Geekazine

Geekazine


D-Link Powerline AV2 2000 Gigabit Adapter

November 11, 2015

I own and have used the D-Link powerline DHP series in the past. My DHP 302 has been a life saver when I needed to run an Ethernet cable but couldn't punch through a wall to do it.

The newest D-Link Powerline adapter is the AV2 2000. This can send around 2 GB of data through your electrical wiring to places where Ethernet and WiFi can't. It's perfect for when you want to hard wire your Fire TV, XBox or PS4, or even plug it into a switch so you can connect all your devices.

Some new additions to the AV2 2000 include MIMO - Multiple Input, Multiple Output. Think of it like the data splitting up and the smaller pieces take the path of least resistance to get to the destination point without any bottlenecking happening.
Get the Powerline AV2 2000 Gigabit Adapter on Amazon
Best part is you can connect up to 16 devices through this system so you can have a small switch in the living room to connect TV devices.

This device is pretty easy to setup. For best use, it's good to have it on the same circuit. It will pass through most homes if the living room is on one circuit and the bedroom is on another. If you are in a larger building, you might need to figure out your breakers.

Simply plug the send device in the wall with the Ethernet in your router. Then plug the other powerline in the area you need and connect the cable to the device.

There is no button needed - the two devices will connect when they find each other. In case of issues, there is a reset button on the bottom.

The data is encrypted to 128-bit AES so you don't have to worry about people stealing your data, and the power save mode makes sure you don't get a big electric bill at the end of the month.
Pros and Cons D-Link Powerline AV2 2000
First, lets talk about the unknown factor - the power in your apartment or house. If all lines are up to code and no other power issues in the house, the D-Link will work at it's best.

I connected one in my studio and the other in the living room where all my media devices are. I was able to watch movies, play games and more without issue.

Like I said - power performance depends on where you have the device plugged in. The D-Link will indicate a weaker signal on the box with an amber light. Red means no connection and green is good.

Make sure you plug this directly into a wall. Not only could your data transfer suffer using an extension cord or power strip, you might be comprimising any surge protection on the strip because it's doing something it wasn't intended to do.

Of course the more devices you have plugged in, the slower the transfer - especially if all 16 are getting used at the same time.

The DHP 700AV also needs a grounded plug. Using an adapter might comprimise the flow.

In my transfer speed tests, I was seeing data move at about 600 MB. However, if I have 2 or more devices connected through this line, they both share the line well. I was able to stream a movie and play a game on the XBox One without stutter.

Finally, just like with any cable, the further away from point A to B you get, the less likely data transfer will stay constant.

Overall, this device works. No need to run wires or punch holes in the wall. I have even used this when I needed an ethernet cable and didn't have a long enough one.