Il kit AVM FRITZ!Powerline 1240 AX WLAN was created to easily expand the network of homes and small offices, thanks to the flexibility of Wi-Fi 6 and powerline LAN.
It is a very effective combined solution that allows you to exploit the benefits of AVM wireless network, even in Mesh mode, with the effectiveness of powerline solutions. Thanks to this technology, which has been on the market for many years, it is possible to distribute the network signal using the bundle of electrical conductorseliminating potential wiring problems, especially in environments where it is not possible to intervene with masonry works or ducts.
At first glance, the two elements that make up the kit they could be interchanged, as the chassis and shape are identical. However, the two adapters are different.
FRITZ!Powerline 1210 is used to enable the connection between your Internet router and your home Powerline network. It is recognizable by the presence of the “LAN” status LED, which indicates the operation of the wired network.
Otherwise, the element FRITZ!Powerline 1240 AX WLAN has a wireless adapter and a dedicated “WLAN” LED. PIt can work in mesh mode with other compatible elements of the network and is used to extend the powerline network, through the electrical cables that run in the walls of your home or office.
Powerline e Wi-Fi
This powerline kit has been designed to ensure maximum compatibility with similar third-party solutions, even not very recent ones. With peak performance of up to 1,200 Mbps, it is possible to work with previous generation adapters, 600/500 and 200 Mbps, provided that they comply with IEEE P1901 and HomePlug AV2.
Transmission between powerline devices is encrypted AES 128 bit by definition and allows the management of multicast sessions via IGMP, as well as management prioritized of data traffic, to facilitate audio and video streaming.
A particularity of this AVM solution is the ability to exploit the three conductors of the electrical circuit to accelerate simultaneous data exchange between each “transmitter-receiver” pair. According to the company, a speed up to 80% higher than traditional two-wire transmission is thus achieved.
The wireless component responds to the Wi-Fi 6 standard and works on the 2.4 GHz band up to 600 Mbps. It can be used in extension of an existing network, adopting Mesh-type signal diffusion schemes, thus aggregating the device to a WLAN, without creating additional SSIDs, for maximum flexibility and ease of use.
FRITZ!Powerline 1240 AX WLAN can therefore be combined with a FRITZ!Box router in Mesh mode but it can also work as a repeater independently to expand an existing Wi-Fi network and without bypassing powerline capabilities.
Both components of the kit have due Gbit LAN port, ideal for connecting to the main network and for bringing the signal to those electronic devices that do not have a wireless adapter or require a solid and robust signal to operate at their best (scanners, printers, cameras, NAS…).
Installation
As promised by the company, installation is immediate.
It’s enough connect the 1210 to the power and switch of the existing network. The 1240 WLAN version can then be positioned and attached to the wall mount. After a boot process that takes a matter of seconds it is possible combine the two devices by pressing the appropriate button. Subsequently, it will be recommended to generate a password for the secure management of the “powerline bridge”. At this point “the game is done”the two devices communicate and each device connected via cable or Wi-Fi can access the network according to the defined methods.
Both components are recognized by the central router (in our case the FRITZ!Box 7583 VDSL, read our test) and can be administered directly for some basic functions.
For more granular control it is possible connect directly to the 1240, which has its own internal interface, in line with that of AVM routers in recent years.
It is therefore easy to use, as it is not necessary to re-learn every aspect of the GUI. The network map shows the connection via powerline 1210 and allows you to view the local network, set a specific password if you want to use the device as a repeater, or aggregate it to the existing WLAN in Mesh mode. From here it is possible to define the working methods “ponte powerline” or “ponte wireless” (to use it as a repeater).
To address the FRITZ!Powerline 1210 (without Wi-Fi) it is possible to carry out part of the setup via router, or use the dedicated software “FRITZ!Powerline” (only available in English/German).
This is a handy utility for Windows that allows you to keep an eye on the essential parameters of the entire powerline subnet. It allows you to view the status of the devices installed and view the occupied bandwidth and the signal to noise ratio of the electrical bridge between the devices.
From this interface you can start searching for updatesas well as adding other powerline components to the network.
Performance and use
As we said, installation (at least in basic form) is within anyone’s reach. This is a valuable aspect, which has favorably impressed us and in contrast to other solutions on the market, which are decidedly less quick to start (despite the claims on the packaging).
As with all powerline systems, it’s good to know that this type of device works at best only by connecting directly to electrical wall sockets, therefore without multi-sockets or differentials. Such a network also encounters great difficulties in the event of strong electrical disturbances, poor earthing or insulation of the conductors.
Likewise, performance is strongly influenced by the distance between the two devices, a bit like what happens with wireless repeaters. Knowing how to position the devices in the right place is therefore essential.
In conditions of maximum proximity between the two devices (in the same room), we detected good access performance (around 800 Mbps on LAN). By placing the wireless repeater in the adjacent room (5 linear meters away) performance is reduced by approximately 30% (610 Mbps)while moving two rooms, for a distance of about 10 m, the access speed drops to 200 Mbps, however more than enough for web browsing, all low-intensity tasks, and 720/1080p video playback.
Considering this kit as a potential tool to expand network coverage inside the building, we can confirm the good general qualities and the effective ability to cover areas previously not reached via LAN or WLAN. The system performs well even in the presence of multiple wireless devices connected simultaneously, thanks to abackbone” on powerline, robust and stable.
Unlike other proven solutions, AVM FRITZ!Powerline 1240 AX WLAN kit has proven itself very stable in the long term. Not only that, AVM has designed devices to low consumption which do not present any problems overheating, despite prolonged periods of switching on (weeks/months). This aspect is also important and allows you to operate in compliance and safety.
The only critical aspect, in our opinion, concerns the dimensions of the devices. The chassis measures in fact 71 x 147,5 x 32,5 mm and is difficult to position. The robust body is cumbersome, makes installation impossible in narrow spaces or in the presence of other sockets already used. The connector Schuko in some cases, it is necessary to use an adapter, which further increases the space occupied. The power socket is fixed and greatly limits the installation possibilities (a socket with the possibility of 90° rotation would have favored use in some contexts).
The AVM FRITZ!Powerline 1240 AX WLAN Kit brings together the “best of both worlds”, offering connectivity LAN through powerline and support wireless of a reasonable level to expand the network. The product is easy to install and manage and is priced within the reach of many budgets.
PRO
Easy to set up; Stable and reliable Powerline; built-in Wi-Fi and LAN support; interesting price; reduced consumption
AGAINST
Relevant chassis dimensions.
General characteristics
Manufacturer AVM Model FRITZ!Powerline 1240 AX WLAN Website Price (excl. VAT) Euro 132.00 Dimensions 71 x 147.5 x 32.5 mm Weight 210 g / 180 g
Technical features
Powerline Up to 1,200 Mbit/s / standard Powerline HomePlug AV2 / QoS / multicast IGMP Antenna type Wi-Fi 6 (up to 600 Mbit/s gross / 2.4 GHz) LAN ports 2x LAN Gbit for each device Security Powerline: AES encryption 128 bit / Wi-Fi: integrated WPA2 encryption activated / WPA3/2 transition mode available