Hardware
The functionality of a PowerLine is simply explained. The adapters are plugged into a conventional socket and connected via the network connection. The data transfer takes place between two or more PowerLine adapters, directly over the power line.
The larger "PLA5236" adapter has two 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 sockets with Auto MDI / MDI-X support. With the HomePlug AV2 specification, a two-sided PowerLine data throughput of up to one gigabit would theoretically be possible. The transfer is 128-bit AES encrypted for security. At the same time, the Zyxel PLA5236 is a WLAN access point that supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi according to the dual-band AC standard. Theoretical transmission rates of up to 5 Mbps are possible in the 867 GHz network and up to 2.4 Mbps in the 400 GHz network. The encryption is 64/128 bit WEP, WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK. The PLA5236 WPS is compatible for easy connection establishment.
The second adapter with the designation "PLA5206 V2" is intended purely for PowerLine use. Also specified as HomePlug AV2 and equipped with two 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 sockets, this adapter also achieves a theoretically possible PowerLine transfer rate of one gigabit.
field test
Design and workmanship
Both the PLA5206 V2 and the PLA5236 are superbly processed. There are criticisms, however, in the design. With a size of 125 x 74 x 40 mm, the PLA5236 is very large. Especially when used in a multiple wall socket, the housing of the PowerLine adapter projects into the plug-in area of the adjacent sockets, making them unusable. The PLA5206 V2 has a much more compact housing with dimensions of 93 x 63 x 30 mm.
OPERATION
Both devices are supplied with a multilingual Quick Start Guide, which also includes German instructions, to make commissioning easy to understand. At the same time, a 1.5 meter network cable is included in the scope of delivery.
The connection of two adapters is extremely simple and can also be carried out by a technical layperson. In order to set up a PowerLine, one adapter must be connected to the router, the other adapter is then connected to the device that wants to use the Internet. The connection between the adapters is fully automatic. If you want to encrypt the connection, the "Encryption" button on both devices must be pressed for 2 seconds.
Data throughput of the PowerLine
To measure the possible net data throughput of the PowerLine, we opted for practical test environments. For this purpose, the PLA5206 V2 was connected to a GBit switch. The PLA5236 was attached to the gigabit LAN port of a fast notebook with a powerful SSD. A 1GB file should be moved locally via a NAS.
Test environment 1: The PLA5236 and the PLA5206 V2 are connected via a single wall socket and are approximately 3 meters apart in the same room. The maximum achieved data throughput rate was 30 MB / s.
Test environment 2: The PLA5236 and the PLA5206 V2 are connected via a single wall socket and are located on different floors, at a distance of about 10 meters. The maximum data throughput rate was 19 MB / s.
Test environment 2: The PLA5236 and the PLA5206 V2 are connected via a single wall socket and are located on different floors, at a distance of about 18 meters. The maximum data throughput rate was only 5 MB / s.
For a stable connection and high data throughput, it is recommended to use the Zyxel PowerLine adapter not with a multiple socket, but with a wall socket. The reason is that other devices connected to the multiple socket can interfere with the PowerLine signal. In the test, a multiple socket with additionally connected devices did not prove to be disadvantageous. The signal remained constant with the same data throughput rate. The signal quality can also be read directly from an LED indicator.
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- PLA5236 web interface
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- PLA5236 web interface
Access Point
The Zyxel PLA5236 can also act as an access point. The access point can be configured using the so-called "Zyxel Easy Setup" app, and it is also possible to configure it using the adapter's web interface. To do this, you have to connect to the adapter and http://zyxelsetup surf. The login details are printed on the adapter. Using dual-band AC, both a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network can be set up. The PLA5236 impressed with its constant data throughput rate and good transmission range. The adapter can be managed via the "Zyxel OneConnect" app and the local web interface, which can also be used to activate additional features such as QoS or a MAC filter.
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- Zyxel OneConnect app
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- Zyxel OneConnect app
power consumption
The power consumption of the PLA5236 was between 8 watts and 11.5 watts in the test. The average consumption was 10.5 watts. The PLA5206 V2 consumed between 5 watts and 8 watts, with the average consumption being 6.5 watts.
Zyxel PLA5236 + PLA5206 V2
Good workmanship
Easy commissioning
Easy handling
Stable connection
Access Point
Encryption
Low energy consumption
Size of the PLA5236
Moderate data throughput
The Zyxel PowerLine Kit is a convenient solution to build a LAN or WLAN in just a few steps. Sense makes such a kit especially where just no Ethernet connection is available or the WLAN is hard to reach. However, one should note: If manufacturers of PowerLine products specify this with theoretically possible Gigabit transmission rate, this information is always associated with a bitter aftertaste. In practice, PowerLine adapters are far removed from the theoretical ones. Transfer rates of about 35 MB / s are about the same as what you would expect from a good PowerLine adapter in practice.
