Powerline ethernet

[JHZR2]

In two locations I have a powerline Ethernet that’s a to-link unit. I’m not sure I trusted it ever, but less now.

What should I replace it with?

In one location it’s used for a mesh backhaul, so speed is important. In the other location not so much.

 

[dogememe]

Powerline Ethernet devices are pretty dumb typically they don't even have an IP address of their own... I wouldn't worry about what brand they were. If they meet your needs, then just leave it alone. I'm assuming you meant "TP-Link" not "to-link" based on what's been in the news about TP-Link's security issues.

American router brands like Netgear, etc. have plenty of security issues. I'm not defending TP-Link, just pointing out that they make cheap stuff and while I don't think cutting corners in cybersecurity is a good idea, it's clearly a reality. But when it comes to powerline ethernet plugs, there is really no security risk.

 

[Rand]

They usually don't communicate with the outside world for any reason.. so not much of a security risk.
unless you have a hacker in your network and update the firmware on them or something
(that is movie type stuff doesnt happen to normal people in real world)

The 3 prong ones with ground have less issues than 2 prong models always plug directly into wall
not a power strip.
I try to avoid using them if at all possible, I would go MoCA first. etc.

 

[SupremePossum]

What should I replace it with?

Run a wire!

 

[JHZR2]

Run a wire!

Can’t do that I a concrete house for the distance needed. At least for a reasonable cost.

Fishing cables through my balloon frame house isn’t necessarily fun either for the length and distance it needs to go.

 

[alarmguy]

MY wife's company sent her Netgear Basics Powerline adapter YEARS ago and it still works flawlessly for her home workstation and continues to do so in our new home.
In the new home, it's not really needed, I literally can poke a hole through the wall by her workstation and connect an ethernet to the router on the other side of the wall. I haven't bothered because the Powerline adapter is so reliable no sense in poking a hole through the wall for her company. She will be retiring in a couple years too.
I haven't done a speed test in a long time, it was always a sufficient 40ish Mbps. She deals with large files for products and manufacturing proofs too.

 

[PandaBear]

You are lucky in a way that the powerline ethernet won't work well past your meter. I tried connecting between my neighbor and me using that and it wouldn't go through. In a way that physical limitation protects you better than wifi.

Somehow the development stopped and they are now slower than the newer wifi with multi antenna and MIMO, even faster would be those with mesh network repeating past long distance. I'd keep using it till you don't need them anymore and go with mesh or hard wire.

 

[JHZR2]

You are lucky in a way that the powerline ethernet won't work well past your meter. I tried connecting between my neighbor and me using that and it wouldn't go through. In a way that physical limitation protects you better than wifi.

Somehow the development stopped and they are now slower than the newer wifi with multi antenna and MIMO, even faster would be those with mesh network repeating past long distance. I'd keep using it till you don't need them anymore and go with mesh or hard wire.

I have found that those wifi systems work much better with a wired backhaul, so powerline Ethernet still has a play there. I guess it got “good enough”?

 

[mk378]

TP-Link or whoever makes the units just buys a completed chip from someone. The chip is pre-programmed for what it does. There is no vendor-specific software in the units. I have not heard of any security vulnerabilities. As mentioned, there are no network ports open it works like an unmanaged Ethernet switch.