NETGEAR PLW1010-100NAS Powerline Adapter Review
9/10 (Expert Score)
& Free shipping
- Gigabit PowerLINE WiFi speed up to 1000 Mbps.AC input: 100–240V, 0.2A (max.)
- Homeplug AV2 support for Gigabit speeds through your electrical outlets for improved coverage
- Energy-saving—Powers down when not connected
$79.99
Description
Design
The NETGEAR PLW1010-100NAS design is almost identical to Netgear’s WiFi extender with its flat, gun-metal grey faceplate. You have the familiar lights on the front signifying WiFi signal, Connectivity, and “On/Off. There are plenty of cooling vents along the side which is important for devices like this as they tend to draw power and can get warm to the touch. On one side, you’ll find the “Push and Secure” button to connect it to your WiFi router and a single Ethernet port for hardwired devices.
Features
NETGEAR PLW1010-100NAS WiFi Powerline extender is also a dual-band WiFi extender that provides up to 1000Mbps 802.11 b/g/n/ac connections on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It supports HomePlug AV2 which allows for up to Gigabit speed through your electrical outlets. It “Push and Secure” network connection buttons allow you to connect and secure your network at the push of a button. The device automatically powers down when not in use to save on your electric bill. It supports the bandwidth needed for 4K HD streaming and lag-free gaming. If you’re unfortunate enough to have several dead spots in your home you can connect multiple extenders to further extend your home network. The PWL1010-NAS model shown in this review does not include an AC passthrough plug but other Netgear Powerline models provide a variety of options in terms of WiFi, and AC Pass-Through plugs, and Ethernet ports. See “Flexibility” below.
NETGEAR PLW1010-100NAS Performance
Despite the “1000” in the rating, the PLW1010 provides AC connections. This is not the case with many Powerline WiFi extenders. In tests, there was considerably less drop-off due to distance than with the TP-Link AV1000 (TL-WPA8630) and far better speed with AC devices. The range was also better. The TP-Link is more geared toward Ethernet connections and edged out the Netgear in that regard.
Flexibility
The Netgear Powerline Series offers different configuration options that allow you to tailor your purchase to your needs. The PLW1010-100NAS in this review offers Ethernet + WiFi, an Ethernet Pass-Through port, with no AC Pass-Through plug. In the event, you don’t need a WiFi hotspot or would like to place an old WiFi router on the other side of your home Netgear has other options. Caution: The options can get confusing!
- Netgear PL1000-100PAS – a 1000Mbps Ethernet Powerline adapter with 1 Ethernet port, and no AC Pass-Through.
- Netgear PL1200-100PAS – a 1200Mbps Ethernet Powerline adapter with MIMO and Beamforming technology on the Ethernet side, 1 Ethernet port, and no AC Pass-Through.
- Netgear PLP1200-100PAS – a 1200Mbps Ethernet Powerline adapter with MIMO and Beamforming technology on the Ethernet side,1 Ethernet port, and an AC Pass-Through plug.
- Netgear PLP2000-100PAS – a 2000Mbps Ethernet Powerline adapter, with 2 Ethernet ports, and an AC Pass-Through plug.
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NETGEAR PLW1010-100NAS Installation
To set up the Extender you first want to become familiar with the lights on the front of the device. From left to right they are: the WiFi LED, the “Pick and Plug” LED, the Power On/Off LED, and the Ethernet LED. On the main device is an Ethernet port, a WPS button, and a Factory reset button.
Simply plug the main device into an AC outlet and connect an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port to a port on your WiFi router. Next, walk the extender to the part of your home that needs WiFi and plug it into an AC outlet. Once the “Pick and Plug” LED is it you have an Ethernet connection. It’s a simple matter of using the “Push and Secure” button you have a new WiFi hotspot. From there you can simply use the WPS button to connect to your devices or connect to them manually.
NETGEAR PLW1010-100NAS – Video
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Conclusion
The NETGEAR PLW1010-100NAS offers a more robust WiFi signal than many other WiFi Powerline extenders with its WiFi5 (AC) capability. Remember on Powerline extenders the “1000Mbps” rating is for the Ethernet side. The Ethernet is not as fast as 1200Mbps Powerline extenders but that’s part of the trade-off when you’re selecting a device such as this and trying to keep costs down. All in all, this is a fast and easy way to fix WiFi dead spots in your home without investing in an expensive Mesh system.
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NETGEAR PLW1010-100NAS Powerline Adapter Review Prices
Price History
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Additional information
Specification: NETGEAR PLW1010-100NAS Powerline Adapter Review
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NETGEAR PLW1010-100NAS Powerline Adapter Review Videos
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