dLAN adapter test 2023

With dLAN (direct LAN) is a technology that can be used to use existing power lines to set up a network for the explicit transmission of data.

Additional cabling is then not necessary. In the industry, this technique is also used Powerline Communication (PLC) or simply called Powerline.

A corresponding dLAN adapter can transmit data with a maximum range of 1901 meters and a maximum of 300 Mbit/s via the IEEE 1.200 standard or Homeplug standard. From a technical point of view, the respective adapters implement the transmission of the data. dLAN adapters are now available in various designs from different manufacturers. The more powerful devices are also suitable for professional use. We have summarized the most important devices and the most frequently asked questions in this article.

dLAN adapter comparison – overview of popular devices

When do you need a dLAN adapter?

A dLAN adapter ensures a perfect home network. In order to be able to set up a dLAN Basis, you need a router, two dLAN adapters and the corresponding Ethernet cables. In addition, a transmission medium must be available. With the dLAN, this task is performed by the copper components of conventional power lines. In order to transfer the respective data to the cable, the adapters are required.

On the one hand, these convert the data as a module, while on the other hand, the data is received and demodulated. The data is then forwarded to the connected end devices via cable or WLAN function. If a switch is available, several end devices can be connected to the adapter.

How do dLAN adapters work?

A power line network (PowerLAN) is similar in function to a conventional cable network. The difference is that with this variant, the data is always passed on via power lines. The special dLAN adapters then convert the data streams transmitted by the router or PC into high-frequency signals, which then travel through the power cables involved.

Functionally, networks in the private sector usually have a peer-to-peer network topology. This means that each individual adapter communicates on an equal footing. From a functional point of view, there is no special hierarchy. However, with some dLAN standards there is the option of upgrading an adapter to a central coordinator (CCo) that synchronizes the data traffic.

How do you connect dLAN adapters?

Assuming that the router is connected to the Internet, you must then lay an Ethernet cable from the router to the nearest available socket. One of the two dLAN adapters in the starter pack is then plugged into this and then connected to the Ethernet cable. The second dLAN adapter must then be plugged into a free socket.

However, this must belong to the same circuit as the outlet of the adapter plugged in first. In addition, the socket should not be more than 300 meters away from the first adapter. Then you connect the second adapter to the desired end device with another cable.

How many dLAN adapters can you use at the same time?

dLAN adapters can tap into the signal at every socket in the house and convert it into usable data. In order to generate a functional PowerLAN, you always need at least two adapters.

The more extensive your own home network is to be designed and the more rooms are integrated, the more adapters you need. Some manufacturers state that the number of dLAN adapters that can be integrated into a private type of power network is over 60.

If you connect a lot of adapters and ultimately devices to the Internet, it often slows down considerably or even breaks the connection. Users should therefore always weigh up how many devices are actually needed at the same time.

How high is the power consumption of dLAN adapters?

Different information on the power consumption of the dLAN adapter can be found on the manufacturer's data sheets. However, one can assume that a power consumption of 0,9 to about 5,5 watts is the norm. If the standby function is activated accordingly, the power consumption is reduced by around another 30 percent.

For example, the higher-priced dLAN adapters in particular have a power consumption of just 0,5 watts in standby mode. In this regard, the manufacturers are flirting with special technologies (example: Power Save technology from Devolo), which basically promise minimal power consumption. In various test assessments relating to dLAN adapters, the devices are also attested to have a pleasingly low power consumption.

What are the advantages of dLAN adapters?

An undisputed advantage of the dLAN adapter is the fundamentally fast installation. Plug in the Homeplug connector or adapter, connect it to the DSL modem or router and end device - and the connection can be used. Other devices can also be quickly networked using additional adapters. In addition, the adapters usually offer more stability and above all speed than WLAN with its possibilities. In addition, dLAN adapters generate an explicitly high level of security. In this way, separate networks can be set up on each adapter within a building or apartment by specifying a password. Furthermore, one can sustainably increase the flexibility in relation to the use of the end devices.

What are the disadvantages of dLAN adapters?        

The dLAN adapters are susceptible to so-called damping effects and interference. These two factors can negatively affect both the transmission performance and the range of the dLAN adapter. The transmission speed can be reduced if there are obstacles such as junction boxes, surge protection filters, switches in multiple sockets, electricity meters or residual current circuit breakers with regard to the power line.

Increased attenuation generally has a negative effect on data transmission through the dLAN adapter; with an explicitly high attenuation, the adapters can sometimes no longer exchange data at all. In addition, adapters from different manufacturers are not compatible; sometimes even adapters from the same manufacturer are not necessarily downward compatible.

What should you consider when buying a dLAN adapter?

You can buy inexpensive adapters for less than 30 euros, but there is no practical WLAN radio. Smartphone and Tablets but cannot be brought to the Internet in this way. In contrast, mid-range dLAN adapters (from about 80 euros) usually have an integrated WLAN hotspot and reliably establish a WLAN radio network (preferably n standard). The high-priced devices (from about 130 euros) usually offer a rapid speed and are also better protected against interference and signal attenuation than the cheaper competition. In general, however, the range information provided by the manufacturer (WLAN) should be treated with caution; these often only apply outdoors.