The WiFi connection to an old Mac that I use to stream music was not always reliable and regularly gave annoying dropouts in the music. Multiple adjustments to the WiFi settings did not improve the situation. Just too many neighbors with WiFi. A fixed Ethernet connection was not available on site, so I looked for another solution. At Coolblue I quickly found a possible solution in the form of powerline adapters.
I chose the TP-Link TL-PA40410P Starter Kit because they have a built-in power outlet, are inexpensive, the reviews looked good, and the boxes looked relatively small and neat in the pictures. The order went smoothly as I am used to at Coolblue and was delivered the next day by PostNL.
The TP-Link TL-PA40410P Starter Kit contains 2 powerline adapters, 2 Ethernet cables (CAT5) of 2 meters, a Quick Start Guide (English), a multilingual user manual and a small CD (8 cm) with software (Windows only). The fact that Ethernet cables are supplied was not stated in the product information, Coolblue can improve that. The Quick Start Guide was clear and the images in it matched the product delivered. The multilingual manual contains images that differ and is therefore less clear. The small CD is not usable if you don't have a CD drive where it fits, but also not necessary if you have an internet connection (who of the target group for this product does not). At TP-Link you can simply download the software, also for the Mac.
Connecting was a breeze. Truly plug & play. Adapters in the socket, with the supplied Ethernet cables connect one to your router, the other to your computer and it works. If you want to secure the connection, press a button on one adapter and then (within 2 minutes) a button on the other adapter. You don't really need the software. I installed it to see what you can do with it. I see little added value. You can see which adapters are connected and you can name the adapters and the powerline network.
The powerline connection just works perfectly. In my case, one adapter is plugged directly into a socket, the other is in a power strip with an extension cord. It is an ordinary power strip without a filter or surge protection, apparently that can work well. The speed of the connection does not reach 500 Mbit/s. I see speeds of about 220 Mbit/s up and 260 Mbit/s down. That is still more than WiFi and also more than the 100 Mbit/s of the Ethernet connection. The connection is also extremely stable. I haven't heard a dropout in the 2 weeks I've been using these powerline adapters.
I am extremely satisfied with these powerline adapters and can heartily recommend them to anyone who needs a network connection where WiFi does not work well and no ethernet connection is available. With this kit you have a properly working network connection from every socket in a few minutes. And if it doesn't work at home, an advantage of buying from Coolblue is that you can simply return the product.
