms from flashing green lights while watching videos and to make it handy when adding or changing network connections in the rear. In summary, I am very happy – surprised actually – by the performance of this kit. It was much simpler to get online than any wireless solution that I’ve tried – and a lot less expensive. I tested the system with my most demanding streamed video – stuff that before would hang and buffer every 10 seconds of “play” – and now it streams continuously without a snag. I have not experienced any degradation in throughput or lack of stability from using a short extension cord on either adapter. The adapters also have a “Power-Saving Mode” that’s supposed to kick in “five minutes after the device connected to the powerline adapter is turned off”, but since I have each adapter connected to a switch, the line is always up and so the adapters are always up, i.e., they never go into power-saving mode. Some people might think this is poor energy conservation, but in my opinion I would rather hang a switch off this single-port PA8010 than bother with additional adapters or the triple-port PA8030; and besides many network devices don’t behave well when they have to wait for another network device to “wake-up”. This kit has performed so well that I’m considering hanging an additional WAP off the switch in the AV room for better wireless coverage at that end. Also contemplating a third powerline adapter and a WAP in the far end of my shop (over 200 feet from the router) to get wireless network coverage out there.

This is the answer to all my internet connectivity issues. I live in a townhouse with 3 floors, and the house is supposed to have a "home run" in that the modem/router should work on any DSL in the house, but it apparently only works on one phone jack, located on the first floor. This led to connectivity issues in my room on the third floor, where it became unbearably slow, even disconnected multiple times. There was an instance where my internet disconnected 4 times within roughly 20 minutes. I tried different methods: changing the wifi channel, buying and installing a range extender, but these didn't help at all. I was really frustrated with it all: the constantly buffering video, the choppy Skype calls, etc. When I first heard about this product, I was quite skeptic, given my experience. I did a lot of research on Powerline Adapters, comparing the speeds with range extenders, if it really works, and so forth. I gave it a shot, and I'm really really glad that I made that decision. Its a simple plug and play, plug one to the modem/router, plug the other to the device you want. Its so simple and straightforward. I did speedtest comparisons with all my connections: the modem directly to my laptop via LAN, laptop wifi via Range Extender, laptop via modem wifi, and laptop via Powerline Adapter. The direct connection would obviously be one of the top speeds; and the Powerline Adapter matched the modem speed, and to my surprise, sometimes even surpassed it. I can't recommend this product enough. If you're worried about the distance between modem and device, don't worry; I was worried about that too. It worked perfectly for me. Now I'm sure that everyone's situation and wiring in their house varies, but in my case it worked out quite well. I do suggest to plug these adapters in on an outlet, and not on a power bar or extension cord just in case. That way there won't be too much interference. Other than that, I highly recommend!!! :)

Excelente opción para ampliar la señal a el 2o nivel de la casa. La compañía de cable proporciona un módem inalambrico el cual deje en el primer nivel con este equipo conecte un router en el 2o nivel tan simple como plug & play y la velocidad se mantuvo a 28 de 30 mb contratados

First - powerline networking isn't for every deployment. These are no exceptions to those tricky areas (old house, noisy appliances or devices, poor wiring, etc. - so just know that going in. But for most people in recent, modern, up to code residential dwellings (especially the large homes where range extenders connected to these will really be up to twice as fast as the all wireless range extenders which have to share time - no way around it) - powerline networking can be the best thing that ever came your way. Second, anyone who knocks these because they don't get 1200 Mbps data transfer rate should be ignored. It's a number - a theoretical maximum rate for the chipset used, like your "AC1900" wireless router, where you also don't get 1900 Mbps. Every manufacturer labels devices this way, so live with it. Also, speed isn't the only consideration. Wireless networks drops packets like crazy or sometimes just have gaps in communication - there is only so much RF you can squeeze in the same band. Especially given the transient nature of the devices (fire up your phone next to your tablet while using your notebook while streaming to your Chromecast or using your Roku (with its $%&#* WiFi remote!!!!) and run a good network sniffer and see how many packets you lose or delays you see. My ASUS RT-AC66U and my ThinkPad with it's Intel 7260AC card has faster speeds than these adapters, but is not even close in terms of consistent packets with low latency. Your web surfing via wireless - not a problem, most likely - but your DVRs and streaming devices really appreciate steady, low latency throughput. So, enough whining about people's unrealistic expectations. I added these to my existing TP-Link AV500's (and wifi range extender) and just like those, these were plug and play. I've never had a glitch or rebooted the range extender for 2 years on the old units, I expect these will be similar. (and after 3 weeks have seen no issues). I used two ThinkPads, Ixia QCheck and Totusoft LANSpeed to measure all sorts of combinations, trying these in a dozen different outlets, with and without a cheap power strip and saw consistent results. My exact speeds don't matter (although they were over twice as fast as my AV500 units) - you use these sorts of tests only for baselining and your own reference to find the best outlets. *** One hint *** for those who complain about these partially blocking the other socket in your outlet - plugging these into a surge protector (or UPS, which I tried for fun) is a no-no, performance blows - that's a given. But go to Walmart and buy the $3 power strip with the short cord (it doesn't say surge protector - that one is $2 more and is not what you want) and you can plug into those without a drop in speed. That will solve your blocked plug problem, and in some cases make for an easier installation (it all depends). DO NOT let those complaints scare you away. I also tested these with my $1.50 6 inch 3 prong male-female extenders that I use for those annoying AC adaptors that suck up too much space and also saw zero change in performance. These are fast - the fastest AV1200 units right now according to smallnetbuilder's tests, and inonically the most inexpensive AV1200 units on the market. Drop dead simple to use, reliable, and...why haven't you bought these already?

I was in a living environment at the time circa Summer 2016 to Fall 2017 where my setup was in a 'dead zone' for WiFi, meaning that I couldn't get a very stable connection and would deal with occasional internet drops. I had considered a USB WiFi adapter, but wasn't 100% if that would've helped with the issues I was having at the time, so I ultimately decided on going for this TP-Link powerline adapter. One adapter was plugged into the wall where the router was located on the top floor, and the other adapter was plugged into the wall where my setup was located on the bottom floor. This setup gave me the stable internet I needed, I never had any serious drop outs/technical mishaps during the year it was largely in use, and although I was unable to get the full speeds that our ISP at the time provided, it was still more than sufficient and quick enough that I was satisfied. Whilst this has since been replaced by newer powerline offerings from TP-Link, this was an ol' reliable when I needed it the most. TP-Link has served me well, and though I no longer need a powerline adapter with my current setup, I would happily use one again if absolutely necessary.