TP-Link Powerline Vs. Vonets: What's the Difference?

Kevin Busse Sep 13, 2024
11 People Read
Powerline Adapters

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. 

Both of these devices are capable of high internet speeds.

The biggest difference is the ease of setup, which all depends on whether you have the right materials or if you have the right environment.

In the details here, you'll learn whether your home or office environment is suitable for the Powerline, or you'll learn which adapters you'll need to operate the Vonets.

If you have any questions, contact me!


#1 TP-Link Powerline Adapters

To work with the best Powerline adapters, you really need the right environmental factors for it to work well.

Provided you have the perfect conditions for it, it's one of the easiest routers to setup, maintain, and re-connect.

Though, if the room or building isn't quite right for this hybrid wired connection, you'll have to find a different router that works for your home Wi-Fi needs.

The TP-Link Powerline AV1000 Adapter

This "Push to Pair" router, has the most intuitive setup available on the market among nano-sized routers.

It comes with 2 identical pieces of hardware that get plugged into a power source and come with Ethernet ports and cables. The hardware will pair to each other with a touch of a button.

How to Setup the TP-Link Powerline Adapter?

  1. Plug the ethernet cables on the ends of the boxes into both your home network router and the device you'd like to connect.

  2. Plug in the 2 boxes into the wall socket (each power outlet must be on the same electrical line)

  3. Push the "pair button" on each router/device and then it’s paired!

What are the setup/environment requirements for the TP-Link Powerline?

  • Clear "line-of-sight" between the 2 included nano-sized boxes/routers.

  • The boxes must be plugged into the same electrical circuit or in "Parallel Connection" related to the home's electrical wiring

As long as these 2 variables are met, then there's no problem using these devices to solve your networking problems.

Push to Pair Router Bridge

2 TP-Link adapters and supplied ethernet cable

The pros and cons are important to take note of to help you decide what's best given your circumstances or experience level.

Pros:

  • Does not require any software programming (Configuring the device with a "smart device")

  • Simplest setup in the market for nano-sized router devices

  • Easy to diagnose any issues with the 3 green lights indicators

  • Easy for anyone to "push to pair" in case connection is interrupted

  • Provides a stable connection

Cons:

  • Requires close range

  • Requires "clear line-of-sight" from each box/router

  • Requires AC power socket on both sides of setup

  • Requires "parallel connection"; boxes connected along the same electrical circuit

  • Requires a vacant lan port from home internet router

There's a lot to consider, but if you're home or building environmental conditions meets all the requirements, then this devices has the easiest setup and is the most reliable router for your needs.

This diagram simply shows that it requires both a plug socket and direct ethernet connection on both ends.

AV1000 TP-Link Router

*As long as power is provided to both sides, and the home router has available ethernet jacks you're all set! This may be a great way to address your networking issues and be the perfect home entertainment companion.

While exploring better networking solutions to connect Player Pianos to the internet, I found this router in a competitive price range that allows for faster connection and additional features.

Unlike other small routers I've used, this one requires a few extra accessories for basic setup so it's important to be aware of that.

In the end, I became an early adopter of Vonets wifi bridge due to previous Wi-Fi network troubles.

#2 Vonets VAP11AC and Wireless Speed


This device offers higher speeds up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band. This makes it more suitable for environments requiring higher Wifi signal strength or bandwidth, like 4K streaming or multiple high-bandwidth devices.

Having said that, any concern about internet access or internet speed for player pianos is completely eliminated.

Insufficiencies related to internet connection can then be attributed to other devices and/or other locations between the home network and the client device.

I've found that this device outcompetes other similarly priced nano-sized routers in the market, it only requires some extra setup.

Vonets VAP11AC Portability and Design

While also portable, it has a slightly awkward shape due to the built-in fan for cooling. Specifics on size and design vary by model.

  • Ethernet to USB-C Adapter necessary for initial setup

  • Laptop or desktop needed for initial setup/configuration

  • USB to AC Power Supply may be necessary for general use

Unfortunately, Vonets are best setup using a desktop computer instead of only using your phone (a minor inconvenience).


Ethernet to Usb-C adapter

The adapter above is necessary for setting up Vonets.

Attach this adapter between the Vonets and your laptop or desktop computer in order to configure the software for the device to operate correctly. Again, the Tp-link nano router doesn't require any additional hardware.

Vonets VAP11AC: This device requires a specific power adapter, which limits its power source options compared to the TL-WR802N.

*Be sure that you have a usb power adapter should you be unable to power it through the usb cable. It may be necessary for your specific circumstance.

Once setup, I've only had one problem with the with the internet connection.

There was a problem only because the source of the internet Wi-Fi signal strength was too weak, and as a result dropped connection overtime. It was necessary to reset the router, but after that it was ready-to-go.

Vonets Router

Vonets router with ethernet cables and USB power adapter cable

Features and Modes

This routers support multiple modes like Router, Access Point, Client, and Repeater.

Client mode is the preferred mode I use to deliver internet to the pianos that I work on.


Security Features

This routers support standard security protocols like WPA/WPA2, but newer models or firmware updates have introduced more advanced security features.

User Interface and Management

This device requires opening a web browser on a laptop to configure the software as there's no mobile app for the product.

The quick setup guide will speed up the setup process for any new user.


Vonets VAP11AC Compatibility and Use Cases

This device is better suited for users who require a device capable of higher speeds, better signal strength, or are looking into setting up networks with more demanding requirements.

*Setting up this device often requires a laptop, an adapter, as well as a usb capable power bank.

Related:

Wi-Fi routers for Player Piano Systems

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase.