Networking – mix and match ethernet over powerline plugs

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A while ago I purchased a TP-Link ethernet over power kit from my local Aldi. It works really well, and I'd like to add more, but they no longer sell that particular product. If I were to buy a D-Link plug (or whatever brand), would that still work?

As a basic example, if I have (only) one of the TP-Links plugged into the modem, and (only) one of the D-Links plugged into my PC — no matching brand of plug — would it work as expected?

Best Answer

Short answer: yes you probably can in general mix ethernet-over-powerline adapters, in theory:

You can mix and match Powerline adaptors running at different speeds and from different manufacturers – as long as they all support at least HomePlug AV. Naturally, faster adaptors can talk to slower ones only at the lower speed.

Beware of older kits still on sale that are based on an earlier standard called HomePlug 1.0. These run at a maximum speed of 85Mbps – which will probably still be adequate for many home users – but they’re not compatible with faster HomePlug AV products running at 200Mbps or more. They'll co-exist on the same mains wiring, but cannot talk to each other.

(per PC Advisor's article on ethernet-over-powerline products)

However, without knowing your particular model of TP-Link adapter it's hard to say if your putative configuration will definitely be compatible. You will have to include more details in your question, or do some further research.

There is a compatibility table posted which may be of some use to you when purchasing, though this may require signup now (archive.org link). It is too big to post here but I am including the link for completeness.

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