Ethernet Powerline Adapters vs. WiFi Extenders – What’s the Difference?

Ethernet powerline adapters and WiFi extenders are both networking products used to boost internet coverage at home or in the office. They are designed to increase reliability and help stretch your network over a long distance. But what makes Powerline Adapters the more robust ethernet alternative? This article compares the powerline adapter with the WiFi extender and outlines their major differences. Keep reading to learn more!

Powerline Network Adapter

Ethernet powerline adapters start with a pair of adapters. One adapter plugs into the router while the other connects to your device, and these adapters communicate through your home’s electrical wiring to allow the network data to travel further and circumvents the restriction of walls and other interference.

WiFi Extenders

A WiFi extender, sometimes called a signal booster, is a small device placed between your PC and your main router to stretch the WiFi signal to uncovered parts of your home. Setting up a WiFi extender in your space takes a few minutes and can enhance your bandwidth to prevent dead spots. Essentially, an extender works by capturing a nearby signal and retransferring it at high strength into hard-to-reach areas in your home like the garage.

Ethernet Powerline Adapters vs. WiFi Extenders – Which Is Better?

A WiFi extender is used to extend the wireless communication, but does  so by capturing a degraded signal at distance from the router and sending it further, likewise suffering loss with distance and obstacles. This latency can be unnoticed with web pages, but troublesome with video calls and streaming. All wireless signals suffer a loss with obstacles, like walls, ceilings, and furniture, but may be essential for devices with no Ethernet port, like with smartphones, tablets, and some laptops.

Alternatively, Ethernet powerline adapters create a wired network to each device, allowing a more stable and often, faster connection. Home wiring quality will differ per location, so there is always a range in connection speeds. When it comes to dealing with latency, powerline adapters typically work better than WiFi extenders.

If security is a concern, wireless is notoriously visible to everyone within range.  Powerline communication is not visible or accessible outside the home and if desired, all communication can be encrypted.

Get Superior Powerline Networking Solutions at NexusLink USA Today

If you’re looking for better ways to reduce network latency and increase stability, an Ethernet powerline adapter from Nexuslink USA can be a great solution. Browse our website to explore the various products available and place an order now. You can also contact us online or call us at 855-313-4433 to make any inquiries regarding our networking solutions.