Is powerline adapter better than Ethernet?

When it comes to connecting devices to your home network, Ethernet cables and powerline adapters are two popular options. Many people wonder if powerline adapters are better than Ethernet cables for networking. There are pros and cons to both technologies that are worth considering.

What is a powerline adapter?

A powerline adapter (sometimes called a powerline network adapter or powerline Ethernet adapter) uses your home’s existing electrical wiring to transmit data between devices. It works by modulating data signals over your home’s electrical circuitry.

Powerline adapters consist of two units – one connects to your router and the other to your device via an Ethernet cable. The electrical wiring between them acts like a long Ethernet cable, allowing you to connect devices to your network without running cables through your home.

How does a powerline network work?

Here is a quick overview of how powerline networking functions:

A powerline adapter plugs into a power outlet near your router and connects to the router via an Ethernet cable.
A second powerline adapter plugs into a power outlet near your device (like a computer, smart TV, game console, etc.) and connects to the device via Ethernet.
The two powerline adapters create a connection over your home’s electrical circuitry.
This allows network data to be transmitted between the devices at Ethernet speeds of generally 200-500 Mbps.

So in essence, your home’s electrical wires are transformed into network cables to extend your home network to any room with a power outlet. This allows devices to connect to your network without running long Ethernet cables through rooms.

What are the benefits of powerline adapters?

Here are some of the main upsides of using powerline networking:

Easy to install – No special tools or wiring is required. Just plug the adapters into power outlets and connect them to your router and devices.
Uses existing electrical wiring – Powerline adapters work with your existing home electrical system. No need to run Ethernet cables through rooms.
Good performance – Powerline adapters generally provide faster speeds than WiFi, with bandwidth between 200-500Mbps for the latest standards.
More reliable than WiFi – Less susceptible to interference than wireless networks. Provides a stable wired connection.
Extend your network – Add network access to areas where WiFi is weak. Great for basement offices, garages, back rooms, etc.
Works with multiple devices – You can connect several devices to the powerline network by adding more adapters.
Security – Powerline networks are encrypted for better security than open WiFi.

For many homes, powerline adapters provide a convenient way to get wired network speeds without having to run Ethernet cables everywhere. The ability to reuse existing electrical wiring makes installation much easier.

What are the downsides of powerline networking?

Powerline networking has some drawbacks and limitations to be aware of:

Lower speeds than Ethernet cable – Max bandwidth is about 500Mbps, versus 1Gbps for Ethernet cable.
Can be affected by noise – Electrical noise from appliances can interfere with powerline signals.
Wall outlets must be on the same circuit – Adapters won’t work across different circuits. Your home’s wiring affects connectivity.
Household wiring quality impacts performance – Older wiring reduces speeds. Outlets hooked up improperly also cause issues.
Doesn’t work as well through surge protectors or powerstrips – Plug adapters directly into wall outlets.
Set-up can be tricky – Getting the right placement and outlets can take some trial and error.
Only works inside your home – Not a substitute for WiFi networking outside your house.

Overall, powerline networks work best in homes with good electrical wiring. Performance and connectivity issues are common frustrations with powerline adapters.

Ethernet cables – how do they work?

Ethernet cables are the traditional wired networking solution. An Ethernet cable has eight copper wires inside that transmit data between devices. Here’s a quick refresher on how Ethernet cabling works:

Ethernet cables use RJ45 connectors to plug into Ethernet ports on devices.
Devices like computers, routers, switches, and game consoles have built-in Ethernet ports.
Ethernet supports network speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps).
Cables are available in different categories (Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, etc.) with varying performance.
Ethernet cables rely on direct wire connections for transmitting network data.
Ethernet cabling forms the backbone of most wired networks and is very reliable.

The direct copper wiring of Ethernet cables ensures fast, stable network performance. Ethernet offers faster speeds than powerline networking, especially on Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables. Running Ethernet cabling usually requires some installation effort, since cables must be routed between rooms.

What are the benefits of Ethernet cabling?

Here are some of the major advantages of wired Ethernet networks:

Very fast speeds – Ethernet supports up to 1Gbps on Cat 5e/Cat 6 cables. Faster than powerline adapters.
Low latency – Ideal for gaming and HD video streaming that require low lag.
Reliable connectivity – Provides consistent wired connectivity with no interference.
Higher security – Wired networks are more secure than wireless networks.
Scalability – Expanding a wired network is straightforward by adding switches.
Not affected by distance or obstacles – Ethernet cables maintain signal strength over longer runs.
Backwards compatible – New Ethernet standards are compatible with previous ones.
Industry standard – Ethernet is a widely used, proven networking technology.

For the fastest and most dependable network, Ethernet cables are hard to beat. Ethernet forms the backbone of enterprise networks due to its speed, low latency, and reliability compared to other options.

What are the downsides of Ethernet cabling?

