WiFi Amplifier, WiFi Boosters, Internet station, ... different providers use
different names for the boxes that transmit data/internet traffic via your socket.
The technical term for these devices is a power line connector or PLC. You will find them in different brands (e.g. Devolo, TP Link) and price categories. They are often only available for rent from your provider (e.g. Telenet, Proximus, Base).
You place a PLC in the socket close to your modem and connect the PLC to your modem using a data cable. At another place in your home where you want WiFi and internet, you also plug a PLC into the socket. If everything goes well, the PLCs send data traffic to each other over your electricity network. But that doesn't always work.
The most common WiFi problems
1.
No connection to network, data traffic interrupted
2.
Data traffic is disrupted by electrical appliances in your home
3.
4.
Loss of speed
Enkel voor kleine netwerken
Tips
You must connect all PLCs to the same circuit
A circuit is a loop on your electricity network on which various
sockets are connected. Do you have more than one circuit in your home? Then internet via the socket is not the best solution. All plugs must be connected to the same circuit, otherwise the system will not work. PLCs are therefore certainly not suitable for larger buildings, offices or older houses where the electrical installation has been expanded in several steps. After all, these have multiple circuits.
Different brands don't go together
In theory it should work, but in practice it is disappointing. PLCs from
different brands are not able to work together.
Other electrical devices can disrupt the system
How many devices are connected to the electricity grid has a major influence on the
quality. Unfortunately, this problem is more common. Sometimes it is a temporary problem,
for example when your dryer or oven is on. In some cases it is a
constant problem, for example when your refrigerator disrupts the system.
A smaller network is better
In any case, it is not recommended to create a large network with PLC devices. In practice, the system works best with one set of two
plugs.
So it is a good way to create a better connection for one particular
space, but not suitable for installing a complete network in the home. You better install wired WiFi access points.
Grounded sockets are required for maximum speed
The maximum internet speeds you can achieve via the PLCs depend on the
quality of the electricity network. Only with a properly grounded power network
you achieve the maximum speeds.
The disadvantage is that performance is difficult to predict, because every house is
wired differently.
Personalized settings are limited, suffer from interference
A major advantage of internet via electric wiring is the ease of installation. That
is also one of the disadvantages. Do you live in a busy area, for example in a
apartment block? Then there are probably many WiFi signals on the same one
frequency. This makes your WiFi slow and unstable.
Normally you can solve this by setting your WiFi to a different frequency.
Unfortunately, this is not possible with many powerline adapters. So you're stuck with the
frequency that the PLCs use.
You are limited to your electrical outlets
It is obvious, but the location of your sockets determines the location
of your PLCs. So do you need internet in a room without a socket? Then this is
not the best option. The more distance the internet signal has to travel, the
slower it will be.
You always lose speed
Of course, your sockets are not designed to transmit internet signals. So it is inevitable that you will lose some speed. The extra delay
is most noticeable if you already have a slow internet connection. Then it is wise
switch to a connection via a network cable. Also consider changing to a provider that offers a faster internet speeds.
Ask S-WiFi
S-WiFi can help you choose the right outdoor WiFi device and find its ideal location.
You can also contact S-WiFi if you need help connecting your outdoor WiFi device with the correct data cabling, or to configure your equipment.
