Power Solutions for Smart Home Devices: Desktop Adapter Advantages

Powerline adapters are all the rage these days, but what are they? How do they work? And what are their pros and cons? In this post we’ll find out. (updated 7th March ).

What is a powerline adapter?

A Powerline adapter is a device which uses your homes electric wiring to transmit communications signals. The adapters (at least two) plug into your wall sockets and use Ethernet cables to connect to your router at one end and your device at the other (TV, games console, PC whatever it may be). This provides a physical connection between your device and router as opposed to the wireless connection provided by your Wi-Fi. Powerline is now a well establish technology and over time the speeds they are capable of has steadily increased and they now theoretically match the top speeds of Wi-Fi (Mbps). Hopefully the diagram below will make it a little simpler to understand.

Other types of Powerline extenders

Powerline Wi-Fi extenders
Powerline Wi-Fi range extenders are also available, this is the same principle however instead of just having a plug for an Ethernet connection at the device end, they also transmit Wi-Fi. This means you can connect devices wirelessly as well as by Ethernet cable. 

Wi-Fi Powerline adapters come in single or dual band mode, the bands are the two frequency ranges used by Wi-Fi. If they are single band they only have 2.4GHz and dual band has 2.4GHz and 5Ghz. For more info on Wi-Fi bands you can click here to read out blog on the subject. 

Pass through Powerline extenders
Finally there are pass-through Powerline adapters; they allow the electrical socket to be shared by the Powerline and another item that needs to be plugged in; this is especially useful in situations when every socket is in use.
So now we know what they are let’s talk about some of the pros and cons.

The Pros of Powerline

1. They provide a wired connection without Ethernet.

Powerline uses you homes electrical cables so there is no  requirement to install any additional cables. As the installation of Ethernet cables can be time consuming (or potentially expensive), using Powerline could save you time and money. Having said that, Ethernet cabling trumps everything in terms of reliability of connection and speed (not including Fibre), so if you do have the option to install Ethernet do it! If you don't, maybe use Powerline instead.

2. They free up your Wi-Fi.

​Frees up your Wi-Fi. Powerline connects to one of your routers LAN ports via Ethernet cable, if you connect a device via powerline instead of Wi-Fi it will take some load off your wireless network and provide more capacity for other devices. For low demand devices you may not notice much of a difference, but if you use powerline instead of Wi-Fi for something like 4k streaming, you would almost certainly see an improvement in your wireless network’s performance.

3. They can extend your Wi-Fi. 

Powerline Wi-Fi range extenders are a great way to extend your Wi-Fi network, especially to areas that are some distance from your router. A Wi-Fi repeater may be able to do the job but if the distance is fairly large, Powerline is a better choice.  We actually never install repeaters, but that's another story. 

4. They are flexible.

Powerline adapters hold no allegiances; they can be moved around and used on a variety of devices without issue. Once plugged in they will only take a few seconds to reconnect.  ​

5. They are super easy to set up.

Powerline adapters aren’t just for the tech savvy, even if you consider yourself to be technologically impaired you shouldn’t struggle to set them up. Plug in, pair, done! If you want to change a few settings, such as SSID for your WiFi, then most have a user friendly app for the job. 

6. They can bolt on to any network.

It’s unlikely that you will want to run an exclusively Powerline network, at the very least you will likely have a wireless network provided by your router. Powerline adapters can be used to strengthen an existing network; they might even be a temporary fix for an Ethernet solution you are planning in future. 
A pretty strong list of pros, but with all those pros there surely have to be cons? Afraid so, but maybe not as many as you might think. 

 Cons of Powerline​

1. They only work if both ends are on the same circuit.

For most homes this won’t be a problem, however if your home has more than one circuit due to an extension or any other reason, then you may have problems. In my time, I have not seen this issue occur regularly, but normally they don't work for out buildings, garden offices or in large properties with Three Phase systems.

It should also be noted domestic electrical standards and practices differ from country to country. For example in the USA Powerline is likely to be less effective than it would be in the UK. 

2. They can be impacted by electrical Interference.

This is pretty common, for some devices the effect is temporary (tumble dryers, microwaves etc.) but for others the impact can be more consistent (fridges and freezers). The issue should be fairly easy to spot; as the Powerline units have an indication light which will normally be either orange or red if the connection is suffering from interference. However for intermittent problems you may have to don your detective cap and try and suss out the culprit. The impact of interference is degradation of connection speeds and this is the most common issue I have seen in with Powerline. Having said that in most cases, a Powerline unit suffering from interference is still still quicker than a weak Wi-Fi signal.
Update:
Sky TV have discontinued the use of Powerline on the basis that it is too unreliable. Instead they have started using repeaters.

