Performance Tests - Noise
Noise tests run in Location E showed the PL1200 reacts quickly when a noise source is removed, but doesn't otherwise adapt. The light green bottom trace shows throughput with a noise source plugged in for the duration of the test run. There's basically no increase in throughput over the run, which indicates the adapter isn't working around the noise. If it had, we should expect to see throughput move up on the bottom trace.
The middle trace shows a quick response when the noise source is unplugged at the 30 second mark. Throughput quickly moves from the lower throughput (noise source plugged in) to run with the top trace (noise source removed for the entire run).
Location E noise test - downlink
Closing Thoughts
Update 8/25/15: Product Ties for #1 Rank
Due to the TRENDnet TPL-420E2K HomePlug Powerline 1200 AV2 Adapter Kit retest, the PL1200 earns a #1 performance rank for AV2-MIMO powerline adapters. The TP-LINK TL-PA8030P now also shares the #1 rank.
Using our new simplified classing, the Powerline Ranker slots the PL1200 #2 of four AV2-MIMO products tested.
NETGEAR PL1200 Ranker Performance Summary
Using the Location E downlink criteria suggested in the D-LINK DHP-701AV review, the PL1200 rates pretty well, in second place. For uplink, it comes in third. But at $80, it's the most aggressively priced AV2-MIMO powerline adapter kit so far, followed closely by ZyXEL's PLA5405KIT at $82 that ranks fourth among four AV2-MIMO adapters tested so far.
The NETGEAR PL1200 is definitely worth a try if you're looking for the best powerline throughput you can currently buy for relatively little money.
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