ZyXEL device-to-device connectivity and compatibility.
Device-to-device connectivity
Doing
the same placement tests as with the Corinex, and with the router and
adapter located in the main test area of HEXUS.labs,
the ZyXEL web utility reported connection speeds of 103Mbps transmit
and 77Mbps receive.
Moving the P660HWP to the opposite end of our offices
resulted in connection speeds of 43Mbps transmit and 89Mbps receive.
Running our 1080p streaming test, and with optimal positioning of the two adapters, they gave the same experience as when using gigabit ethernet, with no dropped-frames - the same as the Corinex.
Again, with the devices far apart, there was noticeable
stutter,
taking time to load, even though the utility reckoned there was enough
bandwidth available.
Compatibility with other devices
Unfortunately, we didn't have any other HomePlug devices
to hand
to test cross-brand compatibility.
Whilst we can't verify compatibility, we can
run through the procedures involved in configuring the devices, to see
if it highlights any issues.
After manually changing the network ID on both the ZyXEL router and
PLA401 adapter, the PLA401
didn't try to reconnect. Powering the devices down and restarting
allowed them to connect.
In order to change the PLA401's settings from the router's web-based
interface, you need the device's DAK password, which is located on
the underside of the PLA401, where it plugs into the wall. This means
unplugging and replugging the device before
you can alter settings.
Additionally we had to enter a DAK password to reconfigure the router,
despite the manual's insistence that one wasn't required. Entering the
DAK password from the PLA401 allowed the changes to take effect,
however.
