Who is this for?

Fixed-desk workshop attendee

If your laptop can connect by Ethernet at one basement desk, a wired endpoint may meet your need without adding a local Wi-Fi hotspot. Check the laptop connection and the kit’s destination port before choosing.

Basement Wi-Fi coverage seeker

If the workshop laptop or other devices need wireless access downstairs, look for a kit that provides Wi-Fi at the basement adapter rather than a LAN-only pair.

Existing powerline-network owner

Identify your current adapters before buying an add-on. devolo says its Magic adapters cannot connect to dLAN or other HomePlug AV products.

What matters when choosing?

Wired-only HomePlug AV2 kit

Choose when: Your workshop laptop stays at one desk and can connect by Ethernet.

Trade-off: The kit does not create a basement Wi-Fi hotspot for wireless-only devices.

HomePlug AV2 powerline Wi-Fi kit

Choose when: The basement needs local Wi-Fi as well as a possible wired connection at the desk.

Trade-off: Its Wi-Fi features add little to an Ethernet-only desk setup, and they do not remove the powerline installation requirements.

devolo Magic system

Choose when: You are starting a Magic system and select a LAN or Wi-Fi destination to suit your devices.

Trade-off: devolo says Magic cannot extend an existing dLAN or other HomePlug AV network.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Connection at the desk Check whether the laptop can use Ethernet and whether the basement adapter has a suitable port. If I join live sessions from one desk, I want a direct connection to the laptop rather than relying on weak router Wi-Fi downstairs. Around 40% of consumers put that fixed-desk connection first.
Basement Wi-Fi Choose a kit with Wi-Fi at the basement end if wireless devices need to connect there. When my workshop laptop cannot connect by Ethernet, I need wireless access in the room. Local Wi-Fi is the primary need for around 30% of consumers.
Electrical installation Check the circuit and test the intended wall sockets; keep the adapters out of power strips. If I am unsure whether the basement outlet can communicate with the router-side outlet, the socket layout comes before model features. Around 20% of consumers prioritise whether the installation will work.
Network compatibility Identify the existing adapters’ model and standard before ordering an add-on. With powerline adapters already in use, I need a new unit that can join that network. For around 10% of consumers, compatibility is the main concern.

What can go wrong?

  • Assuming any basement socket will work

    TP-Link says adapters on different electrical circuits will not communicate, regardless of their advertised speed or Wi-Fi features.

    Check the circuit relationship where possible, then test the router-side and basement sockets you intend to use.

  • Taking the headline Mbps rating as workshop speed

    The rated link speed does not establish what a live session will be like on your wiring. devolo also identifies electrical interference as a possible cause of reduced data transmission.

    Try the connection in its final sockets before relying on it for a workshop.

  • Using a power strip for the adapter

    TP-Link’s installation guidance calls for wall outlets rather than power strips.

    Plug each adapter directly into a wall socket. If you need that outlet for other equipment, check whether a passthrough model suits the setup.

  • Mixing devolo Magic with older powerline equipment

    devolo says Magic adapters cannot connect to dLAN or other HomePlug AV products because they use different standards.

    Read the existing adapters’ model names before buying an add-on; choose a compatible family or replace the system as a set.

Brands to consider

TP-Link

TP-Link has HomePlug AV2 options for both a wired desk connection and local powerline Wi-Fi.

  • The TL-PA7017 KIT has one Gigabit Ethernet port; the TL-WPA7617 KIT combines a Gigabit Ethernet port, AC1200 dual-band Wi-Fi and a passthrough socket.
  • TP-Link says the adapters need to be on the same electrical circuit. Their advertised Mbps ratings do not guarantee performance in a particular basement.

devolo

The Magic range offers LAN and Wi-Fi options for a new powerline system; the Magic 1 LAN starter kit includes two adapters and a LAN connection at the destination.

  • devolo says Magic adapters can be expanded with other adapters in the Magic series.
  • devolo says Magic cannot connect to dLAN or other HomePlug AV products, so check the existing network before choosing it as an add-on.

NETGEAR

NETGEAR’s UK powerline guidance addresses wired connections where the router’s Wi-Fi is weakened by distance or walls.

  • Its guidance highlights the need for adapters on the same electrical circuit.
  • Check the features of the particular kit against your need for Ethernet or basement Wi-Fi; general powerline guidance does not establish either feature for an individual model.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Common questions

Will powerline work between my router and a basement room?

It can work if the two adapters are on the same electrical circuit; TP-Link says adapters on different circuits will not communicate. Test the router-side and basement sockets you plan to use rather than assuming the basement location determines the result.

Should I choose a wired-only kit or a powerline Wi-Fi kit?

Choose a wired-only kit if the workshop laptop can stay connected by Ethernet at one desk. Choose a powerline Wi-Fi kit if a wireless-only laptop or other devices also need local coverage in the basement.

What if the basement connection is slow or unstable?

Try another wall socket and move nearby chargers, dimmers or power supplies away from the adapter. devolo identifies electrical noise as a possible influence on powerline transmission, so judge the connection in the sockets you will use for the workshop rather than by its maximum Mbps rating.

Can I plug an adapter into an extension lead?

Use a direct wall socket: TP-Link’s installation guidance advises against power strips, and devolo advises against extension cords. If you need to keep the outlet available for other equipment, consider a kit with an integrated passthrough socket.

Can devolo Magic join my HomePlug AV network?

No. devolo says Magic adapters cannot connect to dLAN or other HomePlug AV products because they use different standards. Check your existing models and choose a compatible add-on, or replace the system as a set.