Has anyone tried the Devolo Magic 2 WiFi Next homeplugs?

[StevieP]

I've currently got a 150MB FTTP connection and at the moment have 2 TP Link 1200MB homeplugs to go from the router to my main PC.

The thing is because of the WiFi router's position at the back of the house (in a cupboard in the utility room), the WiFi signal isn't as strong as I would like.

Ideally I'm looking for 2 homeplugs (one to go to my PC upstairs and one to go to the living room to supply the TV itself and the various games consoles for the kids so they are effectively wired) but at the same time improve the WiFi signal across the whole house for the various wireless devices we have.

I've been doing a bit of reading and the Devolo Magic 2 WiFi Next kit appears to be just what I'm looking for!

My understanding is that there are 2 homeplugs and in addition to these supplying the internet signal via the house wiring, they also act as a sort of "mesh" network to give better WiFi coverage across the house - is this understanding correct?

Also, if this is right, will it be seen as just the original network or will it create a 2nd network that devices swap from and to?

 

[Earth[Tera].bin]

I have the Magic WiFi set, pretty decent for me, but from general reviews they can be hit and miss, largely dependent on the quality of your wiring.

You get one plug plug that connects to your modem/router via ethernet and then your pair the others to this device.

You can set them up in a Mesh network ( supposedly for better coverage and devices will switch seamlessly between plugs) or in a AP network ( maybe have dead spots in the house, but in my experience better throughput).

Their app is pretty poor, quite confusing the way it's set out. Thankfully you can download a control centre for PCs/Mac which is slightly more useable.

Also, if this is right, will it be seen as just the original network or will it create a 2nd network that devices swap from and to?

Do you mean the same Wireless network as your router?

 

[StevieP]

I have the Magic WiFi set, pretty decent for me, but from general reviews they can be hit and miss, largely dependent on the quality of your wiring.

You get one plug plug that connects to your modem/router via ethernet and then your pair the others to this device.

You can set them up in a Mesh network ( supposedly for better coverage and devices will switch seamlessly between plugs) or in a AP network ( maybe have dead spots in the house, but in my experience better throughput).

Their app is pretty poor, quite confusing the way it's set out. Thankfully you can download a control centre for PCs/Mac which is slightly more useable.



Do you mean the same Wireless network as your router?

Thanks for the reply - yes I wondered whether having an effective "mesh network" added another network for devices to connect to or whether these devices simply amplified the existing network?

 

[Earth[Tera].bin]

I've never mixed different manufacturer's devices in AP mode ( same SSID, passwd etc ) so I'm not sure if that'll pose any problems in general. Give it a try and see.


A mesh network won't work with differing devices ( again afaik) , you'll probably need a 2nd network setup. A second network isn't totally a bad thing, would be worth making sure there's no channel conflicts though.

Asus uses AI mesh and you can use any of their models ( which support AI mesh ) to expand your network , which is quite handy.