Having a good internet connection is something we all aspire to , both at home and in the office. Currently, many technologies are combined to achieve this purpose. PLCs and WiFi adapters compete to be the pioneer tool in providing connectivity.
In this post I will make a comparison between these two technologies , to help you choose which one you should use. In addition, I will show you the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each one, with a series of essential recommendations, which you cannot stop reading.
Follow me until the end of the reading so you don’t miss any details, surely in the end you will know the difference between this type of hardware that improves our WWW connectivity.
Index:
Differences between a PLC and a WiFi adapter
Although there are many similarities between these two technologies, and many tend to confuse them, there are marked differences. Based on this, we will analyze what a PLC is and what is a WiFi adapter so you have your own perspective:
What is a PLC?
It is a technology that allows us to transmit internet through the electrical wiring of our homes. The acronym it represents refers to Power Line Communications .
With this type of installation, we will have to add more cables to share internet on all our computers. Our home’s own electricity network will serve as a platform for the circulation of data.
This technology has been in the market for more than a decade, and has become increasingly popular. This is because companies save expenses by not having to install new wired infrastructure.
How does it work?
Surely you will wonder how it is possible that the internet and the electric current go through the same driver. This is so thanks to the frequency and voltage filters that these devices incorporate.
On the one hand, the data travels, with a very high frequency between 2 and 4 MHz , and with a very low voltage. On the other hand the electric current is filtered with a voltage that goes from 110 V to 220 V .
In this way, the data circulating through the wiring is decoded continuously. Importantly, for a direct connection to a PLC network, requires UTP cables to connect our computer to the network.
What is a WiFi antenna?
A WiFi antenna is a device designed to search for and enhance the signals of nearby wireless networks . This with the intention of increasing internet availability and connectivity at each point.
This type of technology is ideal for wireless or mixed networks that have been installed in your home or office. In fact, WiFi adapters are used in many large-scale locations to save cost of wiring and accessories that involve expanding a wired network.
How does it work?
The operation of WiFi adapters is based on the recognition of the frequencies of networks arranged in the surroundings.
Some WiFi antennas can work with coaxial direct connection, or also connected to a USB port. They are lightweight, practical, and easy to install . They usually do not require pre-installation software, as they adapt and mesh with your network card.
When installed, the networks available to establish a connection will appear in your computer’s network interface. The power with which the adapter receives the signal will depend on its brand or model, but can be up to ten times higher than the conventional signal.
Pro and cons of PLCs
To analyze which technology is best for you, I have analyzed and discovered the pros and cons of both tools.
We will start by looking at everything about PLCs:
Advantages
- Easy installation: Just plug the device into the mains, and that’s it. You will not need more efforts or hours of work.
- Saving on wiring: You will not have to buy cables of any kind, since the electricity grid itself functions as a platform.
- Longer distances without interruption: This type of technology can work over relatively long distances without interruption or interference.
- Increased privacy of your network: Strangers are unlikely to join your network as it is a private circuit.
- It does not diminish with the presence of walls or walls: Obstacles such as walls and walls do not They represent a problem with PLCs.
Disadvantages
- The browsing speed is lower: Although the connectivity is more stable, the data transfer speed is lower.
- Limited access on some devices: You will not be able to connect smartphones or tablets directly to the network. To do this you will have to use a WiFi repeater or router.
- Some voltage variations can affect connectivity: If there are mismatches in the mains voltage, or any failure or storm , there may be interference.
- The more equipment the greater the interference: Every time you install more equipment to the network, there is a greater risk of interference.
Pros and cons of WiFi adapters
In the same way, I also want to show you the positive and negative aspects of using a WiFi device to increase the power of the internet. Let’s see :
Advantages
- Simplicity: The installation and operation is very simple, you don’t need advanced knowledge to handle it.
- High compatibility: You can share and receive data from any digital device with wireless capability.
- Low cost: It is an investment that in the future will provide you with savings in terms of connectivity or purchase of cables.
- Versatility: You can reorganize and even mobilize your adapter WiFi without problems from one side to another according to your needs.
- Without cables: You will not have to worry about buying any cables, or any interruption due to cable cut or obstruction .
Disadvantages
- It is diminished with distance: The more distance you will have less signal strength.
- Walls and obstacles are a problem >: With walls, walls, and dense objects, you will have less signal availability, and the network is affected.
- Vulnerability: WiFi connections are the ones that receive the most attacks because it is accessible and visible to everyone. This can affect all levels and nodes of the network.
- It is not recommended on different floors of a building: If you want to extend the signal from one floor to another, the WiFi adapters are not as effective.
When to use a PLC or WiFi adapter? Your doubts resolved
There are different methods to share internet in a certain area, according to its extension or characteristics. Companies that provide internet often use wiring of different types to achieve their goal .
These can be:
- Fiber optic.
- Coaxial cable.
- Twisted pair.
These companies incorporate wireless technologies such as WiFi in their distribution process. However, in our home or workplace we can do more to optimize internet access for all equipment.
WiFi transmitters, and PLCs are very functional alternatives that can serve us in the following cases:
- When we need to distribute internet to a large work area.
- In case of multi-storey infrastructure.
- When you notice that an area of your office or home does not You are getting a good connection.
- If you want to integrate a network between two adjacent blocks or floors.
In each of these cases you will have the uncertainty of choosing between a PLC or a WiFi device. Next, I show you what are the differences between these two tools so you can choose the one that is most convenient for your network.
There are very specific situations where one of these specific methods can be used . That is why I will show you this list of situations where it is more convenient to opt for one of the two methods.
When to use a PLC?
- In multi-storey buildings.
- When there are many obstacles in between the different areas.
- If you will not use other devices such as Smartphone or Tablet that require WiFi.
- For simple point-to-point connections.
When to use a WiFi adapter?
- If you want to increase connectivity on the same floor.
- When you need to connect several devices whose connection method is WiFi.
- If you notice that there is a fault or inconsistency in your electrical installation.
How to increase internet coverage at home by combining both devices?
The two technologies are not necessarily exclusive. You can combine both to achieve harmony and excellent connectivity. In fact, the most recommended when using a PLC is to use WiFi repeaters to achieve a complete distribution. To do this you can use a router in an outlet where you install a PLC .
Some PLCs already include WiFi repeaters to achieve full coverage. Thus, with the installation on your computer of a WiFi antenna , you will have more direct access to the network. You won’t have to worry about distances and obstacles, and you can be permanently connected.
My personal recommendation , is that you evaluate well the characteristics of your home or office, as well as those of your network. In this way, you will be able to determine with certainty what technology to use , or if it is convenient for you to combine them.
So far our comparative guide between PLCs and WiFi adapters. Keep an eye on our publications so that you are up to date on everything related to digital technology.