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Wink My Review of TP-Link TL-PA8010P AV2 Powerline adapter tested with 20 outlets

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traderjay

Occasional Visitor
Preface:
I’ve read many powerline Ethernet adapter reviews and most of them have done a superb job at highlighting the pros and cons of such solutions, complete with comprehensive benchmarks. Almost all reviews stated that the performance of these adapters is highly dependent on individual homes and the wiring conditions. Basically your mileage will vary widely and you end up in a “plug and pray” situation. In addition, almost all reviews are performed in a lab or office which does not represent a typical home use situation, which is what these products are designed for. My short review is meant to fill in gaps and perform a comprehensive test in a home with 20 different outlets spread out across 3 floors. Hopefully my tests will provide a real-life in-home results that are more representative of the adapter performance.

The adapters used today is the TP-Link PA8010P starter kit. This adapter is based on the AV2 standard and has a theoretical speed of 1200 Mbps. Several excellent reviews are published and you can read them below:

https://www.avforums.com/review/tp-link-av1200-powerline-starter-kit-review.11557
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/p...200-gigabit-powerline-adapter-review-3610443/
http://www.hardwareheaven.com/2015/05/tp-link-av1200-review/

Test Assumption:
Most home users typically have their ISP modem placed in one room, along with a router or is using the built in routing functionality in the modem. With the prevalence of NAS devices, one might have a unit attached to the network in the same location as well. The modem remains static and is rarely moved to different locations in the house as the feed from the ISP demarcation point typically goes to one room or location. The powerline adapter is therefore installed near to the router or modem in order to provide connectivity to the secondary location.

In my test, the first powerline adapter is plugged into my basement office outlet that is the nearest to the gigabit switch, which connects directly to another switch in the utility room that has my FreeNAS server, Sophos UTM and router combo, along with my ISP modem. This is marked as the RED rectangle “T” on the floor plan. This adapter remains static throughout the test and is not moved. The second adapter is then connected to 20 different outlets in the house to test for connectivity and performance. These locations are marked on the floor plan as the numbered blue circles 1 to 20.
These are the most common locations where one might place a computer, access point, media streaming device, network camera or Smart TV that can take advantage of a wired network connection. The different locations are most likely traversing through different breakers or circuits which have a huge impact on performance.

1zegu2v.jpg



Test Setup:

FreeNAS Server as Host Device
• CPU: Intel XEON E3 1265L V3
• Motherboard: Supermicro X10SAE
• RAM: 16 GB DDR3 with ECC
• Storage Pool: 6 X 3TB HGST 7K4000 Ultrastar in RAIDZ2

HP NC8430 Laptop as Client Device
• CPU: Core 2 Duo
• OS: Windows 8.1 Pro
• RAM: 8GB DDR3
• NIC Interface: Broadcom NetXtreme Gigabit

My House used in this test:
• Located in Ontario, Canada GTA area
• Built in 2012
• 120V
• 200 amp SIEMENS Panel Board

I tested throughput using LAN Speed Test Lite with 500 MB file size. According to the official publisher of LAN Speed Test (Lite), this tool builds a file in memory, then transfers it both ways to a target network shared drive (without effects of windows file caching) while keeping track of the time. It then calculates the read and write throughput. On the laptop, LAN Speed Test maps to a network shared drive on the FreeNAS server, and sends a 500MB file to the server and copies the file back from the server, thus testing both the send (TX) and receive (RX) speed. This test accurately reflects real life performance such as downloading a file from the internet, media streaming, local network file transfer or accessing your NAS.

Please note that the FreeNAS server is able to full saturate a gigabit network link (1000 mbps) so there are no bottlenecks affecting the test results.


Test Results:

egakv4.jpg


The results indicate that you get the fastest speed when you are on the same floor but quickly deteriorates as you move farther way from the first adapter. I wasn’t able to get anything higher than 100 mbps on the first floor despite multiple retests. In my situation, powerline networking will be woefully inadequate if I wanted to setup a HTPC, SmartTV or 4K streaming box in the family room. The second floor has some pleasant surprises and I was able to achieve speed closer to a traditional wired 100 mbps LAN.

