Devolo DLAN 200 AVplus

Product: Devolo DLAN 200 AVplus
Website: www.devolo.co.uk
Specifications: 200Mbps transmission speed, 128-bit AES encryption, 5W power consumption (3.3W in standby), Ethernet RJ45, up to 200 metre range, 130x66x40mm, 180g
Price: £119.99 (£64.99 per adapter)

MANY SMALL BUSINESSES and home users might still deem wireless networking unsuitable to their needs, be this because of signal interference, distance or security issues, so despite developments in the field that suggest powerline networking devices such as the Homeplug’s days are numbered, they can offer useful solutions to what are still genuine problems.

Devolo’s DLAN 200 AVplus is a 200Mbps device that addresses one of the more significant issues with past products by offering a mains pass-through to prevent a wall socket from being taken up when plugged in. Considering typical powerline adapters run at reduced efficiency - or sometimes, not at all - when attached through a multi-plug adapter, this could make a significant difference.

Also catering to typical concerns is the built-in 128-bit AES encryption, which along with the fact that unlike wireless, powerline networking cannot be accessed beyond an electricity meter, offers significant peace of mind. This is easy to configure thanks to a button on the underneath of the unit that allows you to ‘pair’ it with additional devices by hitting the corresponding button on another within two minutes.

The AVplus also offers environmental benefits via a standby mode that kicks in when connected equipment is switched off, yielding a 30 per cent saving that could certainly mount up over time.

Software is provided that allows you to label devices and add additional units within the secured network and though we only had the two-unit starter kit to play with, can state that everything worked exactly how it should during setup and operation. For most the process will be as simple as plugging in and connecting via Ethernet cable to a router/switch/computer and it’s feasible to have a network up and running after no longer than a couple of minutes per machine.

In terms of performance we ran some throughput tests and noted an average speed of 60Mbps. This did fluctuate slightly (no more than a few percent either way) depending on the location of the destination computer, which could be down to the distance data had to travel across the powerlines. It's stable and consistent enough to get a thumbs up here, but doesn't really push any boundaries when compared to similar devices from rivals. Out of interest we also streamed HD 1080p video and saw flawless performance, with no discernable difference compared to a direct network connection.

There are some caveats here though, such as the fact that the adapters are rather bulky, 130mm long and 66mm wide in fact, a potentially significant factor that’s worth bearing in mind. Devolo’s are also a little more expensive than those on offer from rivals such as Solwise and D-link, though the appeal of the standby mode and pass-through power socket will outweigh this for some. A starter-kit containing two units costs £119.99 with additional units priced at £64.99 but those who consider the extra worth paying should be assured that the AVPlus is easy to set up, performs well and offers some genuinely useful advantages.

In Short
Despite not being the cheapest way to run a network over a powerline, Devolo’s AVPlus does an excellent job being easy to set up and use, providing impressive performance and a number of useful features. Those who can benefit from these will undoubtedly be pleased with what is still a very effective way to avoid the pitfalls of wireless in a business or home environment. µ

The Good
Easy to set up and configure, 128-bit AES encryption, impressive performance, powerline pass-through.

The Bad
More expensive than some rivals.

The Ugly
Adapters are rather bulky.

Bartender's Score
8/10