Questions about TP-Link AV500/300Mbps Powerline adaptor

[tane]

1) I have been trying to find the wireless range of the TP-Link AV500/300Mbps Powerline adaptor but all searches turned up the wired power circuit range of 300m instead. Has anyone done a site survey of the wireless strength of these devices before? If I put it at one end of a 2000sq ft apartment, will the signal reach the other end with ease?

2) Is the wifi signal strong enough to penetrate concrete and metal? Is the signal omni-directional?

3) Will the wired powerline work if there is a elevator bank in the middle?

4) I did some research and saw that Broadcom had released a new HomePlug AV2-based power line chip that offered up to 1.5Gbps and integrated Wi-Fi in an all-in-one system-on-a-chip approach in June 2013 . As such, I was wondering if anyone heard/knows when such a AV2 1.5Gbps wifi powerline adaptor will be launched in the US? Sadly Devolo's adaptors can't be used in the US.

Any info appreciated. Thanks.

 

[azazel1024]

1) if single story? No, not a prayer if at one end of the apartment. I assume it is pretty similar to the other TP-Link 300Mbps extenders I've used, if so, pretty decent range, but it isn't going to punch through that much distance and wall count for a 2,000sq-ft single story apartment from one end to the other. If it was centrally located and it was 2x4 and drywall construction, it probably could cover all 2,000sq-ft, just don't expect awesome signal at the edges.

2) Yes, if you are talking over a short distance...like maybe one concrete and rebar wall of not too much thickness. I've tested one out and it managed to punch through my 4ft thick masonry fireplace with a steel pellet stove insert and still get usable signal on the other side (power outlet that the range extender was plugged in to was exactly opposite all of this). It certainly kills the signal though and 20ft away through another couple of 2x4 and drywall walls, the signal was basically unusable. The signal is omnidirecitonal.

3) No idea. Is the elevator on the same panel or sub-panel? I'd assume that the motors would produce a lot of interference when in operation. This one is really "you'll have to test it yourself" scenario

4) I haven't seen that released in the US yet. Honestly considering wifi issues/restriction, I don't think you'll benefit much or any from faster powerline networking. It sounds like you are going to be heavily wifi environment constrained.

 

[tane]

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it!

 

[thoma]

I feel that you are constraining your options too much. You're thinking that the Wi-Fi must be integrated with the HomePlug on a single unit. That really doesn't have to be the case. You could optimize the two variables separately.

Buy the best HomePlug unit you can, even if it has no Wi-Fi capability. Then, buy a Wi-Fi router, put it in access point mode, and plug it into the HomePlug unit.

You could also put multiple units in your apartment. A single-floor 2,000 sq. ft. apartment is quite large, so you may need more than one Wi-Fi access point. If you set them to use the same name and security key, then your Wi-Fi devices will roam between access points as you move from room to room.

3) No idea. Is the elevator on the same panel or sub-panel? I'd assume that the motors would produce a lot of interference when in operation. This one is really "you'll have to test it yourself" scenario

It would be unusual for the elevator to interfere with HomePlug. In apartment buildings, the machine room is usually located on the roof or the top floor. The electrical cable would run from the roof, all the way down into the basement, and finally to an electrical panel for the mechanical systems.

In terms of linear circuit distance, the elevator would be hundreds of feet away from the plugs in the apartment. It should have no more effect on HomePlug than the central air conditioner.

 

[azazel1024]

I feel that you are constraining your options too much. You're thinking that the Wi-Fi must be integrated with the HomePlug on a single unit. That really doesn't have to be the case. You could optimize the two variables separately.

Buy the best HomePlug unit you can, even if it has no Wi-Fi capability. Then, buy a Wi-Fi router, put it in access point mode, and plug it into the HomePlug unit.

You could also put multiple units in your apartment. A single-floor 2,000 sq. ft. apartment is quite large, so you may need more than one Wi-Fi access point. If you set them to use the same name and security key, then your Wi-Fi devices will roam between access points as you move from room to room.



It would be unusual for the elevator to interfere with HomePlug. In apartment buildings, the machine room is usually located on the roof or the top floor. The electrical cable would run from the roof, all the way down into the basement, and finally to an electrical panel for the mechanical systems.

In terms of linear circuit distance, the elevator would be hundreds of feet away from the plugs in the apartment. It should have no more effect on HomePlug than the central air conditioner.

Based on description I was thinking a loft type apartment where there might be 2-4 floors with the elevator running through the center of the apartment, where it might actually be part of the same panel as the apartment is on.

I'd assume it wouldn't cause interference, but assume is all I'd be doing.