3. They lose speed.

Almost a continuation of the point above. No matter how little load is on your circuit, its primary role is to provide electricity and you will always experience some loss of speed. How much of a problem this is will depend on how much speed you have to lose.
For example losing 100Mbps from 350Mbps isn't a huge problem, however losing 5Mbps from 7Mbps is a huge problem. In that situation you may want to either look at increasing your speed (if that's an option) or extending your internet with another method. 

4. They work better alone.

Powerline kits can have multiple end units, the number will depend on the model, and in theory this allows multiple connections from the router. However in my experience the more units the less reliable the connections. For me they are perfect for connecting to a single point but not really suitable as a complete home network solution.

5. They are limited by socket locations. 

Seems obvious I know, but these adapters don’t work as well on extension leads, so if you have a powerline feeding a TV on the end of a 20m extension lead or even a long line of daisy chained extenders, you will almost certainly find it doesn’t work or doesn’t work as well. Even on short extension leads you may see a significant loss in speed.

6. Different brands don't work together

This is based purely on experience, if for example you have a Divola Powerline set in your house and then you add a TP link set, everything will stop working. Sometimes you actually see the devices on their competitors app but ultimately the system will fail. 

7. They have limited configuration options

The selling point of Powerline devices are that they are very simple to set-up, meaning most people can simply buy them from Amazon, plug them in and they are good to go.
However this is a double edge sword, especially for the Powerline Wi-Fi extenders. In some areas, for example a block of flats, there can be a lot of WiFi networks and certain frequencies can become crowded. Too many people on a similar frequency can cause signal problems and interference causing your Wi-Fi to be slow or unreliable. Normally by switching frequencies this issue will be resolved, however many Powerline adapters do not have the option of switching frequencies, so you're stuck with a poorly performing device. 

8. They release low frequency RF pollution (my reluctant 8th con).

There are those that are against Powerline adapters because they cause your electrical circuits to emit low frequency radio waves. This can cause amateur radio enthusiasts some issues.

Update: Feedback from a reader
On a previous version of this blog I requested that anyone who had experienced this issue to get in touch, as I'd seen little evidence:

So thank you to Adrian Knott, who commented below, he has had some real life experience with Powerline causing interference, and actually requested OFCOM (the UK's telecoms regulator) have one shut down. Which they apparently did. This is certainly interesting to know as I was unaware OFCOM had the power to have someone stop using Powerline.

Adrian also makes the point that shielded Ethernet is the preferred option, with which I wholeheartedly agree (especially as the owner of a company that installs Ethernet). Ethernet will always be a far superior option,  however the whole point of Powerline is that it is a cheaper, quicker alternative to running cables. 

Adrian has also provided a website which is completely against Powerline on the basis of interference https://www.ban-plt.org.uk/. 
Unfortunately the website immediately looses credibility on the absurd claim that people using Powerline are deliberately causing interference. I doubt that many users are even aware Powerline can cause interference and I'm certain people aren't purchasing it to deliberately sabotage their neighbours radio signal.

However I do acknowledge that the issue of interference is obviously a real concern to some and I can appreciate how frustrating it must be for radio enthusiastic etc. 

If anyone else has experienced any issues other issues, I would really like to hear about them and continue the debate. ​

Conclusion

An electronic device or system must decide whether to use an internal or external power supply. Based on specific needs and applications, each type offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. You can ensure optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency for your devices by understanding the differences, benefits, and limitations of internal and external power supplies. When choosing a power supply, you must consider several key factors. Here are a few to consider.

What is Internal Power Supply?

A component that powers an electronic device internally is called an internal power supply. The internal power supply converts external AC power into DC power that is required by the devices' internal components. It can be found inside desktop computers, home entertainment systems, and industrial equipment. Integrated components reduce cable clutter and the need for extra external components, because they offer a more streamlined and compact design.

As they are shielded within the device's casing, internal power supplies are also advantageous for heat dissipation as well as EMI reduction. However, because the power supply must be accommodated inside the device, they can also make servicing or replacing it more difficult.

What is External Power Supply?

A standalone external power supply supplies power outside the main enclosure of an electronic device. It converts AC power from a wall outlet into the DC voltage that the electronic device requires. It is also known as power converters or wall warts. Mobile electronics like laptops, smartphones, and other portable devices use them to manage heat and save space.

It is easier to replace and repair external power supplies since they are separate from the main device. By separating the power conversion process, heat generated by the process can be managed better, meaning that overheating risks can be reduced. For high-portability devices, these cables might add to cable clutter and make transporting them more difficult.

Internal vs External Power Supplies

Internal Power Supplies

Design and Integration: Devices that use internal power supplies have power supplies built into their enclosures. In order to operate the device's internal components, AC power is converted to DC power by converting it from a wall outlet. Typical examples of this design include desktop computers, servers, home entertainment systems, and some industrial equipment. Internal integration reduces external cable clutter and trip hazards by simplifying and compacting the design.

