Using a powerline adapter when there is no Ethernet in your listening room

Sonicorbiter players and servers connect to your network with an Ethernet cable. They do not have Wi-Fi. If there is no Ethernet connection where your system is, the best fix is to have one installed. A local electrician can do that for a reasonable price.

A good alternative is a pair of powerline adapters. They carry your network over your home's electrical wiring: one adapter plugs in near your router, the other plugs in near your player, and an Ethernet cable connects each one.

 

The one we recommend

The TP-Link AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit (model TL-PA7017 KIT) is a good one. It comes as a pair with two Ethernet cables, each adapter has a Gigabit Ethernet port, and it works as soon as you plug it in with no setup.

TP-Link AV1000 Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit on Amazon

TL-PA7017 KIT on TP-Link's website

 

Setting it up

1. Connect one adapter to a free Ethernet port on your router with one of the supplied cables, and plug that adapter into a wall outlet.
2. Plug the other adapter into a wall outlet near your player or server.
3. Wait until the Powerline light on the second adapter comes on. This means the two adapters have found each other.
4. Connect your player or server to the second adapter with the other Ethernet cable.
5. After a minute, your unit shows up at sonicorbiter.com like any other.

The adapters work together out of the box. To make sure no one else's powerline adapters can join, for example in an apartment building, pair them: plug both in near each other, press the Pair button on one for 1 second, then within two minutes press Pair on the other for 1 second. When the Powerline light comes on, they are paired and you can move them to where they are needed.

 

Getting the best results

• Plug each adapter directly into a wall outlet. Do not use a power strip, extension cord, surge protector or power conditioner. They filter out the signal the adapters use.
• Keep both adapters on the same electrical system, for example not in a separate building or on a separate power supply.
• Keep them away from large appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, which can interfere with the signal.
• Keep the player-end adapter away from your audio system's power. Use a different outlet from the one your audio equipment is plugged into, if you can.
• Speed depends on your home's wiring. If the Powerline light is off or the connection is unreliable, try a different outlet.

For the best isolation between your network and your music system, you can add an opticalModule between the adapter and your player.