It is no secret that Powerline and VDSL do not always harmonize due to signal crosstalk, which is why manufacturers of Powerline network devices with compatibility modes try to keep interference to a minimum. Devolo has now rolled out the new “VDSL Performer” function via a firmware update for the Magic series.
VDSL Performer chooses himself best setting
It should automatically ensure that the user receives the best possible performance from both his VDSL connection and the powerline home network (PLC). Until now, users had to intervene manually and adapt the Devolo Powerline adapter to the VDSL profile used using the devolo Home Network smartphone app or the devolo Cockpit PC software. The new VDSL Performer now takes on exactly this task independently for devolo Magic adapters. According to its own information, devolo has worked closely with leading telecommunications providers and router manufacturers for the new function and has also applied for a patent.
Active dialogue between Router and Magic Adapter
With Powerline, a PLC adapter is typically connected to the router via a network cable and feeds the Powerline signal into the power grid. This signal can be picked up again at any socket with another adapter and an Internet connection can be established. VDSL-Performer is based on an exchange between the VDSL router and the Magic adapters. These independently query various parameters from the router, including the VDSL or G.fast profile at the customer connection and data on signal quality. Each adapter then calculates its own possible influence on the data traffic and adjusts the respective transmission level accordingly. Another automatic measurement checks the settings a few hours later. The optimal transmission power is to be set automatically in the background for each connection and each adapter.
Router must support TR-064
The standard protocol TR-064 must be activated on the router so that the router and PLC adapter can exchange information. This is the case with some routers on the German market such as the AVM Fritz! Box 7430, 7490, 7530 and 7590 (each from Fritz! OS 7.2) and the Speedport Smart 3 from Deutsche Telekom. If the home router does not support the standard protocol, the user still has to manually select the VDSL profile suitable for the Internet connection.
Firmware update of the Magic adapter necessary
Anyone who uses a Magic Adapter has activated the standard automatic update function, in which the necessary firmware update has already been installed on the devices in the past few weeks. Anyone who deliberately deselected the auto-update option when installing Magic can bring the VDSL Performer to the adapter with a manual firmware update.