Tp-link tl - Hardware 2024

Once again we analyze another of the numerous TP-Link kits , this time one of the most complete models in the 500mbps series, with 2 and 3 network ports respectively at both ends, and a wifi repeater. This is the TP-Link TL-WPA4230P KIT kit, which is once again a great alternative to bring both cable network and Wi-Fi connection to the other end of the house. It is a pair of AV500 plugs, the first is a TL-WPA4230P, with three network sockets and 2 × 2 wifi, the second is in this case a TL-WPA4020P with two network sockets, both replicating the plug used.

Technical characteristics


HARDWARE FEATURES
Standards and protocols	HomePlug AV, IEEE1901, IEEE802.3, IEEE802.3u, IEEE802.11b / g / n
Plug Type	EU, UK, FR
Buttons	Pair, Reset, Wi-Fi / Wi-Fi Clone
Interfaces	3 10 / 100Mbps Ethernet Ports
LED indicator	PWR, PLC, ETH, Wi-Fi / Wi-Fi Clone
Dimensions (WXDXH)	5.0 x 2.5 x 1.7 in. (126 × 64 × 42mm)
Scope	300 meters through the electrical circuit


SOFTWARE FEATURES
Modulation technology	OFDM (PLC)
Encryption	Powerline Security: 128-bit AES Wireless Security: WEP, WPA / WPA2, WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK encryption

SOFTWARE FEATURES

Modulation technology

OFDM (PLC)

Encryption

Powerline Security:

128-bit AES

Wireless Security:

WEP, WPA / WPA2, WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK encryption


OTHERS
Certifications	CE, FCC, RoHS
Package content	TL-WPA4230P & TL-PA4020P Powerline Ethernet Adapters 2 x 2m Ethernet (RJ45) cables Utilities CD Quick installation guide
System Requirements	Windows 8/7 / Vista / XP / 2000, Mac OS X, Linux-based operating systems
Environmental factors	Operating temperature: 0 ℃ ~ 40 ℃ (32 ℉ ~ 104 ℉) Storage temperature: -40 ℃ ~ 70 ℃ (-40 ℉ ~ 158 ℉) Operating humidity: 10% ~ 90% non-condensing Storage humidity: 5% ~ 90% non-condensing

AV500 TP-Link TL-WPA4230P KIT WiFi Powerline Extender Kit

The box follows the same patterns as the rest of the analyzed tp-link kits, point by point

We see the typical model comparison in the back

According to the manufacturer, we have a range of up to 300m in the same phase. Of course it supports all types of security for our wireless network, from WEP to WPA2 (we highly recommend using the latter whenever possible). The ports are 10/100, which makes us sense a possible bottleneck, we will review it in performance tests.

Following a distribution similar to the usual one, the cables and manuals are at the bottom, and the PLCs as such are at the top.

The kit is quite complete, it includes two CAT5 cables, despite the fact that the connections of the PLCs are not Gigabit, a manual in several languages (including Spanish) and a quick start guide that summarizes the steps to connect the PLCs, in addition to the CD.

The plug with Wi-Fi access point is similar to the one observed in the 4226KIT, the external differences are minimal, and something that we have noticed is that the case heats up significantly less, saving one of the somewhat troubling points of the previous model. In the other we find a fairly large module due to the integrated switch to give 3 ports, and again we keep the socket. We note that using these devices as a switch implies having a bottleneck for the connection at 100Mbps even though the devices are connected to the same PLC.

Below we can see in detail both modules, above the TL-PA4020P, in white and gray, and below the TL-WPA4230P, in black

As we anticipated, the installation is extremely simple, they are already paired as standard, so to start using them you just have to plug each one into a socket in our house, take an ethernet cable from the router to the first one, and we will have a connection network in the second as if it were the continuation of that cable. In addition, we have several network inputs on each side to connect multiple devices without adding a switch, in addition to those connected by wireless network.

