The wireless router had to be moved recently. As a result, I needed to expand the powerline network that was in place. I had the TP-LINK TL-PA4020 Kit, and it worked well. I used one adapter in the lounge for the router and NAS drive, and the other in the bedroom for the laptop. With the router moving, but the NAS drive staying put, I needed an extra powerline adapter. This time I opted for the TP-LINK TL-PA7020P Kit.
The TL-PA7020P adapters are dual ports, like the TL-PA4020. However, the TL-PA7020P have an integrated power socket, which means you don’t lose the use of a wall socket. Additionally, they are AV1000, whereas the TL-PA4020 adapters are only AV500. The AV rating referring to the speed the adapters are capable of. I had doubts whether I will get the full benefits of the AV1000 adapters when I mix them with AV500. So, I decided to run a few simple tests. In short, you do benefit from the faster speed of the AV1000 adapters.
I tested the following three configurations, to determine the file transfer speeds that can be achieved from the NAS drive to the laptop.
- With the laptop connected to an AV1000 adapter, the NAS drive connected to an AV500 adapter, and the router disconnected, it managed speeds of up to 49 Mbps.
- With the laptop connected to one AV1000 adapter, the NAS drive connected to the second AV1000 adapter, and the router disconnected, it managed speeds of up to 83 Mbps.
- With the laptop connected to one AV1000 adapter, the NAS drive connected to the second AV1000 adapter, and the router connected to an AV500 adapter, it managed varying speeds from 51 up to 73 Mbps.
Based on the above, it appears that the AV500 adapter will slow down the powerline network if it is actively transmitting. When it’s not, the AV1000 adapters can communicate at the faster speed that they are capable of.
Tags: powerline adapter, review, tl-pa4020, tl-pa7020p