Hands-On Tech 242: Powerline Networking

Host: Micah Sargent
Date: November 16, 2025
Theme: Exploring the pros and cons of Powerline Ethernet networking, with practical advice, personal experiences, and alternative solutions

Episode Overview

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, host Micah Sargent answers a listener question about the effectiveness and practicality of Powerline Ethernet adapters for home networking. Micah dives deep into the mechanics of the technology, shares candid personal opinions, outlines real-world pros and cons, and suggests alternative solutions for improving home connectivity.

Main Discussion and Insights

1. What Is Powerline Networking?

[02:15]

• Powerline Ethernet adapters use your home's electrical wiring to transmit network data, allowing you to connect devices in different rooms without running new cables.
• Often considered as an alternative to Wi-Fi extenders or mesh Wi-Fi, especially in homes where Wi-Fi signals struggle to reach certain areas.

2. The Appeal: Pros of Powerline Networking

[05:20]

• Plug and Play:
  “You connect your adapters to the outlets and you connect your Internet to the adapters and ostensibly then you have connection. That’s much easier than some other technologies...” — Micah Sargent [05:40]
• No Drilling or Running New Cables:
  Especially useful for renters or anyone averse to permanent home modifications.
• Compatibility:
  Works with nearly any router or modem.
• Covers Wi-Fi Dead Zones:
  Good for basements, garages, or places with thick walls or concrete.
• Can Offer Lower Latency:
  Sometimes provides a more stable connection than Wi-Fi, as it’s not impacted by wireless interference.
• Potential Security Benefits:
  Harder to intercept than Wi-Fi, as physical access to the wiring or adapters is needed.

3. The Reality: Cons and Limitations of Powerline Networking

[11:34]

• Requires the Same Electrical Circuit:
  “You gotta make sure that the two places that you’re connecting are on the same electrical panel. If they’re not, then you’re not gonna get a good connection.” — Micah Sargent [11:43]
• Signal Blockers:
  • GFCI and AFCI outlets, surge protectors, or UPS units can block or degrade the signal.
  • Must be plugged directly into the wall, not extension cords or surge protectors.
• Variable and Often Lower Speeds:
  “We’re looking at 20 to 40% less speed than the advertised rates of speed in all of these.” — Micah Sargent [06:30]
• Sensitive to Electrical Noise:
  Devices like vacuum cleaners, dimmers, chargers, and fans on the same circuit can cause major interference.
• Degrades with Distance:
  The further the signal needs to travel (more wiring, more distance), the slower and less reliable it becomes.
• Limited Expandability:
  More adapters on the same circuit can further decrease performance.
• Occupies Wall Outlets:
  Pass-through models exist, but may still pass on interference if used for other appliances.
• Price Concerns:
  Often more expensive than Wi-Fi extenders.
• Overheating Risk:
  Can get hotter than alternative solutions.
• Compatibility Issues:
  Several standards (HomePlug, AV, AV2); interoperability not guaranteed if you mix them.
• Wiring Issues:
  Old, poor quality, or non-copper (e.g., aluminum) wiring reduces performance or causes incompatibility.
• Fire/Electrical Code Problems:
  Apartments/condos with required isolation may block or restrict powerline use.

“When you’re buying a Powerline network adapter, in the back of the package there should be this sort of bible-sized book that has all the caveats that come with Powerline adapter.” — Micah Sargent [19:48]

4. When is Powerline Networking Worth It?

[21:35]

• Only recommended as a last resort—if neither Wi-Fi nor other wired solutions (like Ethernet or MoCA) are feasible.
• “...if it’s the one way that you’re able to achieve what you’re after, by all means use it... It’s better than not having the connectivity in that room.” — Micah Sargent [22:00]

Memorable Analogy:

“While it does work, it works so much less reliably than what one would want or so much less powerfully or capably than one would want that I don’t think it’s worth the investment... It’s almost a snake, but not a snake. It’s worm oil salesman.” — Micah Sargent [06:17]

5. Alternative Solution: MoCA Networking

[23:40]

• Micah strongly recommends MoCA adapters if your home has coaxial (cable) wiring.
• Offers more reliable, higher-speed, longer-distance Ethernet-style networking.
• Well-insulated and designed for signal transmission, with better performance and stability than powerline adapters.

“By its very nature, [MoCA] is so much better than Powerline, then it is a great option for you.” — Micah Sargent [25:45]

6. Listener Follow-up: E-Waste Recycling

[28:20]

• Charles discusses his experience with professional drive destruction services and local electronics recycling options.
• Tips for keeping tech out of the landfill by installing Linux to give old computers new life—but with realistic expectations about old hardware’s limitations.
• Wizardling cautions old hardware won’t support modern web browsing well, even with Linux.

“If the computer is still usable, install Linux. ...The satellite has a second life. I wish I had known how easy it was to install Linux...” — Charles (listener feedback) [29:48]

Notable Quotes

• "Are you ready to grow in 2026? Let me tell you why advertising on TWiT is the way to make that happen." — Micah Sargent [Promo/skip]
• “There’s just a lot there when it comes to Powerline and adapter technology. ...perhaps I have been privileged...” — Micah Sargent [25:25]
• “I have yet to be convinced otherwise that this is a technology worth investing in at this point, again, except as a last resort.” — Micah Sargent [27:18]
• “You just gotta be realistic about what the hardware can handle.” — Wizardling (listener) [31:00]

Important Timestamps

• 02:15 – Introduction to powerline networking: what is it and why people consider it.
• 05:20 – Pros and conveniences of powerline adapters.
• 11:34 – Cons and technical limitations.
• 23:40 – Discussion of MoCA as a superior alternative.
• 28:20 – Listener feedback segment focused on e-waste and tech recycling.

Overall Tone and Advice

Micah delivers the episode with his signature approachable and humorous tone, blending tech savvy with real-world practicalities. He’s frank about his skepticism toward powerline adapters and persistent about encouraging better alternatives when possible, but acknowledges situations where powerline is the only viable option.

Conclusion

Powerline networking: workable, but full of caveats and best considered a backup option. Always check if you have coaxial cabling for MoCA, use quality Wi-Fi solutions, or run Ethernet if possible. Listener feedback further broadens the episode’s value by touching on responsible e-waste recycling and realistic expectations for repurposing older hardware.

For further questions, Micah invites listeners to email hotwit tv and reminds them to check out Club Twit for more content and community interaction.