Optimising data transmission with Powerline – these are the tips you should follow

Our devolo Magic adapters are designed for stable, high-performance data transmission in your home. In rare cases, individual power sockets in the house may have low transfer rates. These instructions will give you three simple steps for optimising transmission among adapters.

The greater the distance between the interfering device and the adapter, the less its influence

Some electrical devices return an interference voltage to the power grid and can thus impair data transmission via the grid. Examples of such devices are dimmers and power supplies for other devices.

 

The following rule applies: The greater the distance between the electrical interferer and the adapter, the lower its disruption. So if the interferer is in the next power socket over, this may be especially disadvantageous for data transmission.

 

Find out more about cases and solutions

How to determine the most important knock-out criteria

1. Check the connection

There is a simple method for checking whether two adapters are connected to each other:

 

  • Plug the two devices in next to each other on a power strip.
  • Now connect the power strip to the power grid.

If the two adapters form a network, the Powerline LED (house symbol) or the power LED (depending on the product used) will now light up. If the LEDs do not light up, the devices will need to be paired. To do this, follow the instructions in the relevant manual.

2. Place devices correctly

Now plug the adapters into the power sockets in which you wish to use the devices. In doing so, observe a few simple basic rules for optimal placement:

 

  • If possible, plug the adapter directly into a wall socket and not into a power strip or extension cable.
  • If multiple wall sockets are adjacent to each other, they behave like a power strip. Individual wall sockets are optimal.
  • If other devices in the immediate vicinity require power supply, we recommend an adapter with and integrated power socket. Plug in the other devices directly or via a power strip plugged into the adapter’s power socket.
3. Find the source of interference

If the data rate is still not satisfactory after devices have been placed optimally, a nearby electrical device might be causing the interference.

 

For testing purposes, switch electrical devices off one after the other (if possible, separate them from the power source) and use the LED display (or, even better, “Cockpit”) to watch for an improvement in transmission speed.

 

 

 

 

Often switching power supplies in devices, dimmers in lamps, or chargers are the causes of the interference.

 

Once you have found the source of interference, choose a different power socket for that device or plug it into the power socket installed on the adapter (if there is one).

 

 

 

 

Complete your setup

If the Powerline LED or the power LED (for devices with an LED) are glowing white or green, there is a good connection. If the display is glowing orange or red, the connection is not optimal. You can use our “Cockpit” software to read off the exact transmission speed.

Product recommendation

You want to find out more about WiFi range, getting rid of dead spots, or router and product compatibility?
Use our guidebook for optimisation tips and product recommendations

 

To the guidebook overview