User Experience
I performed a few quick real-life application tests to gauge the user experience when connected via powerline networking:

NAS File Browsing – Loading and browsing of 200 photos (18 megapixels) proved to be a slow and painful experience, regardless of location. I experienced frequent stutter and stalling when browsing the folder.

Youtube 1080P Streaming – All streams played back without any issues

NAS Video Playback – Used VLC media player to play back several 1080P clips shot by Canon DSLR. Once loaded, video played back smoothly without stutter. Rewind or fast forwarding is very slow and experience frequent stutter and stalling.

Powerline Networking and Future Implications.

Fast Internet from ISPs – If you are fortunate enough to live in an area with fast internet access such as cable, DSL or fiber with speed in excess of 150 mbps +, you will not achieve the full bandwidth potential on your client devices when connected via powerline networking.

Multiple clients sharing one node – In situations where you have multiple clients (SmartTV, streaming box or HTPC) sharing a single adapter connection via a switch, you will quickly run into bottlenecks and decreased performance.

Browsing files on NAS – Most consumer grade NAS can easily sustain 65MB/sec (650 mbps) read and write speed and powerline networking will be a severe bottleneck. Moreover, clients browsing files on NAS through powerline connection experience frequent stuttering and stalling which further impacts the user experience.

Using powerline adapter to expand WIFI – One can expand WIFI to dead spots in the house by connecting a second access point or WIFI router to the powerline adapter to provide additional connectivity for wireless clients (Ipad, laptop, Iphones etc.) However, any modern WIFI standard such as 802.11n or 802.11ac will be bottlenecked by the powerline adapter. Multiple WIFI clients connected to the router or access point using bandwidth intensive applications (ie. all streaking HD videos) will quickly run into performance issue.

Powerline Networking vs WIFI vs MoCA 2.0
Powerline vs WIFI
– Most modern WIFI router with the 802.11n and 802.11ac standard will handily outperform powerline adapters in most situations. In my house with two Cisco Meraki MR18 802.11n access points operating in mesh mode, all WIFI clients consistently operate at 150 mbps + speed. Latency is where powerline adapters come ahead with number as low as 3 to 2 ms compared to 10ms+ for WIFI.

Powerline vs MoCA 2.0 – MoCA adapters use your home’s coaxial cable to transfer data and you can read my review here - http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/lanw...6200-bonded-moca-2-0-network-adapter-reviewed
In short, MoCA adapters performs far more reliably and faster compared to powerline networking. The downside is you must have a coaxial outlet at the intended location where you want connectivity.
 
Conclusion & My Thoughts

Powerline networking technology and standards underwent more than 15 years of transformation and AV2 standard is the latest iteration for high performance home networking. HomePlug Alliance oversees the technical standards and related marketing messaging and this where I would like to chime in with my personal thoughts:

Throughout my testing, one thing stood out, I was able to get connectivity on the client laptop within 5 seconds of plugging the adapter into the wall. This is a significant improvement compared to earlier generation of powerline adapters, where connectivity is not guaranteed when you move to a different circuit or location. In situations where WIFI and coax outlets are unavailable, Powerline networking becomes the only alternative for network connections. Powerline technology effectively enabled whole-house networking.

Lastly, I wholeheartedly disagree with the prominent marketing of 1200 mbps performance for these adapters as this number is clearly unattainable, be it in my own testing, other user testing or press reviews. I am also confident that very few houses will ever come close to half the advertised speed of the AV2 standard. I’ve spent a few years working at some of the world’s leading technology companies and every public facing marketing performance claims must undergo thorough legal review, backed by independent testing from in-house and third party labs. I fondly remember that every meeting with the legal department is akin to a mini court case whereby I must present my evidence and on occasion, bring in the actual hardware for a live demonstration in front of the legal director before my claim is approved. I appreciate the efforts and dedication of the in house legal counsel as this important gate review ensured that the product features and performance are truthful, factual and replicable across all conditions. The 1200 mbps performance claim for AV2 standard will never pass the legal scrutiny at these companies and the engineers and marketers would be sent back to the drawing board, along with a very serious warning from the general counsel.

