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August 10, 2023
Crafts 4.0: A reliable internet connection is essential for businesses. If Wi-Fi is disrupted, a powerline connection can provide a solution.
Many businesses are familiar with the problem: especially on larger company premises, it's difficult to provide a good Wi-Fi signal in every area . If offices, sales areas, workshops, or warehouses have thick reinforced concrete walls or multiple floors, the wireless signal quality deteriorates significantly. In this case, Powerline (from the English word "electrical wiring") is a possible alternative : the handy Powerline adapters simply use existing electrical wiring for data transmission. Ideally, they achieve a range of 300 to 500 meters over electrical circuits.
Using DLAN (Direct Local Area Network) technology is very simple and works without any manual configuration. The first powerline adapter is simply plugged into a free electrical outlet and connected to the router via an Ethernet cable . Then, the second adapter also needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet – in the room or area where internet access is desired. The internet connection via the power grid is then ready to use within seconds.
Powerline adapters come in various versions: Simple models only offer connections via network cable . Adapters that also include Wi-Fi technology are much more practical . This provides a Wi-Fi signal in areas that are otherwise unreachable via radio signal, allowing employees to connect wirelessly to the company network . Additional powerline adapters can be added later in other areas. Powerline technology ensures reliable data encryption and, ideally, works even across circuit breakers and fuse boxes.
The biggest advantage of powerline adapters is that, unlike Wi-Fi, obstacles such as tempered glass, concrete walls, or metallic objects do not affect the transmission speed . The theoretically achievable data rate ranges from 1.200 to 2.400 megabits per second , depending on the manufacturer , but in practice, at best, only between 350 and 680 Mbps are usually achieved . Speed is often impaired by old house wiring, excessively long transmission distances, dimmer switches, or the simultaneous use of electrical devices on the same circuit.
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However, internet access via powerline cables doesn't always run smoothly. Powerline technology can interfere with the DSL signal on vectoring (DSL 100) or supervectoring (DSL 250) connections . This is primarily due to structural conditions, such as when telephone and power lines are very close together . This is sometimes the case in older buildings. Outdated electrical installations, fuse boxes, terminal blocks, fuses, residual current devices (RCDs), or power strips can also significantly hinder the technology.
Whether Powerline technology truly works smoothly in their own business is something tradespeople need to test themselves . Since the technology is very easy to install, this doesn't take much time. To minimize the financial risk, it's advisable to discuss a return policy with a specialist retailer beforehand or to order online – as buyers benefit from a 14-day right of withdrawal from the delivery date.
1. When purchasing powerline adapters for the first time, a set of two devices is recommended. This allows for the best testing of the technology in operation. The powerline network can later be expanded with additional adapters if needed.
2. Powerline technology works most reliably when only products from a single manufacturer are used. Those who wish to mix adapters from different manufacturers should look for the "HomePlug AV22" powerline standard (up to 1.200 Gbit/s, max. 300 meters) – then the devices should be compatible. Devolo's latest powerline adapters use the faster GHz standard, which enables speeds of up to 2.400 Mbit/s and ranges of up to 500 meters.
Three powerline adapters with LAN ports are usually less expensive than devices with additional Wi-Fi functionality. For optimal coverage across company premises, LAN, Wi-Fi, and powerline networking methods can be combined as needed.
4. If power outlets are scarce in your workplace, there are powerline adapters with pass-through sockets, so no outlet is lost. The powerline adapters themselves should always be connected directly to a wall socket – and never via a power strip.
5. For high transmission speeds via powerline, the building's electrical wiring must provide sockets with protective earth contacts and cabling with at least three conductors. This is standard in newer buildings, while older buildings often only have two conductors.
6. If the internet connection via powerline is unstable, try different power outlets in the same or different rooms. Sudden router resynchronizations likely indicate that the powerline technology is interfering with the DSL signal due to the building's structure. In this case, businesses should test alternative transmission technologies.
For good internet coverage on company premises, laying Ethernet cables is always the best and most reliable solution . This allows for the installation of access points at multiple locations (approximately €20 to €6.000) to create a seamless LAN or WLAN network . Since this solution is often too complex in existing buildings, installing a WLAN mesh system with multiple repeaters (approximately €20 to €400) is an alternative to extend the wireless range.
Sometimes external or replaceable router antennas are a good solution (costing approximately €30 to €700, depending on performance), enabling greater range. If these options aren't feasible in your specific setup, Ethernet-over-Coax remains an option : This technology utilizes existing or new antenna cables to transmit the internet signal. Similar to Powerline, this requires adapters (costing approximately €100 to €200), which – depending on the model – can also provide a Wi-Fi network on the receiving end.
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