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Forum Discussion
GillesNZ
Dec 22, 2017Tutor
Adding Powerline Adaptors
Hi, there.
I want extend my PowerLINE WiFi 1000 network by adding 2 more PLW1000 adapters. However, I cant't find a retailer that sells the adapters on their own. Everyone seems to sell the whole kit, i.e. PL1000 + one PLW1000 adapter.
Online chat was unable to help me, so maybe someone here can. Has anyone found an online stte that sells individual PLW1000 adapters?
Thanks
GillesNZ
6 Replies
- michaelkenwardGuru - Experienced User
GillesNZ wrote:
Has anyone found an online stte that sells individual PLW1000 adapters?You'll be lucky. The Powerline industry seems determined to sell only twin-packs, sometimes threesomes.
You might get something second-hand but I doubt if you will get the wifi access points in that way.
If you really do need two access points, you have an alternative option. But the twin pack and use the standard plug, the one with wifi, to feed an access point. You can even buy access points with the same form factor as Powerline plugs.
If you can find single plugs from different manufacturers, they should work with your Netgear kit, although that makes it a bit harder to set up the network.
- GillesNZTutor
Thanks michaelkenward.
So it seems I need to buy the twin pack, just to get the PLW1000 wifi adapter, with the other PL1000 device going to waste?
And, because if I need two wifi access points, I have to do this twice, ending up with 2 unneeded PL1000's.
Seems a shame that Netgear's hype of easiliy expanding your basic powerline network has a hidden cost.
- michaelkenwardGuru - Experienced User
GillesNZ wrote:
And, because if I need two wifi access points, I have to do this twice, ending up with 2 unneeded PL1000's.
I explained how to get around that problem. Use the spare PL1000 to host a wifi access point. Not an unneeded PL1000 in sight.
Take your pick from this lot:
WiFi Range Extenders: Boost Your WiFi Range | NETGEAR
Plug something like this:
WN2500RP | WiFi Range Extenders | Networking | Home | NETGEAR
into the "spare" PL1000. Probably cheaper than the twin-pack bundle.
I would also rethink my strategy. How big is your mansion? So big that a single extra powerful access point would not do the job?
Powerline access points are fine, but nothing like as powerful, and fast, as a serious access point.
The thought of having three competing wifi sources in one place fills me with dread. Great way of confusing all those wifi clients.
Then there is the wired bit. If something doesn't move around, wired beats wifi, so don't rely on an access point to connect it.
Only you know the topography of your premises, but you could get away with a pair of new plugs and just one decent wifi access point.
Seems a shame that Netgear's hype of easiliy expanding your basic powerline network has a hidden cost.As I said, all Powerline maker do the same thing.
It is easy to expand the Powerline network. Growing the wifi network is something else. You just have to approach it imaginatively.