TP-LINK AV200 Powerline Adapter Starter Kit Review

Do you have a TV, game console, Blu-Ray player, or any other device that can connect to a network but it doesn’t have built-in wireless or it is out of your wireless network’s range? Then I have some really good news. TP-LINK has a 200Mbps Powerline Ethernet Adapter (TL-PA211) that’ll give you connectivity anywhere there’s a power outlet. The TL-PA211 is reliable enough to keep your pings low in online gaming, and even fast enough to stream HD video from one end of your house to the other even if you have different internet providers. It’s also pretty affordable. Check out the full review for all of the specs and a detailed account of my experience with the TL-PA211.

Special thanks to TP-LINK for providing us with the AV200 Powerline Adapter Starter Kit to review.

Specs

Hardware Features
Standard and Protocols HomePlug AV, IEEE802.3, IEEE802.3u
Interface 10/100Mbps Ethernet Port
Button Pair Button
Plug Type EU, US, UK, AU
LED Indicator Power, Powerline, Ethernet
Dimensions (W x D x H) 3.6 x 2.2 x 1.2 in. (93x56x30 mm)
Weight 102g
Power Consumption < 3W
Range 300m in house
Software Features
Modulation Technology OFDM
Advanced Functions Built-in QoS

Intelligent Channel Adaptation

Encryption 128-bit AES
Other
Certification CE, FCC, RoHS
Package Contents Powerline Ethernet Adapter (x2)

Ethernet Cable (RJ45) (x2)

Resource CD

Quick Installation Guide

Operating Systems Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/7

MacOS

Linux

Packaging
Similar to TP-LINK’s TL-WR1043ND router, the TL-PA211 AV200 Mini Powerline Adapter Starter Kit is packaged in a green and white box. It is nice when all of a company’s products are presented in an easily recognizable package. The front of the box quickly notifies everyone that this powerline kit can stream HD video without any new wires, and to use it, you just plug it in and go.  On the flip side we get some more technical details. There’s a product usage chart which shows what kind of applications the TL-PA211 is best suited for. Since it is the top of the line powerline adapter, it is suited for all applications. Also the diagram of a home shows that we can use multiple powerline adapters and aren’t restricted to just two.

TP-LINK AV200 Powerline Adapter Starter Kit TP-LINK AV200 Powerline Adapter Starter Kit

Securely packaged inside are the two powerline adapters along with their accessories. There’s a resource CD, quick start guide, and two Ethernet cables. And for all of the curious folk out there, the Ethernet cables are 4 foot Cat5.

TP-LINK AV200 Powerline Adapter Starter Kit TP-LINK AV200 Powerline Adapter Starter Kit