Have you ever wanted to watch your desktop screen on your smart TV yet found out that the network connection is too weak or unreliable? If so, you are not alone.
Many people face this problem when they try to stream their favorite videos, games, or presentations from their computers to their TVs.
What is a power line adapter?
A powerline adapter is a device that uses your existing electrical wiring to extend your network signal to any room in your house. It works by plugging one adapter into an outlet near your router and another one into an outlet near your TV.
Then, you can connect your devices using ethernet cables or WiFi. This way, you can enjoy a fast and stable network connection without having to drill holes or run long wires.
Another option is to use a wireless powerline adapter, which can create a new WiFi hotspot in your home. Unlike a wired powerline adapter, a wireless one does not need an ethernet cable to connect to your TV. However, you still need to plug it into an outlet near your TV and pair it with another unit near your network monitor.
Jump down to my best powerline adapter picks
Credit: TP-Link
Things to consider before you buy the D-Link Powerline Adapter
Before you buy the D-Link Powerline Adapter, there are some things you need to consider.
First, the performance of the powerline adapter depends on the quality and condition of your electrical wiring. If your wiring is old or damaged, you might experience interference or reduced speed.
Second, the powerline adapter might not work well if you plug it into a surge protector, extension cord, or power strip. These devices can filter out the network signal or cause noise.
Third, the powerline adapter might interfere with other devices that use the same electrical wiring, such as baby monitors, cordless phones, or microwave ovens. You might need to adjust the frequency or channel of these devices to avoid interference.
Other options to consider
WiFi Extender
A WiFi extender is a device that amplifies and retransmits the internet signal from the router to areas where it is weak or nonexistent. A WiFi extender should be placed halfway between the router and the dead zone for optimal performance.
There are two types of WiFi extenders. A plug-in extender that fits into a wall socket and a desktop extender that has ethernet ports. Some WiFi extenders use the same wireless network as the router, while others create a separate network that requires switching devices. A WiFi extender should support the same or higher WiFi standard as the router.
Get my best WiFi extender picks here
Mesh Network
This may set you back a little more money, but it could be the easiest and best solution to getting a good internet signal in every area of your home. This is how I was able to get a strong signal in the nooks and crannies of our 1927 brick house, both inside and outside, where we need good WiFi to support our wireless security cameras.
This third mesh option will definitely boost the WiFi signal in your home. For those who don’t know, a mesh network is a group of connectivity devices, such as WiFi routers, that act as a single network, so there are multiple sources of connectivity around your house instead of just a single router.
You will also need to configure the mesh network using an app or software that may vary depending on the manufacturer. A mesh network is ideal for large homes with multiple floors and rooms or homes with thick walls or other obstacles that block WiFi signals.
Get my top mesh networking picks here
When one WiFi router isn’t enough – Top mesh networking winners
Best powerline adapters
D-Link Powerline Adapter
To use the D-Link Powerline Adapter, you need to plug one unit into an outlet near your network monitor and connect it to an Ethernet cable. Then, plug another unit into an outlet near your TV and connect it with another Ethernet cable.
The two units will automatically pair and create a secure connection. You can then use your TV’s remote control to access the desktop screen.
At the time of publishing, this product had over 1,000 global reviews on Amazon, with 59% giving it 5 stars.
NETGEAR Powerline Adapter Kit
The NETGEAR Powerline Adapter has Homeplug AV2 technology that supports gigabit speeds through your electrical outlets for improved coverage. It works perfectly for connecting smart TVs, streaming players, and game consoles with 4K HD streaming and lag-free gaming. It can be set up in minutes with no need to install any extra software, and there is a noise-filtered power outlet built into the adapter to ensure great performance. At the time of publishing, this product had over 7,900 global reviews on Amazon, with 63% giving it 5 stars.
TP-Link Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit
The TP-Link Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit is super affordable, being sold for just $37 at the time of publishing. Its data transfer rate is 600 megabits per second, and all customers get a two-year warranty against factory defects. It is lightweight, easy to install, and the company has been said to have excellent customer service should you have any issues. At the time of publishing, this product had over 13,000 global reviews on Amazon, with 65% giving it 5 stars.
Get TP-Link Powerline Ethernet Kit
NexusLink Powerline Ethernet Adapter
The NexusLink Powerline Ethernet Adapter allows you to enhance your network performance for streaming and gaming and reduce any lag and dropped frames. It’s specifically designed for high-density places like apartments, office buildings, condos, and hotels, and it delivers better real-world performance with its unique G.hn algorithms that improve upon older powerline standards. You can get a strong internet connection without the hassle of having to install an ethernet cable. At the time of publishing, this product had over 500 global reviews on Amazon, with 62% giving it 5 stars.
Get Nexus Link Powerline Ethernet Adapter
MORE: HOW TO SHARE YOUR WIFI PASSWORD WITH GUESTS
Kurt’s key takeaways
What you use to boost your WiFi signal in your home is ultimately going to depend on how your home is set up and what will work best for it based on that setup.
If your electrical wiring allows it, I would certainly say that a powerline adapter will give you better WiFi coverage with much less of a hassle than a WiFi extender might.
A third option could be a mesh network. Although, keep in mind that this is the most expensive option but a preferred way to get a solid signal everywhere at home.
Where is the toughest spot in your home to get a good WiFi signal? What did you do to solve the soft spot of coverage? Let us know by commenting below.
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