Running cables for Ethernet networks also comes with some disadvantages:

Fixed installation – Cables must be run to permanent locations. Difficult to change layout once installed.
More expensive than powerline initially – Ethernet cables and installation costs can add up.
Labor intensive installation – Running cables through walls and ceilings requires expertise.
Physical cable limitations – Maximum length of 100 meters between devices. Cables can be damaged.
Doesn’t extend network outside your home – Only works inside with fixed cable runs.
Can’t connect devices wirelessly – Everything needs to be wired into the Ethernet network.
Challenging for retrofits – Running new cabling in finished homes and apartments is difficult.

While Ethernet wiring has its advantages, the installation challenges should not be underestimated. The labor and costs involved with installing Ethernet cabling can be prohibitive for some users, especially in existing homes.

Powerline vs Ethernet – Comparison

Now let’s directly compare some of the key differences between powerline and Ethernet performance:

	Powerline Adapter	Ethernet Cable
Speed	Up to 500Mbps	Up to 1Gbps
Latency	Higher latency	Very low latency
Reliability	Can be affected by electrical interference	Extremely reliable
Ease of Installation	Very easy plug-and-play	Requires running cables
Cost	More affordable	Higher hardware and installation cost
Expandability	Limited by number of outlets	Very scalable by adding switches

Ethernet has the edge when it comes to speed and reliability. But powerline adapters are much simpler to install and more budget-friendly. Both options have merits depending on your needs.

Should I choose powerline or Ethernet?

So when deciding between powerline vs Ethernet cabling, there are several factors to keep in mind:

Speed needs – How fast of a connection do you require? Powerline provides 200-500Mbps which is adequate for most homes. But Ethernet offers up to 1Gbps for very demanding use.
Home construction – Powerline functions better in homes with modern, good quality electrical wiring. Older homes with messy wiring can hamper performance.
Aesthetics – Powerline adapters avoid the need for exposed cables running through rooms.
Future expansion – An Ethernet wired network offers greater potential for upgrading bandwidth and expanding connections down the road.
Existing infrastructure – If your home is already wired for Ethernet in some areas, that sway the decision. No need to replace existing Ethernet cabling that works well.
Budget – Powerline adapters provide network access at a lower cost.Ethernet installation is pricier.
DIY vs Pro install – If you’re able to run your own cables, Ethernet is easier to set up yourself. Hiring a pro installer adds significant cost.

Here are some general guidelines on choosing powerline vs Ethernet for your home network:

For light networking needs, powerline adapters offer a low cost, easy way to extend connectivity.
If you need maximum speeds above 500Mbps, Ethernet cable provides better performance.
For older homes or those with electrical interference, Ethernet is more reliable.
If you can install Ethernet cable yourself, it may be a worthwhile project for a high-performance network.
Hiring an electrician to install Ethernet cabling costs thousands and is hardest to justify economically.

Can you use both powerline and Ethernet?

Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to choose between powerline or Ethernet. In many homes, it makes sense to use both technologies:

Use Ethernet cable where feasible for devices like desktop PCs that need maximum speed and reliability.
Add powerline adapters to extend connectivity to other areas without installing cables.
For example, run Ethernet to home offices and game rooms, and use powerline to add network access to smart TVs or security cameras.
A hybrid approach maximizes the benefits of both wiring methods.

Employing both Ethernet and powerline on the same network is a great way to take advantage of the strengths of each technology. Ethernet handles high-demand applications while powerline conveniently fills in connectivity gaps. Many homes find this dual-technology solution provides the best overall network experience.

Tips for powerline adapter installation

If you choose to go with powerline networking, here are some tips for a successful setup:

Use outlets on the same electrical circuit for best performance. Adapters may not work across circuit breakers.
Try outlets in different rooms if speeds are slower than expected. Find outlet pairs with the strongest connectivity.
Plug powerline adapters directly into wall outlets rather than power strips or surge protectors which can degrade signals.
Position the powerline devices centrally in your home rather than at the far edges to maximize coverage.
Keep adapters away from other large electrical devices that could generate interference.
Set up a security password to encrypt your powerline network traffic.
Update your adapters to the latest firmware version for compatibility and performance improvements.

With some trial and error to find optimal outlet placements, powerline adapters can provide whole-home connectivity comparable to WiFi. Performance is highly dependent on your home’s electrical system.

Conclusion

Both powerline adapters and Ethernet cabling have their merits for in-home networking. Powerline uses your existing electrical system to provide easier setup, while Ethernet offers faster maximum speeds but requires installing cable runs.

For most users, powerline networking provides a good middle ground that is fast and affordable enough for everyday use. Ethernet cabling offers higher performance for advanced applications like video streaming and gaming. Many homes use a combination of both solutions where feasible.

Consider your speed requirements, budget, home construction, and technical capabilities when deciding between powerline vs Ethernet for your network. Both technologies have their place in delivering wired connectivity across your home.