Most consumers are unaware of the performance limitation of these adapter nor should they be burdened to spend the time to test each and every outlet in the house. I hope my review shed some light on the real life performance and user experience of powerline adapters and help you make an informed decision when implementing this in your home networking setup. When performance is the key selling point for powerline networking products, the HomePlug alliance and hardware manufacturers should revisit their marketing message strategy to better reflect real-life experience.
 
Thanks for sharing your detailed review. I have a few questions.

1) Did you take a LAN Speed Test reference measurement using a Gigabit Ethernet connection?

2) Did you plug each adapter directly into the wall outlet?

3) Was there anything else plugged into the same outlet? If there was, did you see a correlation between poor performance and other devices using the same outlet?

4) Did you perform the File Browsing and NAS playback tests over Gigabit Ethernet for reference?

I don't agree with all your conclusions regarding alternative technolgies. But that's another discussion.
 
Hello Tim - thanks for reading my review! Below are my response to your questions:

1) Did you take a LAN Speed Test reference measurement using a Gigabit Ethernet connection?
Please let me know if I understood your question correctly - are you asking if I used the client laptop device and performed a speed measurement to the FreeNAS server on a gigabit Ethernet connection? I did perform that test and I can update the result accordingly.

2) Did you plug each adapter directly into the wall outlet?
Each adapter is plugged directly into the wall with surge protectors or extension cord or bars.

3) Was there anything else plugged into the same outlet? If there was, did you see a correlation between poor performance and other devices using the same outlet?
No additional devices are plugged into the outlet.


4) Did you perform the File Browsing and NAS playback tests over Gigabit Ethernet for reference?
Yes and the performance is typical of a laptop connected via a wired gigabit network.
 
Please let me know if I understood your question correctly - are you asking if I used the client laptop device and performed a speed measurement to the FreeNAS server on a gigabit Ethernet connection? I did perform that test and I can update the result accordingly.
Correct. Same equipment. Just Gigabit Ethernet connection.

Each adapter is plugged directly into the wall with surge protectors or extension cord or bars.
Just confirming. You meant without surge protectors or extension cord or bars?

Yes and the performance is typical of a laptop connected via a wired gigabit network.
So you're saying there is no difference in performance with connected via Gigabit Ethernet and powerline?
 
Sorry for the typo, I meant WITHOUT surge protector, bars or extension cords.

And for the past point I was trying to say the laptop connected directly to a gigabit network exhibits no slowdown or stuttering when browsing files on the NAS
 
And are you in a house with two phase power (e.g., the US and much of No. America)? Signal propagation from one phase to the other can sometimes be a problem. Also can be affected if some 220VAC appliance is on v.s. off, or if there is no 220V wiring at all in the house.
 
And are you in a house with two phase power (e.g., the US and much of No. America)? Signal propagation from one phase to the other can sometimes be a problem. Also can be affected if some 220VAC appliance is on v.s. off, or if there is no 220V wiring at all in the house.
Curious. Have you personally experienced split phase as a problem when using powerline adapters?
 
And are you in a house with two phase power (e.g., the US and much of No. America)? Signal propagation from one phase to the other can sometimes be a problem. Also can be affected if some 220VAC appliance is on v.s. off, or if there is no 220V wiring at all in the house.

I am located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (North America) so I guess my house is equipped with two phase power. At the end of the day, PowerLine networking is an innovative product category and I applaud the continuous improvements seen in each successive generation.

