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I recently bought a new PC which I use for gaming (mostly online games like TF2). In order to play the games without lag, the sales assistant suggested I use an Ethernet connection rather than wireless. Since my computer is upstairs while my router is downstairs, I bought TP-Link powerline adapters that go through the house mains. I can't remember the model name but this is what they look like:

enter image description here

However, at seemingly random times with no clear pattern, I will be disconnected from the Internet. The icon in the bottom left of my screen that shows my Internet connection will have a yellow warning triangle next to it, and I will be disconnected from any server I am on. Upon turning off the TP-Link adapters at the wall and turning them on again, the problem fixes itself and I am once again able to connect to the internet with no problem. How do I fix this issue?

I have Windows 7 Home Premium.

UPDATE: I have discovered that turning the connector off at the socket and then turning it back on again fixes the problem. It still occurs randomly however, forcing me to crawl under my desk every time it disconnects.

Gareth
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imulsion
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7 Answers7

16

It seems to be an issue reported several times. But TP-Link do nothing to fix it.

http://forum.tp-link.com/showthread.php?78658-Powerline-disconnecting-issues

http://forum.tp-link.com/showthread.php?75408-WPA4220TKIT-More-Connectivity-Issues

http://forum.tp-link.com/showthread.php?1689-TL-PA411-needs-constant-rebooting

...

My advise, don't buy tp-link powerline.

JuanPi
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7

If you have the specific bug where you can replug the adapter to fix the connection, you can stop the connection from dropping by sending data over it at regular intervals. One way to do this is to ping your default gateway (home router) at regular intervals.

You can add a Windows scheduled task for this:

  1. Go to Administrative Tools > Task Scheduler > Create Basic Task...
  2. Enter any Name and click Next >
  3. Select When I log on and click Next >
  4. Select Start a program and click Next >
  5. In Program/script: enter ping and in Add arguments (optional): enter -t <address> where <address> is the IP address of your default gateway
  6. Click Finish
  7. You can start the task immediately by going to Task Scheduler Library, right-click your created task, and click Run

For Ubuntu:

  1. Go to Startup Applications
  2. Click Add
  3. Enter any Name and in Command: enter ping <address> where <address> is the IP address of your default gateway
  4. Click Add
  5. Log out and then log back in to start the task
Jephir
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5

A few things to try that weren't mentioned:

  • Upgrade the firmware (US or UK).
  • Plug both powerline adapters directly into the wall outlet. Don't use them on a surge suppressor, UPS, etc.
  • Troubleshoot any sources of interference by unplugging as many devices in your home as possible (particularly those on the same circuit). If the problem goes away, start plugging them back in until you find the problematic device.
Jason
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2

Firstly, the official tools for troubleshooting homeplug connections suck . I wish I had it when I was troubleshooting my setup but homeplug monitor is a great tool for understanding your homeplug network. You get significantly better information than the 'standard' tools supplied with your units. The lights on the units should be green, and at worse amber, never red, but that's kinda useless.

Secondly, its useful to try to understand your overall electrical 'network'. In my case I found that I had worse connections whenever my washing machine was on, and that relocating the plug resulted in better connections. Passthrough units also act as filters, and are a good idea near anything electrically noisy (switch mode power supplies and large motors such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, air conditioning and so on).

Since switching them on and off helps, I suspect the connection between the units is weak (and this is where homeplug monitor helps), and trying to move them between different suitable plugpoints should help.

Community
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Journeyman Geek
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1

I had similar problems, but another cause. I use the TP-link powerline adapter to connect two german routers (called FritzBox). Some FritzBox types (like 7170, and I guess, also other switches), have problems with Auto MDI-X which means he is not able to negotiate or keep up a speed and duplex mode. If you are able to set the speed/duplex mode of the switch port/network interface manually, try that first. On a FritzBox you can use a tool called cpmaccfg for that.

andre.woesten
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Going only by your image, I believe that the model of your TP-Link powerline adapters is TL-PA211.

Try to download from the linked page the latest V3 Firmware and Utility (or V1 by your model). I would also suggest downloading and reading the manuals for the right procedure to use for updating them both.

If the latest firmware and software do not work, use the warranty on the adapters, or return them to the shop as unsuitable to your environment.

harrymc
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0

I tried a pair of these some while ago because of poor wireless reception upstairs when router was downstairs.

The result was massive packet loss between laptop and router (old house wiring, signal crossing fuse box). Of course large packet loss can cause problems with the internet connection.

In my experience they only work well in a house with very new electrical wiring. If the house wiring is old or the device are on different circuits (so the signal passes through a fuse box) then you get the packet loss.

When I tried using them on the same electrical circuit there was no issue.

Try a ping -t to your router address and check for packet loss.

DavidPostill
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