Powerline networking offers a very simple way to bring wired Ethernet connectivity to places where Wi-Fi can't reach. All you have to do is plug two or more adapters into any outlet in your house, connect one of them to your router, and you've got instant wired networking. The D-Link Powerline AV2 2000 Gigabit Starter Kit (DHP-701AV) ($129.99) represents the best of the new Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO)-enabled powerline adapters, delivering very fast throughput and quick file-transfer speeds. It's our Editors' Choice for powerline adapters.
Design and Features
At 3.8 by 2.8 by 1.3 inches (HWD), the DHP-701AV adapter is about the same size as a deck of playing cards and is small enough that it won't block access to an adjacent wall outlet. The face contains LED indicators for Power, Ethernet, and powerline signal strength. As with most powerline adapters the signal strength LED glows red when the link rate is good, amber when it is better, and green when it is best. There's a three-pronged plug on the back and a gigabit Ethernet port, a reset button, and a Simple Connect button on the bottom. The Simple Connect button makes it easy to configure a secure network; simply press the button on one adapter and hold it for 2 seconds. Once the power LED begins blinking, you have 2 minutes to press the button on any other adapter. When the power LED glows solid green, all adapters are securely connected. The kit comes with two adapters, two Ethernet cables, and a Quick Install Guide.
Installation and Performance
One of the best reasons for creating a powerline network is ease of use, and the DHP-701 AV is no different. All you have to do is plug one adapter into a wall outlet near your router and connect it to the router using an Ethernet cable. Then plug the second adapter into a wall outlet in any room in the house (you can have up to 16 adapters on a single powerline network). Use the Simple Connect button to secure your network, and you're done.
I test powerline adapters using an outlet in my living room that is in close proximity to my HDTV and Sony PS3($185.09 at Amazon) gaming console. The adapter is plugged directly into the outlet and is the only appliance that uses that outlet. I use the JPerf network measurement tool to create and send four data streams and measure throughput from point to point. The DHP-701AV delivered the best performance of the three next-generation powerline adapters I've tested. Its throughput speed of 92.5Mbps beat the Comtrend G.hn PG-9172 Powerline Adapter Kit($59.99 at Amazon) (62.3Mbps) by more than 30Mbps and was nearly three times faster than the Netgear Powerline 1200 (PLP1200)($78.88 at Amazon) (34.5Mbps).
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File-transfer performance was also top notch in our tests. The DHP-701AV moved a 500MB folder containing a mix of music, video, JPEG, and document files in 1 minute 17 seconds. The Comtrend PG-1972 matched that speed, while the Netgear PLP1200 needed 2:19. The DHP-701AV transferred a mixed 1.5GB folder in 3:54, besting both the Comtrend PG-9172 (4:56) and the Netgear PLP1200 (7:49). Not surprisingly, the DHP-701AV delivered smooth HD video on my Netflix streaming test and perfectly synced, stutter-free online gaming while playing Call of Duty: Black Ops on the Sony PS3 console.
Conclusion
The D-Link Powerline AV2 2000 Gigabit Starter Kit (DHP-701AV) brings wired Ethernet networking capabilities to any room without having to rewire your house. It uses existing electrical wiring to deliver the bandwidth needed to stream smooth, high-definition video and to play online games without lag or stutter. It costs $40 more than the Netgear Powerline 1200 (PLP1200), but it is more compact and delivers much better performance. It also outperforms the similarly priced and similarly sized Comtrend G.hn PG-9172 Powerline Adapter Kit. As such, the D-Link Powerline AV2 2000 Gigabit Starter Kit DHP-701AV is our Editors' Choice powerline adapter.
The D-Link Powerline AV2 2000 Gigabit Starter Kit (DHP-701AV) uses your home electrical wiring to deliver very fast throughput and transfer speeds via a wired Ethernet connection.
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