From a marketing perspective, the performance claims need an overhaul because I have yet to see a single adapter from any manufacturer that can perform consistently at half their advertised speed. One can say the WIFI industry started the performance exaggeration but at least in certain instance you do achieve amazing speed as seen in the kitguru review -
http://www.kitguru.net/networking/routers/zardon/asus-rt-ac87u-4x4-bridge-mode-review/5/

Actual user with two 802.11 ac routers in bridge mode - http://arstechnica.com/civis/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=1244969

short-range.png
 
Last edited:
I grabbed one of the kits from micro center with the TP-Link AV1200 gigabit passthrough. I got roughly 380mbps down and 340mbps up. Normally from a wired connection in that room it's 940mbps down and 930-940mbps up. I didn't do any sort of rigid methodological testing but I'm a believer now.

edit: I was just doing a generic speedtest from ookla. The reference speeds are my normal speedtest results.

I was also using the version of the AV-1200 with 3 RJ45 connectors not one.
 
I grabbed one of the kits from micro center with the TP-Link AV1200 gigabit passthrough. I got roughly 380mbps down and 340mbps up. Normally from a wired connection in that room it's 940mbps down and 930-940mbps up. I didn't do any sort of rigid methodological testing but I'm a believer now.

edit: I was just doing a generic speedtest from ookla. The reference speeds are my normal speedtest results.

I was also using the version of the AV-1200 with 3 RJ45 connectors not one.

WOW Congrats on the awesome speed! Do you mind sharing where are the adapters placed in your house?
 
WOW Congrats on the awesome speed! Do you mind sharing where are the adapters placed in your house?

My house is only 2 levels and 2000 square feet. They're on the farthest parts of the house from eachother. One in the southwest corner of the basement and one in the far bedroom in the opposite corner of the house. I only got them to test them. I was impressed.
 
My house is only 2 levels and 2000 square feet. They're on the farthest parts of the house from eachother. One in the southwest corner of the basement and one in the far bedroom in the opposite corner of the house. I only got them to test them. I was impressed.

You must have great wiring in your house. I was just going from where my router is at one end of the house to the middle of the same floor (different circuit breaker), and got only 120Mbps down from the internet on a connection that was running 180Mbps. Did a lot better than that using wireless from my router on one end of the house to the other end of the house *smile*. Returned the adapters.

I guess that MoCA 2.0 is my best choice for in-wall *smile*. My current MoCA 1.1 adapters are doing very well, so I'd expect more from MoCA 2.0. Just a matter of a few bucks *smile*. Actually, I only need one MoCA 2.0 link (pair of adapters), and can leave the current MoCA 1.1 adapters in place. The main reason I was checking out the powerline adapters was since I'm thinking of going to satellite TV, that will raise the degree of difficulty for MoCA coexistence.
 
I wonder if a phase coupler for X10 would also alleviate the similar problem for Powerline Networking .. (think its a dumb device not a smart device and it may just pass over the signal) If not.. surprised someone hasnt come up with one for Powerline networking... Its a common issue with this kind of application
 
from floor 1 to floor 3 i get above 200Mb/s using a bandwidth tester. TP-link's utility reports the link speed is around 700Mb/s and i am using the AV2000. I tried both directions and single directions and the results were the same so. Latency increase was also terrible but not as bad as maxing out wifi. However i doubt 2 channel wireless AC at 250Mb/s would be as bad.

Clearly it needs to be improved.
 
FWIW - TP-Link AV1200 (PA08030p-kit) - http://www.tp-link.com/us/products/details/cat-5509_TL-PA8030P-KIT.html

Typically on the span I see around 120 Mbps on that link (real network thru-put), PHY rates average around 500 Mbps according to the TP-Link util... jumping across one breaker, so this is cross circuit...

(one note on the TP-Link AV1200 - ensure that power save is disabled, I've posted another thread on this with a link to a util that can do this)

Latency isn't so bad - 2.4msec on average...

av1200_span_latency_10days.png


Good enough for the media stuff on the other end - FullHD (720p/1080p) streams on the Netflix and other streams...
 

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