Question 1

The video in the description mentions being able to move your wi-fi signal with the powerline adapter to a more central place in your home where you can get better coverage. Do you have to use the unit this way, or can the powerline adapter be used in addition to the wi-fi signal my router is already broadcasting? My router is at one end of my house and I need the powerline adapter for an internet connection on the other side of the house. So can they both broadcast the same network at the same time and give me full coverage all over the house?

Accepted Answer

This unit extends the router's LAN to create a new wifi with the same ID plus the EXT added to the name to signify extension.  So if your router is on the LEFT(or basement), and have a weak signal on the RIGHT(or attic) portion of the house, as long as you are running the same electrical current you will be able to extend your wifi to furthest section of your house.

Question 2

May I connect a switch on the client side to hook up multiple devices?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I have a Wii, X-box, and Blu-ray player connected through a switch on mine at it works fine.  Never tried multiple simultaneous connections but I would not see an issue with that other than bandwidth limitation.

Question 3

If I use this device and my neighbor also has one installed then what is to prevent my neighbor from accessing my network or seeing the traffic on my network?  Electrical wiring goes everywhere.  My neighbor can be next door in a separate house or in the adjacent apartment in my building.

Accepted Answer

They normally shouldn't be able to see each other.  Additionally, the devices can be set up with encryption, at which point it is protected about the same as a wireless network would be (in regards to your neighbors being able to do anything to it).

Question 4

Can the wireless part of this be turned off completely so it just acts as a powerline connected wired interface using cat6?

Accepted Answer

I did not see a way to turn the wireless off but you have to set it up using the Netgear Genie software so if you just don't do that it would probably have pretty much the same effect.

Question 5

if this is 10/100 why is it advertising 500?

Accepted Answer

I have been using it for almost a month and so far I am very happy with it.
In my home network, the modem is connected to a Netgear router and then thru powerline via Netgear XWNB5221 to my office. I did multiple internet speed test using LAN cable connection to XWNB5221 and the speed can get to 60MBps ~= 480Mbps. To me it meets its advertised number. Please note the difference between MBps and Mbps. Mbps is measured by bit not byte. There is a factor of 8. I am not sure where the 10/100 number was from.
Hope this helps.

Question 6

This will only allow one connection using the adpater, how will get to duplicate this connection? That is where can I buy the additional adapters?

Accepted Answer

I brought the Netgear XAVB5421-100PAS AV500 1-Port Essentials Edition Powerline Kit with Pass-Thru Outlet (there are two units with the package) from newegg and it joins the existing XWNB5221 powerline network right away without any configuration. So I get two more RJ45 connections through the Powerline.
Thanks.

Question 7

I live abroad, is this multi voltage? Will it run on 220 volts instead of US standard 110 v?

Accepted Answer

According to Netgear's KB on this model:

"What is the power consumption of the XAVB5201v2 / XAVB5221 / XAVB5421 / XAVB5622?
The power consumption of XAVB5201v2 / XAVB5221 / XAVB5421 / XAVB5622 is 2.0 Watts in 110V AC and 2.3 Watts in 220V AC."

Looks like it should work at 220V with the appropriate plug adapter.

Question 8

Please explain the setup process to install the range extender. It was noted as plug n play, however my experience is the actual installation is more involved?

Accepted Answer

Should just be able to plug and connect to each unit with no problem. Mine worked right away. Just plug into wall outlet and connect ethernet cable to router and then plug other unit into another outlet in same house and connect that ethernet cable to PC, Smart TV or whatever...and signal should be broadcasting...you're good to go.

Question 9

Can these be upgraded to homeplug av2?

Accepted Answer

It works as it is.  I don't know the advantages by upgrading to av2.  I needed it to extend the network on the second floor.

Questions & Answers