Home wireless network coverage is never good enough to connect every room in the home; it is clear that its effectiveness is often undermined by obstacles in the home including furniture, curtains and especially walls and floors.
As a way to alleviate this problem, PLC technology (Power Line Communications) appeared, which has the ability to transmit data through the electrical network.
When it is implemented in the home, it usually consists of an adapter and an extender that work together to transmit the data emitted by the router through the power outlets: the first of them and the most important works connected to the router by cable network, with the mission of converting Internet data into electrical signals; while the extender decodes these signals and delivers them in the same way that an Ethernet or Wi-Fi access point would.
As is obvious, both devices work when connected to the current, the first located very close to the router and the second in any room in the home with very little network coverage.
This is a great advantage, since the Internet signal from the router can travel throughout the house and be shared without using additional cables. However, there are aspects of PLC technology that limit its performance, even compromising the quality and speed of data transmission.
That is why with the following tips you will be able to take better advantage of the benefits of PCL technology in your home.
Avoid using power strips with PLC adapters
Although PLC connections are very stable, the use of adapters or extenders connected to a power strip can cause signal attenuation and therefore data transmission speed. Preferably, connect PLC devices to wall outlets.
Try different outlets
Changing the wall outlet can solve a slow connection problem with PLC adapters, it also helps to reduce the distance between the main adapter and the router. Also, avoid connecting them to power sources with surge protection.
Avoid household appliances that cause interference in the electrical network
Motor-powered appliances such as drills, washing machines, refrigerators, or blenders, as well as fluorescent lamps equipped with a transformer are capable of generating noise or hum that affects the signal distribution of PLC adapters. Try to minimize interference by making them work in sockets away from the PLC devices.