Using a building's current electrical cabling, a powerline network can connect various local area network parts. Without the bother of laying new Ethernet lines, using one is an easy way to build new connected network links.

Powerline networks enable a home network to reach areas where Wi-Fi has trouble. A masonry wall can block a Wi-Fi signal, but you can avoid this by establishing a powerline network that goes from one side of the wall to the other. Although slower than Ethernet and MoCA networks, powerline networks can act as a reliable network expansion when those other choices are not accessible.

Two or more powerline devices are required to use a powerline network. First, link one adaptor to a router by Ethernet by plugging it into a regular electrical power socket. Use the Ethernet connector on another adaptor to link a device, such as a computer, wireless access point, or network router, to a power receptacle in a location that requires a network connection. The networks will then be connected by the converters using the wall-mounted electrical cabling.

It's crucial to be aware of some major restrictions placed on powerline networks. The speeds that adaptor makers advertise only apply under perfect circumstances, which are unlikely to occur in practical use. Speeds between two adapters on the same circuit will be quicker than between two adapters on separate ones due to the quality and arrangement of the electrical cabling. When in use, power-hungry appliances like a drier can create disturbance.