Homeplugs

dunkle · 24-02-2021, 12:22

Can anyone advise what the current �best� home plugs are
Don�t need anything overly complicated and techy but something that would get 4k Netflix playing and ideally, also broadcast wifi just to boost that as well ( but without having to mess about with user having to manually change networks on devices as move around house)

Cheers

scoobyood · 24-02-2021, 17:32

I have a few TP-Links 1000 Mbps 'HomePlug AV2 standard compliant' and they are rock solid.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08DVGRQ59

Brought them in 2017 and rarely need to reboot them. I did have 4 working fine at one point between upstairs and downstairs. I currently have 2 running between an upstairs spare room where the internet gubbins is and the living room TV. Runs 4K etc no problems. If I ping the Nvidia Shield under the TV from the computer upstairs, I get a steady 2-3ms.

However.. I am in a new build.. I think new wiring makes a huge difference. Beware.

zac · 24-02-2021, 19:28

I'll 2nd the tp-links, I have 5 set up, my sons use it for xbox/playstation gaming, my daughter and living room for streaming, and I have one in the office for stable Internet for working from home.
All have been rocksteady

AdamBrunt · 24-02-2021, 20:00

Another vote for the tp-links. I have 4 of their AV1300 pass-through adaptors ( for WFH in my study, streaming in the lounge, for a wired XBox connection and obviously I next to actual router).

None of the ones I have though extend the WiFi - for that I have a Tenda 4 node MESH as well which is also rock solid throughout and a lot better to when I used to have a tp-link homeplug wifi-extender

dunkle · 24-02-2021, 20:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamBrunt

Another vote for the tp-links. I have 4 of their AV1300 pass-through adaptors ( for WFH in my study, streaming in the lounge, for a wired XBox connection and obviously I next to actual router).

None of the ones I have though extend the WiFi - for that I have a Tenda 4 node MESH as well which is also rock solid throughout and a lot better to when I used to have a tp-link homeplug wifi-extender

Cheers all
Do tp link do a version with the wifi extension built in ?
It�s for my dad and the simpler / fewer devices the better

Also, do homeplugs still have issues with different �rings� on home wiring ?

AdamBrunt · 24-02-2021, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunkle

Cheers all
Do tp link do a version with the wifi extension built in ?
It’s for my dad and the simpler / fewer devices the better

They do, but the 1200 ones aren't cheap - https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-Pow.../dp/B08LW5VPPV

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunkle

Also, do homeplugs still have issues with different “rings” on home wiring ?

I believe so. And they need to be plugged directly into a wall socket for best results (and IIRC don't work at all if plugged into a 4-gang extension type thing with surge protection)

scoobyood · 24-02-2021, 20:42

The different ring mains in your house are different circuits. Never going to get around that, the wiring won't join. It's usually only limited to kitchen circuitry though..

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

The Bear · 24-02-2021, 22:20

You'll have to pay a fair bit to get a WiFi extender that automatically switches to that network as you move around. Most don't do it.

AdamBrunt · 24-02-2021, 22:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Bear

You'll have to pay a fair bit to get a WiFi extender that automatically switches to that network as you move around. Most don't do it.

Was thinking that as well.

An extender can clone/extend the router's SSID but most of them won't automatically switch a device between them; if you start by connecting your device to your router's WiFi then - even if you are standing right next to the extender - if you can still reach the router you will stay connected to it.

This is one of the benefits of MESH over extenders - with MESH you automatically move from 'node' to 'node' as you move round the house

dunkle · 24-02-2021, 22:59

Cheers

Think will go for two separate things then

Parents house is very very solid 100 plus year terrace.
Wifi is terrible and drops quickly
Is there a “best” mesh system that would help him get wifi all over the house and ideally into the garden

Definitely has to be (a) fairly simple to setup (although I could do it once restrictions are lifted) ans (b) definitely needs to be simple to use with no requirement for him having to seek new wifi networks in his iPad etc

Cheers

Wooglie · 24-02-2021, 23:20

My parents use the TENDA Nova MW3 mesh system which got good reviews and very easy to set up.
They just have the three pack, but you could add more if required.

shteve · 25-02-2021, 08:30

I've got the Tenda MW6 mesh system. I did look at the MW3 but wanted the gigabit ethernet port over the fast ethernet. In reality it probably makes little difference as it was just to get a better wifi signal for the Shield. Also use the TP-Link homeplugs to connect the missus' office (mine is hard wired as the router is in here

).

dunkle · 25-02-2021, 08:31

Cheers. Will look,at the tenda system

How do they work ?
Does one of them connect via cable to router and then you distribute around house and let that become your wifi network ?

AdamBrunt · 25-02-2021, 08:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by shteve

I've got the Tenda MW6 mesh system. I did look at the MW3 but wanted the gigabit ethernet port over the fast ethernet. In reality it probably makes little difference as it was just to get a better wifi signal for the Shield. Also use the TP-Link homeplugs to connect the missus' office (mine is hard wired as the router is in here

).

I got the MW3 as I didn't need the gigabit port - only got a 60Mbps broadband connection so didn't need it really. Thinking of upgrading now though as I will shortly have 1Gbps broadband available

IIRC the MW6 has other advantages of better range ( I think ) and it uses a separate signal for when the nodes are talking to each ( so that part doesn't impact your device connection speed )

AdamBrunt · 25-02-2021, 08:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunkle

Cheers. Will look,at the tenda system

How do they work ?
Does one of them connect via cable to router and then you distribute around house and let that become your wifi network ?

Pretty much.

You connect the first one ( which becomes the 'master' ) to the router via ethernet connection, put in 'bridge', NOT DHCP, mode and give it the same SSID and password as the router. And then turn the router's WiFi off. Then you just put the other nodes in other areas of the house and just turn them on

There is a mobile app as well which lets you monitor the MESH; status of nodes, which devices are connected to which nodes, etc

dunkle · 25-02-2021, 08:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamBrunt

Pretty much.

You connect the first one ( which becomes the 'master' ) to the router via ethernet connection, put in 'bridge', NOT DHCP, mode and give it the same SSID and password as the router. And then turn the router's WiFi off. Then you just put the other nodes in other areas of the house and just turn them on

There is a mobile app as well which lets you monitor the MESH; status of nodes, which devices are connected to which nodes, etc

Cheers. He has budget of around 150 so may go for the mw6 to be future proofed