A powerline adapter is a device that uses your homes electrical wiring to transmit communications signals. It connects your computer or other internet-capable device to the internet by using your homes electrical wiring, providing a physical connection between your device and router as opposed to the wireless connection provided by Wi-Fi. A powerline adapter is sometimes called a powerline-Ethernet adapter because it still uses an Ethernet cable, just in a more limited capacity.

A powerline adapter comes with two separate adapters that you plug into the electrical outlets in your home. You plug the first adapter into an outlet near your router and connect the adapter to the router via an Ethernet cable. You plug the second adapter into an outlet near your devices and plug your devices into the adapter. Powerline adapters are secure, but if you live in an apartment building, condo, or townhouse, then your data could be intercepted by neighbors who share the building’s wiring. However, the best powerline adapters have point-to-point encryption methods that protect all your data that’s being zipped along with your wiring.

Powerline adapters are a good way to improve your home network if you want a quick and easy fix. They are relatively cheap and require very little technical knowledge to install. They are ideal for someone looking to add a cable connection to one of their high demand devices, but wouldn’t necessarily suit someone looking to stream content. The condition of the wiring and other electrical devices in the building can reduce the speed of the connection.

In summary, a powerline adapter is a device that uses your homes electrical wiring to transmit communications signals, providing a physical connection between your device and router as opposed to the wireless connection provided by Wi-Fi. It comes with two separate adapters that you plug into the electrical outlets in your home, and it is a good way to improve your home network if you want a quick and easy fix.