TP-LINK TL-PA211KIT AV 200Mbps Mini Multi-Streaming Powerline Adapter Starter Kit

Pros: Dramatic speed increase over my wireless weak spots in the house. Plugged them in and they worked instantly! They also paired instantly and while using the utility the speed actually went up slightly once paired for whatever reason.

Cons: The passwords do not work that are on the back of the devices. I have contacted support but have yet to hear back.

Pros: They work. Connected to TV in the Living Room from one of the Bedrooms. Has not dropped out yet.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: TP Link has great products at affordable prices.

Pros: Works great - setup 40' away

Cons: One of the units died after 1 year 7 months. I'm waiting to hear back from TP-Link support.

Pros: Low latency (<4ms for me), good speeds, transparent operation (usually)

Cons: Can be difficult to link up, heavy line noise may disable it altogether (see Other thoughts)

Other Thoughts: These devices are a bit complicated to get right. First of all, understand that they have a range limit inside of your house. This means they may not work between any two arbitrary outlets, only ones that are relatively close on the wiring, depending on how noisey your wiring is. Second, noise is a huge issue, if you're getting bad connections, high latency, etc. its because of noise from all of your equipment. Installing EMI filters (sometimes they come bulit into surge protectors) all throughout your house on the major appliance areas, and especially areas that have computers with switching power supplies (very noisey!) will make these devices a hundred times more reliable and increase their range. Furthermore, avoid putting the device itself on an EMI filter, this is why they sometimes stop working when plugged into a power strip, etc. The devices rely on utilizing EMI/RFI as part of how they work, and filtering it will break them. If you need to put them on a surge protector to protect them from damage, have an electrician install GFCI outlets where they will be used instead, which are outlets with built-in circuit breakers.

Pros: Simple to set up, having just one button
Fast connection over power lines
No software needed

Cons: Large devices difficult to position
Failure rate

Other Thoughts: Based on my happiness with the first pair bought July 2011, I bought another pair in November 2011 and a third pair for another location.

These devices have operated well during this time connecting a five port gigabit switch for my home theater (Receiver, BD player, TV and HTPC) on which I've been able to stream any content I've wanted including 1080p video and a fast ethernet switch in my office. These have all been on different electrical circuits.

Despite the advice given, I have had no problems running these connected to power strips or a UPS. With only a handful of interruptions, they have been continuously powered.

I also purchased a second TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND gigabit wireless router/switch, so consider myself a happy TL-LINK customer overall.

Of the four devices in my home, two have now failed during normal operation with lights going out. The other two continued to operate fine, as do the other pair.

Pros: I love these things. Used these to get internet from my office to the blu ray player in the living room to stream NetFlix. Speed tests were comparable to wifi-N, but player only had wired port. Connection has been solid and streams HD NetFlix fine.

Cons: Doesn't auto pair.

Pros: NONE

Cons: JUNK......DON'T BUY

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Customer,

We are sorry that you are unhappy with the TL-PA211KIT. If you would like to speak with us in further detail about the issues you are/were encountering, we would love the chance to assist you!

We are sure that we can find some sort of solution for whatever problem you were having on this device.

Thank you for supporting TP-LINK!

Best Regards!
marc.elliott@tp-link.com
TP-LINK Support Team
support@tp-link.com
(866) 225-8139
http://www.tp-link.com/us/support
http://www.facebook.com/TPLINK

Pros: Reliable connection in relatively remote areas of the house.

Cons: Depending upon location, and even at times within the same location , the connection speed varies at times. According to the TP-Linl software speeds range from 50-60 MBps to 20-40 MBPs. Even at the slower speed, it is sufficient for my needs. My DSL conection is only 6 MBPs, so not a drag. While it has not affecteed me, the slower connections may be an issue if streaming video extensively.

Other Thoughts: Got these last March on sale for a very good price. While I am satisfied, at the regular price I might consider others.

Pros: I got this powerline adapter to ensure a more reliable connection to a computer furthest away from the wireless router. I would say the connection speed is almost equivalent to an actual ethernet connection.

Cons: On occasion the adapters may need to be reset, which is particularly annoying especially if the adapters are far away from one another (which if you are getting this, is probably the case). Despite being a seldom occurrence, there is nothing like getting on your computer to check something quickly to find the connection is gone. Holding the button for 8-10 secs on both adapters usually fixes the problem, but on occasion I have had to unplug them. There is definitely a lack of documentation. Holding the button on the adapter for 8 to 10 secs, does something completely different than if you hold it for about 20 secs, and there is no indication until you release the button as to what you have done.

Pros: If they are the only powerline adapters installed, occasionally I can get them to connect.

Cons: I get them connected, then plug in my ActionTec 200Mbit adapters and TP-LINK ones go off line. The TP-LINK adapters seem to want to connect to the ActionTec ones or something. Plus connecting these devices even without another adapter in the mix is hit or miss. If I can get them to connect eventually the fall off-line again. I am using wall sockets in the same room as a test and using the TPLink software to monitor the connection.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Customer,

The TL-PA211KIT is compatible with other manufacturer's 200Mbps PLC units. This may be why they detected them when the device(s) joined the powerline network.

Unfortunately, what you are experiencing in regards to the devices dropping offline is not a usual outcome. Although the devices are compatible with each other, they should not need to disconnect in order to join with a 3rd or 4th device.

This may be a malfunction within the devices themselves, causing the issue.

If you would like a replacement KIT, please let us know and we will be happy to assist you with an RMA.

Best Regards!
TP-LINK Support Team
support@tp-link.com
(866)225-8139
http://www.tp-link.com/us/support
http://www.facebook.com/TPLINK