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At home, many prefer to surf flexibly via the WLAN connection to their own router, but in some rooms the signal strength leaves a lot to be desired due to structural features.
Or the distance to the router is too great, resulting in streaming dropouts when watching TV.
Then it can make sense to install one or more powerline adapters so that you can use the Internet again without hindrance.
Here you will not only find out how the devices work, but also which models are suitable for home use.
Internet from the socket: what is powerline and how does it work?
A house has numerous electrical lines that are not only suitable for lighting and power supply: they can also be used to transmit signals without affecting the flow of electricity.
And this is how it works: A Powerline adapter (sometimes also called PowerLAN adapter) is placed in a socket and connected to the router with the help of a LAN cable.
Now, if required, further powerline adapters can be distributed in the sockets in the house.
TV sets, computers or game consoles can also be connected to the Internet via a LAN cable, because the adapters use the power lines to exchange network signals.
The advantage: With a powerline adapter you can significantly increase the range of your router.
In addition, you usually achieve higher surfing speeds with this method than with WLAN.
Last but not least, you save yourself the laborious laying of Ethernet cables in the walls.
In older houses in particular, the Internet from the socket can ensure better Internet reception, as thick walls, concrete or built-in steel cannot limit the signal strength of powerline adapters.
However, for optimal use, the power lines should be properly installed so that Powerline can replace WLAN or even supplement it sensibly.
Improve the Internet: work with these tips
Before buying, make sure that there are enough sockets available in the rooms in which the devices are to be used (socket strips are generally not suitable for powerline adapters)
Models with an integrated socket do not block the power connection in the room, so that other devices can still be plugged in
When buying, pay attention to a high data transfer rate of at least 500 to 600 Mbit per second, so that streaming and online gaming can run as smoothly as possible
Internet from the socket: the most popular models
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With the Devolo Powerline Adapter Starter Kit *, up to 1000 Mbit per second are possible - the particularly high data transfer rate is particularly noticeable in HD streaming and online gaming - jerks and dropouts are therefore possible via the Powerline LAN connection almost impossible.
The set consists of two adapters and two LAN cables so that the devices can be put into operation immediately after delivery.
In addition to two LAN ports, a socket is also integrated in each device, so that the slot can still be used for other purposes despite the adapter.
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Powerline adapter
Buy the Devolo adapter kit online now
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Another device with a high data transfer rate: the TP-Link powerline adapter TL-PA4020P.
The set consists of two powerline adapters with an integrated socket - both have two LAN ports.
The scope of delivery also includes two LAN cables to connect the router and a device such as a television or computer to the powerline adapters.
Cheaper and just as reliable, but without an integrated socket: the TP-Link powerline adapter TL-PA4010 in a practical starter set *.
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Powerline adapter
Buy the TP-Link adapter online now
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If you want to stay true to your telephone provider, you can also use a powerline adapter from Telekom, for example - but this is not absolutely necessary, as powerline adapters are usually compatible with all common routers.
Powerline adapter: As a WLAN amplifier
If you still prefer to be connected to the WLAN, you can also opt for a powerline adapter that amplifies the wireless signal in the house.
The set from Netgear *, for example, does a good job.
Here, too, an adapter connected to the power supply is connected to the router via LAN cable, the other device is placed in another socket in the house - exactly where a strong WiFi signal is needed.
Practical: Should a LAN connection be necessary, the second adapter also has a port for connecting a television or computer.
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Powerline adapter
Buy the Netgear set online now
Order at Amazon Compare prices at Idealo
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WiFi amplifier
Buy AVM Fritz Powerline online
Order from Amazon Idealo
The Fritz! Box manufacturer AVM also offers an in-house solution * to amplify the WLAN signal using the power lines in the house.
An additional LAN connection for other technical devices in the household is also possible here.
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* If you complete a purchase using the links marked with an asterisk, WELT will receive a small commission. You can find our standards of transparency and journalistic independence at axelspringer.de/unabhaengigkeit.
This article was first published on August 30, 2019.