Product test
WiFi speed test: Devolo Access Point One
by Martin Jud
What the new "G.hn" powerline standard brings in reality
14.12.2018
Translation: machine translated
The new HomeGrid standard is supposed to fix it and bring more power, more range and more stability to the home network via the electrical wiring. I use the "Devolo Magic 2" to make a direct comparison with the old standard. And as it turns out, the power grid in my flat is a real tricky nut to crack.
The world needs new technologies and chips. But when it comes to powerline, there has been no progress since 2014. Now things are finally moving forward and the old "HomePlug AV" standard is being replaced by "G.hn". The Magic products from Devolo are among the first devices with the new chipset.
A little note in advance: If you want to know how a powerline works or would like to find out more about the comparative products with the old standard mentioned in this article, I recommend reading the following article.
When I compared five old-standard powerline adapters at the end of May 2018, I was more than surprised: all the adapters were a long way off the maximum promised 1000 to 2000 Mbps. In my home, the winner of the test round at the time, the "Devolo dLAN 1200 triple+", only achieved 96.95 Mbps. This is easily enough for multiple 4K Netflix streaming, but when the adverts suggest more performance, you still feel like you're being led around by the nose.
The test object with the new standard in detail
For this test, I installed Magic products with the second generation of the new standard.
This is what the Magic 2 Multiroom kit brings you on paper:
In contrast to previous Devolo products, it is no longer necessary to press a button on the adapters for the initial setup. There are three ways to get there:
- Plug in the base adapter and then have two minutes to plug in the other adapters
- If you don't have enough time to place the adapters in the target rooms, you can plug them in near the base adapter for the time being. As soon as they are paired, unplug them and then place them in the desired target rooms without any time pressure.
- First place the adapters in the target rooms. Finally, plug in the base adapter.
The Magic products are not backwards compatible with the old "HomePlug AV" standard. However, you can operate the old and new technology in parallel if required. A smartphone app is available for setting up the network. Or you can use the "Devolo Cockpit" programme and the web browser on your desktop computer.
Once set up, the adapters also update themselves. To make sure that my adapters are up to date with the latest software, I waited one night before testing and only started the test the next day.
The test procedure
The test: Now it's time to get down to business
I run an initial test series under optimum conditions. This means that only the adapter is connected to the socket. I attach additional devices using a power strip, which is connected to the adapter's integrated socket with mains filter.
I would also like to know how the adapters perform under sub-optimal conditions. To do this, I install the second adapter in the bedroom. And I do it the way you shouldn't. I connect a long extension cable and a power strip in front of the adapter.
Optimal test scenario: results
*Unable to upload or download large files due to unstable connectionHaving heard a lot of positive things about the new standard in advance, I was absolutely convinced that the new adapters from Devolo would definitely come out on top. But the comparison is sobering. Although the new product outperforms all other tested adapters in my home, it doesn't really stand out clearly from the old standard.
Suboptimal test scenario: results
*Connection not possibleConclusion: Minimally more performance and slightly more stability
As it turns out, my home and its power grid are a real tricky nut to crack. The new standard doesn't give me much more power. The increase in performance during the sub-optimal test indicates that I get more stability in my powerline network with "G.hn".
The products themselves are not bad and have their raison d'être. After all, you can easily run four 4K Netflix streams simultaneously at 100 Mbps. Because I get enough data throughput for my needs, and for reasons of convenience, I continue to rely on Powerline in my home. However, I (still) believe that the lab values on the packaging should be banned. I would love to be there and see what test set-up the manufacturers use to arrive at such generous values.
Martin Jud
Senior Editor
martin.jud@digitecgalaxus.chI find my muse in everything. When I don’t, I draw inspiration from daydreaming. After all, if you dream, you don’t sleep through life.
Computing
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
Network
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
