Question:

How to extend a powerline network with additional adapters of the same model?

I have a powerline network that consists of two D-Link DHP-P308AV adapters, one connected to my modem and the other to my Steam Link. The network performance is satisfactory, but I want to add more devices to it via ethernet cables. Can I simply buy more DHP-P308AV adapters and plug them into the power outlets near the devices I want to connect? Will they automatically join the existing powerline network without any additional configuration? I am not very familiar with the technical aspects of powerline networking. I would appreciate any guidance or advice on this matter. Thank you.

Answer:

Powerline networking is a convenient way to connect devices that are far away from your router or modem, using the existing electrical wiring in your home. Powerline adapters are devices that plug into power outlets and create a network signal that travels through the wires. You can connect one powerline adapter to your modem or router via an ethernet cable, and another one to a device that you want to access the internet, such as a computer, a smart TV, or a gaming console. This way, you can enjoy a fast and reliable wired connection without running long cables across your rooms.

But what if you want to connect more than two devices to your powerline network? Can you simply buy more powerline adapters of the same model and plug them into the power outlets near the devices you want to connect? Will they automatically join the existing powerline network without any additional configuration?

The answer is yes, you can easily extend your powerline network with additional adapters of the same model, as long as they are compatible with each other. Most powerline adapters use a standard called

HomePlug AV

, which ensures interoperability between different brands and models of powerline adapters. However, some powerline adapters may use different versions of HomePlug AV, such as HomePlug AV2 or HomePlug AV500, which offer higher speeds and features, but may not work well with older or lower-end powerline adapters. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specifications of your existing powerline adapters and buy additional ones that match or exceed them.

For example, if you have two D-Link DHP-P308AV adapters, which use HomePlug AV500 and support speeds up to 500 Mbps, you can buy more DHP-P308AV adapters or any other powerline adapters that use HomePlug AV500 or higher, such as DHP-P309AV, DHP-P601AV, or DHP-P701AV. However, if you buy powerline adapters that use HomePlug AV or lower, such as DHP-208AV, DHP-308AV, or DHP-509AV, they may not work well with your existing powerline network, or they may reduce the overall network performance.

Once you have bought the additional powerline adapters that are compatible with your existing ones, you can plug them into the power outlets near the devices you want to connect, and they should automatically join the existing powerline network without any additional configuration. However, some powerline adapters may have a security feature that requires you to press a

pairing button on each adapter to establish a secure connection. This is usually indicated by a lock icon or a security LED

on the adapter. If your powerline adapters have this feature, you should follow the instructions in the user manual to pair them with each other. This usually involves pressing the pairing button on one adapter for a few seconds, and then pressing the pairing button on another adapter within two minutes. You may need to repeat this process for each pair of adapters that you want to connect.

After you have paired your powerline adapters, you should be able to enjoy a fast and reliable wired connection on all your devices. You can check the status of your powerline network by looking at the

network LED on each adapter, which usually indicates the connection quality by different colors. For example, green means a good connection, orange means a fair connection, and red means a poor connection. You can also use the D-Link Powerline Utility

software, which you can download from the D-Link website, to monitor and manage your powerline network. You can use this software to view the network topology, the connection speed, the device information, and the security settings of your powerline adapters. You can also use this software to update the firmware, change the network name, or troubleshoot any problems that may arise.

Powerline networking is a simple and effective way to extend your internet access to any room in your home. By buying additional powerline adapters of the same model or compatible ones, you can easily connect more devices to your powerline network without any hassle. However, you should also be aware of some limitations and challenges that may affect your powerline network performance, such as:

• The distance and the quality of the electrical wiring in your home. The longer the distance and the older the wiring, the lower the connection speed and the higher the interference. You should avoid plugging your powerline adapters into power strips, surge protectors, or extension cords, as they may reduce the signal quality or block it altogether. You should also avoid plugging your powerline adapters into outlets that are shared with high-power appliances, such as microwaves, refrigerators, or air conditioners, as they may cause noise or interference on the powerline network.

– The number and the type of devices that are connected to your powerline network. The more devices that are connected to your powerline network, the more bandwidth that is consumed and the lower the connection speed for each device. You should also consider the type of activities that you are doing on your devices, such as streaming, gaming, or downloading, as they may require different amounts of bandwidth and latency. You should prioritize the devices and the activities that need the most bandwidth and the lowest latency, and use the

Quality of Service (QoS)

feature on your powerline adapters or your router to allocate the network resources accordingly.

– The interference and the competition from other powerline networks or wireless networks in your vicinity. If you live in an apartment building or a densely populated area, you may encounter interference or competition from other powerline networks or wireless networks that are using the same or adjacent frequencies. This may affect your powerline network performance and security. You should use the

encryption feature on your powerline adapters to protect your network from unauthorized access or eavesdropping. You should also use the channel selection

feature on your powerline adapters or your router to choose the best frequency for your powerline network, and avoid the ones that are crowded or noisy.

By following these tips and best practices, you can optimize your powerline network performance and enjoy a seamless and secure internet experience on all your devices. Powerline networking is a great solution for extending your internet access to any room in your home, without the hassle of running long cables or installing new outlets. With additional powerline adapters of the same model or compatible ones, you can easily connect more devices to your powerline network and enjoy a fast and reliable wired connection.