Adding Multiple TP-Link Powerline Adapters: How to Choose the Right Units

Yes, you can add more TP-Link powerline adapters to an existing network, and all TP-Link powerline adapters are compatible with each other. Choosing the right additional units depends on the specifications of your existing adapters, particularly the Powerline link rate and the LAN port standard. This page covers two scenarios separately: setups with an AV600 adapter or lower, and setups with an AV1000 adapter or higher.

Key Takeaways

• All TP-Link powerline adapters are compatible with each other and can be used in the same network.
• Only one main unit needs to be connected to the router by Ethernet cable. Additional units can be placed anywhere on the same electrical circuit to extend the network.
• If you have an AV600 or lower adapter, it is recommended to add adapters from the same speed tier to avoid reducing network performance.
• If you have an AV1000 or higher adapter, adding a lower-speed adapter is possible but will reduce the speed of the higher-tier unit due to the weakest-link effect.
• Models beginning with TL-WPA support Wi-Fi. Models beginning with TL-PA support Ethernet connections only.

How to Choose the Right Additional TP-Link Powerline Adapters

To choose the best units to add, consider the specifications of your existing adapters — particularly the Powerline link rate and LAN port standard. The guidance below is divided into two sections based on your current setup.

Some customers with a pair of Powerline adapters want to add more adapters to their existing network to extend the Wi-Fi range. They have some questions: whether they can add multiple devices, and which one will be better.

Note: All the TP-Link Powerline Adapters are compatible with each other.

If You Have an AV600 Powerline Adapter or Lower

The TL-WPA4220KIT has 100Mbps LAN ports and a Powerline link rate of 600Mbps. It is recommended to use other AV600 series adapters alongside it. Like TL-WPA4220KIT, TL-WPA4530KIT, TL-PA4020KIT, and so on.

Only one main unit needs to be connected to the router by an Ethernet cable. Additional units can be placed anywhere on the same electrical circuit to extend Wi-Fi coverage or provide extra LAN ports.

If You Have an AV1000 Powerline Adapter or Higher

The TL-WPA8630KIT has gigabit LAN ports, and the Powerline link rate is 1300Mbps. While all TP-Link Powerline adapters are compatible, adding a lower-speed adapter like the TL-WPA4220KIT will reduce the performance of the higher-tier unit — similar to how the weakest link limits a chain.

To maintain the best performance, it is recommended to add the same series of adapters to your existing network.

Notes:

1. The Powerline link rate is not the actual data transfer speed — actual speeds depend on the network environment

2. The product starting with TL-WPA supports wireless function, while TL-PA does not.

3. The number of Powerline adapters existing in the same network is limited, see How Many TP-Link Powerline Adapters Can You Add to One Network to know more information.

For more details, visit the Download Center to download your product's manual.