The Verdict
The dLAN 200 AV series powerplugs are not at all that cheap, around 50~60 EUR per power plug for the most simple 200 Mbps model. The reality is that if you are going for just an internet connection and have a lot of floors or ground to cover... they are not massively expensive either. Remember, the cost of getting network cabling & sockets properly installed, and it's much tidier than running Ethernet cables on the floor.
And that is where we need to place this product. We feel that the Devolo Powerline AV 200 series is very good for typical web-surfing, gaming or occasional file transfers. But if you want something more demanding then you quickly run into performance limitations IF you do not stay within the same power-group. If you stay within the same fuse group/ring then performance is really adequate enough for the most common network functions, but do not expect to be transferring massive files fast.
The upside is that even on a completely different fuse group yet within the main ring we still pulled 12 Mbit/sec out of the devices in a worst case scenario, which is more than enough for most internet connections. With the worst scenario we did not spot any packet loss, and yes... I even tested that by putting strain on the power lines by enabling some devices like the microwave oven and having the fridge active.
What makes this product shine is related to the fact that it literally is plug and play. No setup is required, no operating system dependency. So there's no messing around with wireless SSID, WEP and pass phrases etc. like you have to deal with on a wireless router. Each plug has its own ID no. and MAC address, they are automatically detected. And when there is no network connectivity, the AV 200 will jump into a power saving mode. And if you want to, you can add another layer of security and also enable 128-bit AES encryption.
Some negatives, if you advertise a product at 200 Mbit/sec... you may expect a lot more performance then being tied to a 100 Mbit/sec connection. As such, the Devolo AV200 series powerline adapters are a little over hyped and over marketed. If you stay in the same room with the same power group, performance however is really good. If you spread out the plugs over several rooms and power groups... performance will cave in real fast, drastically.
So then, it's good for Internet connectivity and online gaming should not be an issue. However, if your purpose is to occasionally move masses of files, you'd be MUCH happier with the good old CAT5 cable and a switch and some wires.
But sure, it is a fairly good Powerline Ethernet adapter. The price is too steep though, and the software could be much better, but it's really all about performance, and while the units deliver, it's by far not as advertised. You'll never get 200 Mbps, but you should certainly beat current Wi-Fi standards.
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