To configure the wifi to our liking, we can do it either from the URL indicated by TP-Link in its quick start guide, or directly using the WPS button on the PLC (the same as to activate the Wifi) and from our router to copy all the configuration into the repeater. Unfortunately, although the latter is more comfortable, we do not recommend leaving the WPS function of our router activated for longer than is strictly necessary, since it has known vulnerabilities and can be a gateway for unwanted guests to our network, however good it may be. our password.

Test of performance

To measure the speed, we will use a real scenario, first with both PLCs connected in nearby rooms, this being the ideal use case, and then introducing the maximum possible distance between them and using sections of the installation regulated by different thermomagnetic devices.

Next, since it is a device that includes Wifi, we will test the combined performance of Wifi + PLC, to see what we can expect in real use. The wifi card used to do the tests is an intel AC-7260, in the case of the wired network the equipment is the same as the one we used in the review of the Asus RT-AC68U.

The uphill performance is by far the best of all we've tested, closely followed by the 4220KIT. In download it is improvable, with values higher than the old devolo but certainly far from desirable.

At the time of writing this review we have many more models of PLCs than when we analyzed the 4226 kit, so we can see a more accurate comparison with the rest of the options on the market, both from the same manufacturer and from Devolo.

The performance is located in a middle area, it is probably somewhat higher overall than that observed in the TL-WPA4226 KIT, but it does not reach the remarkable levels of the 4220, which despite not having a switch integrated in one of the ends gives some values really good transfer. In short distances, we are again limited by the use of Fast Ethernet connectors (100mbps).

In long distances, as we mentioned, the results are similar to those seen with the 4226 kit. In the performance combined with Wi-Fi you can see a really good performance on the rise, but quite mediocre on the descent. We don't know the cause of this behavior, but certainly the 4226 and 4220 chip or antennas seem to do a better job, with more balanced results.

WE RECOMMEND YOU 2014 Best PLC Kit of the year: TP-LINK TL-WPA4220KIT

Except for the low performance of the 10/100 connection, more serious if possible on models with several outlets, the general impression is good, these PLCs are a complete and not very expensive alternative to carry network and Wi-Fi in homes where passing cable is complicated And we do not want to spend the money that is worth the AC network equipment and we also need the flexibility offered by having several outlets per plug.

Also considering the performance figures, it is easier for me to recommend the TL-WPA4220KIT and accompany it with an inexpensive switch (such as the TP-LINK TL-SG1005D) than to opt for this model, provided that the occupied space is not a problem.

Final words and conclusion

Once again the overall impression is good and similar to what we had with previous TP-Link kits. The performance, without being exceptional, is acceptable for the category, we have a wifi repeater and 2/3 network sockets at the ends. Again, it's WiFi 2 × 2 and only in the 2.4Ghz band, it's more of a compromise solution than a substitute for a next-generation router.

The stability is excellent, just like in the rest of the models. We went up to 6-7ms of ping over long distances, probably introduced by the switch and its implementation. They are still low enough values to give a good experience in online games. In this case we would recommend it to take advantage of connections of, at most, 50mbps, although it would give good performance in 100mbps fiber connections if the distance to cover is short.

Unfortunately, the 100mbps ethernet connectors eclipse the result again, more than in previous cases since we will have limited performance even on computers that are next to each other.

The price places them as one of the most expensive options offered by TP-Link, with around € 100-110. With a tighter price, they would receive our recommendation, for the moment, the TL-WPA4220KIT performs better and is cheaper even if we have a switch on each side added to the final price, so this kit would continue to be our chosen in terms of price quality.

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ EASE OF INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION	- FAST ETHERNET PORTS (100MBPS) THAT LIMIT THE GENERAL PERFORMANCE AND PENALIZE THEIR USE AS A SWITCH
+ INTEGRATED SWITCH AND PLUGS ON BOTH SIDES, OF THE MOST FLEXIBLE OPTIONS ON THE MARKET	- MORE DISCREET PERFORMANCE THAN WPA-4220KIT
+ IMPECCABLE STABILITY, SUITABLE FOR ONLINE GAMES

The professional review team awards him the silver medal, for being a solid and flexible option but with some shortcomings such as performance compared to its younger brother and fast ethernet ports.