Devolo Magic 2 WiFi

Devolo Magic 2 WiFi is the latest series of adapters from the German company that allow you to use your home's power lines to transmit network data. These handy devices are particularly useful in large buildings with thick walls, where Wi-Fi can struggle to get through.

The idea is that a power line network gives you the stability of wired networking without the need to trail network cables throughout your home. While in the past power line speeds couldn’t quite match those of Ethernet cables, improvements to the HomePlug power line standard – the technology that transmits network data over power lines – have gradually upped the speeds to be more comparable to wired networking, and faster than Wi-Fi.

However, the HomePlug standard is showing its age, which is why Devolo has released the Magic 2 kit. It uses a new standard – G.hn – which promises much faster speeds. In fact, Devolo claims that Magic 2 can reach theoretical speeds of up to 2,400Mbps, a big leap over its last-generation Devolo dLAN 1200+, which was capable of up to 1,200Mbps.

Installation and performance
Installation of the Devolo Magic 2 WiFi was straightforward, although a little fiddly to begin with. Because the Devolo Magic 2 WiFi uses new technology it’s not backwards-compatible with previous Devolo units, which means you’ll need to replace every unit with a new Magic 2 one, which may prove costly.

You can use two different power line adapter networks in the same building, but it’s not recommended, and can negatively impact the speeds of both networks.

With the first unit installed and connected to the router, you can add new units throughout the house, then press the connection button on the new unit, then within three minutes press the connection button on the initial unit to create a secure connection.

This needs to be done in the correct order, especially when adding additional units, otherwise the network gets confused. It took us a few tries to get it right – and the included manual is not much use, unfortunately.

In many ways, the Devolo Magic 2 WiFi works better than other Mesh router systems. These usually take an existing Wi-Fi network and amplify it, which is fine unless the original Wi-Fi network is struggling to reach parts of the building. With the Devolo Magic 2 WiFi system the network travels through the power lines, then is broadcasted by the unit as a WiFi network, so obstacles such as walls shouldn’t be a problem.

It is expensive, and due to the new technology it’s not backwards-compatible, which means you’ll need to replace every existing power line adapter, which could prove costly. And, while speeds are very good, they still don’t match a cable Ethernet network. The included documentation could also be clearer.

However, installation is far easier and more convenient than trailing Ethernet cables throughout your home, and for most people the speeds on offer will be more than enough. Overall we're very impressed with the Devolo Magic 2 WiFi kit.

[xfuw]

is it works throught neutral cable of powerline? I have 3-phase power grid and each floor on different phases. But the neutral is same on all floors - will it work?

[tabakjewentele]

No explanation of how to install - it is oh so easy f*ck not