Devolo dLAN 500 AV Wireless+ review

To test its HomePlug Performance, we connected to it the dLAN 500 AV Wireless+ via Ethernet at a distance of just under 10 metres from the other HomePlug and saw an average data rate of 72Mbit/s. This is still pretty quick, and much quicker than we’d expect from the average router at this distance. At one metre, we saw average transfer speeds of 93.2Mbit/s, which is as fast as you’ll get over a Fast Ethernet connection.

We also connected it to a PlayStation 3 and a laptop via Ethernet and a third-generation iPad via Wi-Fi to see how it would cope when more than device was demanding data. We streamed high bit-rate 1080p video to the PS3, 720p footage to the laptop and a standard definition music video to the iPad, and were happy to see that all three videos played smoothly, so it shouldn’t have any problems serving the needs of its users.

DLAN COCKPIT

You can configure the dLAN 500 AV Wireless+ using your PC or dLAN Cockpit, which is a free app for iOS and Android devices. Although we’ve used dLAN Cockpit before, we were disappointed by its slothful response to our commands and the way it would freeze in the middle of something. It’s been updated since then and is now quicker and more responsive. You can use it to configure the passwords used to access your HomePlug network, specify the wireless channel and set the Wi-Fi password, among many other options. The app looks good and its menus are well organised.

We like the Devolo dLAN 500 AV Wireless+. It’s a great way of livening up deadspots and providing your smart TV or home cinema system with quick Ethernet access, but we were a little disappointed with its performance on the 2.4GHz band. Of course, you could always use a standard HomePlug and connect that to a powerful router in order to liven up your wireless deadspots, but that adds extra cost and complexity. If this solution appeals to you, then try the Devolo dLAN 500 AV Wireless+.