D-Link Systems PowerLine AV Network Adapter (DHP-306AV)

Great idea, but sometimes flakey.

I purchased this adapter to add to a D-Link AV306 kit (transponder and receiver). Our high speed wireless proved to be anything but (less than 1MB/sec) so connected the base kit and since then have averaging about 25-30 mb/sec. Purchased this adapter to add another computer to the network - practically plug and play. Plugged it into an outlet, lan cable to back of desktop, press the security button on the base and on the adapter and they connected without a hitch. On network setting for each of the desktops it identifies the modem/network as if it were connected directly to the modem. Pretty wild. This model is no longer supported by D-link - they have a more sophisticated version that offers wireless at the adapter - I'm happy with this model for my current needs.Overall, my experience with this system (for the past few years) has been generally positive. I wouldn't add the software that comes with the adapter - its dated and ultimately unnecessary.Only caveat - older houses with antiquated electrical systems may not see the same speeds, too many devices sharing the same circuity may also create interference impacting your results. . .

I installed this with ease and it worked flawlessly for seven months until one day, the access point function in it quit and would not work for more than 10 minutes each time it was reset (powered off and back on). I then researched it on the D-Link forum and discovered this is a common flaw with this device as it one day begins to overheat and the access point fails. The power-line adapter function continues to work however. I did return it with ease as it remained under warranty but had to paid for the shipping and handling both directions. I have yet to test the refurbished model I received back as I replaced it immediately with new D-Link power-line adapter and separate stand-alone access point that appears to be working fine (so far). The D-Link forum states that most refurbished models of this device also fail the same way over time and many fail this way right after receipt. The forum did have good reports of my new stand-alone power-line adapters and access points.

Sometimes it gets a bit of interference and I have to reset it, but that is rare, not really a concern.This is my 3rd unit now. I have one plugged into my U-Verse router (broadcasting), I have one in the living room on a PC, and now this 3rd one is plugged into my home office computer. So, if you're wondering, YES you can use more than just two of them at once. There's configuration software that you can use to change the key code so it's unique. You'd have to do that on all 3 units. I just leave them on the default. No reason for that kind of security unless you suspect a neighbor plugs one into your outside outlet to access your network. ha haFor some crazy reason, on this 3rd one, when I turn my computer on, I have to unplug the unit from the wall, and plug it back in again. It doesn't want to "wake up" on it's own. That's kind of a bother, but still, I don't mind. They work great. I'd recommend them. I have a fairly small house, so I don't know if the reception would be an issue on a larger house. I'm guessing it would still work fine.

I started using the D-Link PowerLine system when I was staying with a friend of mine while I was beginning my new job and finding a place for my family to move to. I purchased the 307AV pack, which is the starter kit. It provides you with two units, which is what you need to make the system operational. Since I was staying with my friend for just a short while, I couldn't just run Cat5 cable through his house and the WiFi signal was not strong enough to keep me on XBOX Live. I reviewed a bunch of options to allow me the access I needed, and the D-Link PowerLine system received many great reviews. I decided to make may purchase. I had zero access issue to XBOX live once I started using the device. I just connected to one outlet by the router and one by my XBOX upstairs and my connection was instant.Since this time, I found a house and my family moved down here with me. I continued to use the PowerLine because I relized (using speedtest.net) that my connection via the D-Link device was better than the WiFi strength. About 6 weeks ago, my brother-in-law moved in with us. He is a big XBOX gamer so I knew I had to do something so we could both game without network issues. I purchased the 306AV (which is the exact same as the 307AV, the model difference just helps to indicate the starter kit of two devices versus the single unit). Once the 306AV system arrived, I simply plugged it into a power outlet in the spare room and connected it to the XBOX. The unit immediately recognized the main unit connected to the router and he was online a ready to play. I ran up to my room, turned on my XBOX and was online immediately as well. Like I said, this was 6 weeks ago and we've had zero issues connecting using this system. We don't see any lagging during our gaming either.I would, and have, recommended this item to anyone.

I returned this product after 2 days. I have a D-Link PowerLine wireless router that I used with 2 of these. The link was bad through my breaker box. If it was on the same circuit performance was good but it wouldn't cover the area that I was trying to reach. Our town home is over 35 years old so the electric may have something to do with the signal quality but I was not going to start changing outlets and a breaker panel to improve performance. May work good if you have a newer home or newer electrical system.

Our house has terrible wifi. I use 3 of these, one in the office where the modem and router are, one in the living room behind the TV to a second wireless router and a 3rd downstairs. Now have internet access throughout the entire house. Great product.Update... these have been hit or miss. Very unreliable. Sometimes it'll work flawless for quite a while, other times it won't see any other powerline adapters so everyone loses connection, for no apparent reason. Have tried different plugs in different rooms, even plugs in the same room, 10 feet away from each other that are for sure on the same circuit... different circuit or even a different phase and still, they will sometimes completely disconnect and then magically reconnect maybe 2 hours later with no apparent change.

Overall, this product has made it possible for me to extend the wifi from the attic (where the cable and modem are) to the rest of the house. There are no longer any blackout areas. We now have wifi everywhere, incl. basement and back yard.My wifi gets a lot of use. I regularly watch netfilx, and have kids playing online games, surfing the web etc, all at the same time. This used to choke the bandwidth but. No problems now.Here is one caveat though: I can stream (wirelessly) movies up to 1.5 GB from a laptop to the tv., Any bigger than that and I get sync problems. For regular netflix, I have a cable connecting the second unit to the Apply TV. Works great, no sync problems.

It goes places your wireless network won't reach. It's easy to install. It works well, but don't forget, its a companion to an existing wired network. Won't work on its own.

Great product. Always works and gets good speeds through the property. I now have 2 of them, both deliver 25-30mbps consistently at very far points from the source.

Works great for when your gaming system is far from the router. Hooks up your device to think it is connected to a wired connection so your connection quality stays at a high.