Edimax PowerLine Adapter & Wireless AP

I have two WiFi routers/access points in my 2-story apartment so I can switch between the two anytime one of them goes down. However, the WiFi signal is sometimes a bit weak in a few areas so I thought a stronger draft-N would solve that problem.

Turns out there’s another way to get around that. The device transforms the entire power-line in your house or building into a wired network of sorts. The distributor sent me a 2 demo units to test out and it’s called the Edimax 200Mbps PowerLine Adapter with 150Mbps Wireless Access Point (yes, a mouthful). Now, that’s internet over powerlines! (on a micro-level, of course).

You need to have at least two of these to work. The first one, you plug into the wall socket and hook it up to your DSL router. The second one, you plug it into another wall socket where you want your WiFi to be extended. Just make sure both devices are plugged into the same electrical wiring network of your house or building.

Internet connectivity will flow from your DSL router to the first device, then to the powerlines going to the second device. The second device can then serve as a WiFi access point with a local speed of up to 150Mbps. At the same time, the device also has a LAN port you can plug into if your PC or workstation does not have WiFi capabilities.

I think this is best for multi-storey buildings like hotels or resorts where cottages or villas are spaced far apart. The main purpose here really is to eliminate the need for adding more wires since the powerlines can be a substitute.

It’s got some limitations though like the powerline coverage is only up to 200meters (distance between two devices over the powerlines). The WiFi access point has a maximum speed of 150Mbps while the PowerLine Adapter can carry up to 200Mbps. The units are not yet available in stores but estimated retail price is Php3,500USD 60INR 5,056EUR 57CNY 434 each.