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Wifi and PLC adapter, how are they different?

Wifi and PLC adapter, how are they different?


In a truffled world of wireless connections, the solutions to improve, repeat or amplify the network are the order of the day.Every little new devices such as panaceas are presented, to the point that it is difficult to distinguish between different protocols and goals they pursue and achieve. Related


Let's see how two of the most popular contenders in this segment differ: WiFi adapters and PLC adapters .Who will win this fight?


A BASIC EXPLANATION


First, we start from a basic explanation: WiFi is the most popular wireless communication technology in the world.It allows you to connect to any receiving device through the use of different radio frequency bands. No cables .


Wifi and PLC adapter, how are they different?


PCL, for its part, stands for Power Line Communications and provides connectivity in local networks through electrical installation, that is, uses the cable, but not from the router to the PC-computer, console, smart TV-but through adapters from household plugs .


PLC NETWORKS: USE, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES


PCL networks, as we say, use electric cables.These devices separate the digital information from the electrical signal by means of frequency filtering .When we connect a microwave we use high voltage (220 volts) and Low frequency (50 Hz).When we connect a PLC adapter, we use a much higher frequency, but a much lower voltage, just enough to power the device.


Wifi and PLC adapter, how are they different?


The different PLC standards take these ranges into account, but this is one of the reasons why so many enmities arouse.With some frequency, they have branded toxic devices for the radioelectric spectrum, due to the different interferences harmonics that generate .This is partly spurred by somewhat old installations, without adequate isolation, harming the correct performance of broadcasting or meteorological systems.


The advantages they present are obvious: they allow a lot of equipment to be interconnected within the same domestic network and have connection without the need to deploy a network or walk linking connections on each device, as required by the WiFi network. They are especially recommended in homes with different plants .And its coverage, de facto, is superior to that of any WiFi antenna.


WIFI NETWORKS: IMPROVEMENTS, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES


Wifi and PLC adapter, how are they different?


The WiFi standards that we can find in 2018 are radically far from the ideals that we could enjoy just a decade ago.WiFi transmitters and adapters vary according to their nomenclature.This defines the supported transfer speed.There are 54, 145 (150 ), 300 Mbps, etc.


This is reflected in a series of letters that we can read after the 802.11 protocol.Each acronym marks the compatibility with a different frequency spectrum : ayb (1999), g (2003 ), n (2009), ac (2013) , etc.The more acronyms, the greater compatibility with more radio frequency ranges.In summary, the Wii 802.11ac is better than 802.11a/b/g/n.A bandwidth of just 10 Mbps in'b 'jumps up to the theoretical 1,733 Mbps of the' ac 'protocol.


But these theoretical speeds will always be influenced by the number of connected devices, distance between the router and these devices, the thickness of the walls, the amount of furniture or the neighbors' own networks.To correct this, Redundant antennas are used using MIMO technology , managing to add speeds and powers.


AS THE CABLE THERE IS NOTHING


Wifi and PLC adapter, how are they different?


Although neither is the ideal solution-it would be a direct cable to the router, with quality wiring in twisted and shielding, not too long, and complying with the CAT 6 protocol onwards -, the PLC usually offers better performance.After all, it remains within the family of wired connections.


Why? As we said, WiFi networks have these inherent limitations that "cover" the total network performance at approximately 60%-except in the case of recent 5G networks.-This means that if we have hired a symmetric fiber service of 300 Mbps, approximately 120-150 Mbps will reach our smartphone.


With a PLC, the contracted power is better used because there is not so much degradation, and we are not obliged to throw cables on all sides.The PLC device connects to the router and injects the Internet connection through the cables electric.The biggest lock? The redundant price. We need a PLC adapter in each device we want to use , to filter this electrically encoded signal.And in a family home with different needs, at two per bedroom, the cost can skyrocket.


ADAPTING AND REPEATING


Wifi and PLC adapter, how are they different?


Finally, two key differences are worth noting.A WiFi adapter can be a simple repeater or an amplifier.A repeater is limited to transmitting the same signal received, already degraded.It will make the network reach points where it was not previously accessible, but with poor and erratic performance.An amplifier will take care of this, "compress" and generate a new coverage radius .


In addition, WiFi repeaters-amplifiers are quite economical and simple to install; however, care must be taken because they present, too often, dangers against unwanted intrusions.


On the other hand, the PLCs will render wherever electricity arrives, they do not need any configuration-they are a plug&play where you don't even have to encrypt the network with a key, just plug in the plug-and, although They are notoriously more expensive than WiFi adapters, they are ideal in large homes, although never recommended near heaters, large appliances -driers-, electric radiators or motors.


In short, it depends on the need of each user and how to relativize their different problems and needs to opt for one or the other.

Images | Pexels, Devolo,

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