To maintain a good internet connection throughout your home, it’s sometimes necessary to use certain devices. In this article, we’ll discuss the option of using a Wi-Fi PLC and also using an old router. In both cases, you’ll be able to extend the signal from one place to another in your home, but they won’t always be useful. We’ll give you some recommendations so you can use the one that’s best for you.
PLCs work through electrical wiring. Basically, you’ll plug one device near the router and another into a different outlet, somewhere else in the home. An old router is simply a device that you’ll plug into your main router, the one you currently have, and provide a connection in that area.
Wi-Fi PLC or old router
As you’ll see, both are good options for having internet access in different parts of your home. However, there are certainly key advantages. This can make it worthwhile to use an old router in some cases, but to have a Wi-Fi PLC in others.
Speed
First, let’s talk about speed. This will depend on each model, but in general, we can say that Wi-Fi PLCs can offer higher speeds. Why do we say this? If you have an older router, it’s likely a very old model and doesn’t really have a good capacity.
Wi-Fi PLCs could be more modern devices, with higher maximum speed, and use more current protocols, such as Wi-Fi 6 or even Wi-Fi 7.
Cost
In terms of cost, it’s clearly going to be more interesting to use your old router. It’s a device you already have, even if you don’t need it. You won’t have to buy anything additional, so the investment will be zero. It’s a way to give your devices a second life and get more out of them.
On the other hand, if you’re going to get a Wi-Fi PLC, you’ll have to make an investment. Depending on the model, you’ll have to pay more or less. But if you want a quality one, you’ll have to pay more.
Ease of use
Ease of use is also worth mentioning. In this case, the simplest option is always going to be to use Wi-Fi PLC devices. You won’t have to configure anything complicated, and you’ll be able to quickly connect to other areas of your home, simply by using the electrical wiring.
If you’re using an older router, it’s often necessary to configure it properly, and it’s not always easy. You may run into problems if you’re not an experienced user.
Coverage
But which offers better coverage? In this case, we can say that both are more than valid. However, an older router might be more stable. After all, you’ll be connecting it via a network cable. That’s going to be more stable than using electrical wiring, as is the case with PLCs.
However, it all depends on the device itself, whether it’s configured correctly, etc. But yes, the smallest difference may be in terms of coverage.
In short, using both PLC Wi-Fi and an old router can be a good idea to maintain a connection in your home and avoid coverage issues.