Heat Management: A device's cooling system can be used to cool internal power supplies. This can result in more efficient heat dissipation, ensuring a safe operating temperature for the power supply. As a result, thermal management can become more complex if the power supply's heat is managed alongside that of the device's other components.

Performance and Noise: The power supply of an electronic device can be customized to meet its power requirements and performance criteria. As the power supply is shielded within the device's casing, it can deliver power more efficiently and generate less electrical noise. Furthermore, power loss can be minimized due to the proximity of the power supply to the internal components.

Serviceability and Replacement: The difficulty of servicing or replacing internal power supplies is one of their drawbacks. It is possible to repair or replace the power supply by disassembling the entire device if the power supply fails. In critical systems, this can result in increased maintenance costs and downtime.

Space Constraints: As the power supply must fit within the enclosure, internal power supplies can constrain the design of the device. A device's form factor and size can be affected by this, limiting its design flexibility.

External Power Supplies

Design and Flexibility: They connect to the device via a cable and are often referred to as power adapters or wall warts. DC voltage is generated outside the device by converting AC power from a wall outlet. Various portable electronics, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, use this design when interior space is limited and heat management is key.

Heat Management: An external power supply has the advantage of better heat management. Heat generated during the power conversion process does not affect the internal components of the device because the power supply is located outside the device. By doing this, the device operates within a safer temperature range and reduces the risk of overheating.

Ease of Replacement and Portability: Because the power supply is separate from the device, it is easier to replace and service. In the event that the power supply fails, it can be replaced without opening the device, which reduces maintenance time and cost. External power supplies can, however, be inconvenient to carry and can clog up portable devices.

Standardization and Versatility: It is often possible to standardize external power supplies for multiple devices, providing a greater degree of flexibility. Users and manufacturers can simplify logistics and reduce costs by using interchangeable power adapters for laptops and other portable devices.

Design Considerations: There are several advantages to external power supplies, but they also have some disadvantages. Additionally, they are bulky and complex to transport, and they do not appear as integrated or as attractive as internal solutions. External power supplies can also fail due to faulty cables.

Uses of Internal Power Supplies

Desktop Computers and Servers: The motherboard, CPU, GPU, hard drives, and optical drives are all powered by internal power supplies in desktop computers and servers. The power supplies are integrated into the case, reducing external clutter. These power supplies are integrated so they can be cooled efficiently within the system's airflow, ensuring reliable and stable performance. A data center's operational continuity is dependent on redundant power supplies, such as those found in ATX power supplies and servers.

Home Entertainment Systems: A Blu-ray player, a home theater receiver, and a gaming console are among the many devices with internal power supplies. For consumer electronics that are used in living rooms, this design choice keeps a sleek and integrated look. In addition to offering a more aesthetic appearance, these systems ensure efficient power delivery. A power supply integrated into an AV receiver or game console like PlayStation or Xbox, for example, matches the high power demands of these devices.

Industrial Machinery: Many industrial control systems, robotics, and machines require internal power supplies. The durability and efficiency of industrial environments depend on reliable and stable power within a protected enclosure. Power supplies ensure that complex machines operate continuously and reliably by optimizing space usage. Modern manufacturing processes rely on power supplies and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) to operate.

Uses of External Power Supplies

Laptops and Portable Computers: The charger or power adapter that powers and charges laptops is an external power supply. These adapters provide users with the convenience of replacing a device and keeping the bulky power supply separate. A laptop's portability and convenience are enhanced by this separation. The widespread use of external power supplies in portable computing is illustrated by the standard power adapters for MacBooks and Dell laptops.

Mobile Devices: Power is typically provided by external chargers for smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. Often standardized (e.g., USB-C), these chargers are easily replaceable and allow compatibility across a variety of devices. Users and manufacturers alike benefit from this standardization. External power supplies for iPhones and Android devices facilitate the use of mobile technology on a daily basis.

Consumer Electronics: A wide variety of consumer electronics use external power supplies, such as digital cameras, portable speakers, and smart home appliances. Their lightweight and compact design make the devices more portable and convenient to use. Portable projectors and smart speakers, for instance, can operate efficiently with power adapters instead of incorporating bulky power supplies.

Telecommunications Equipment: A variety of networking devices use external power supplies, including modems, routers, and other networking equipment. A power supply failure ensures continuous operation by simplifying the main device design and allowing simple replacement. External power supplies can be used to supply power to Wi-Fi routers and modems at home and in small offices.

Wrapping Up

You should take your specific application requirements into consideration when choosing internal or external power supplies. They are ideal for stationary equipment such as desktop computers, home entertainment systems, and industrial machinery, due to their compact, integrated design and reduced external clutter. A portable device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or other consumer electronics, can benefit from external power supplies because of their portability, easy replacement, and heat management. In the end, you'll decide what's important to you in terms of design, maintenance, portability, and thermal management. In this way, convenience and performance are ensured.