Devolo Mesh Wifi 2 Multiroom Kit: To have wifi everywhere [Test]

En ces temps où le télétravail est encore privilégié, il est temps de se demander si sa connexion est bonne dans la pièce où on travaille. Je parle de télétravail mais cette réflexion est tout aussi pertinente pour le loisir. Toutes les pièces sont-elles bien couvertes par le WiFi ? C’est encore plus vrai si vous avez plusieurs étages. Il existe plusieurs solutions pour s’assurer de bénéficier d’un bon réseau. Parmi elles, il y a le réseau maillé (ou mesh). J’ai eu l’occasion de tester le kit Multiroom Devolo Mesh WiFi 2 dont un exemplaire m’a été envoyé par la marque. Voici ce que j’en ai pensé.

Box contents

The pack comes in a mainly white box.It is similar to those of other products from the Devolo brand such as DLAN 1200+ WiFi AC or DLAN 1200 Triple+.It presents a visual and the reference of the product, strong points and especially a large warning.He indicates that this is the solution to wifi problems.I wanted to check all this through this test.

On one of the slices, the brand gives the name of the iOS and Android compatible application.On the opposite side, we discover an overview of the content, namely three CPL blocks.The blue slice once again highlights the advantages of this mesh wifi solution compared to a router and a repeater.

Finally, the back of the box lists some advantages as well as an example of the installation of the boxes within the home.The goal is to show the scope of wifi obtained with this system.

A l’intérieur de la boite, Devolo a placé un guide d’installation (en plusieurs langues), les trois blocs Mesh Wifi et un câble Ethernet.

If you haven't understood, Devolo insists on the WiFi side of its installation.We will see it a little lower but each device also has two Ethernet sockets.And yet, only one cable comes in the package.

Technical sheet

This Devolo Mesh Wifi 2 pack consists of three CPL adapters with Mimo multi-user technology.It allows several terminals to be supplied with data at the same time at an optimal speed.

Each of the boxes is equipped with two RJ45 sockets (Ethernet Gigabit) and supports the WiFi 2,4GHz and 5GHz strips (WiFi 4/5 standards and Wi-Fi Encryption WPA/WPA2/WPA3).

La marque indique que chacun des adaptateurs peut couvrir une surface maximum de 90m2.

To access adapter settings, the user can download the Devolo Home Network application (iOS and Android compatible) or use a computer.

Finally, the dimensions of a case are 152 x 76 x 40mm and the consumption announced by Devolo varies between 3.1W and 12.1W (depending on the use).

Description of the Devolo Mesh Wifi 2 kit 2

No change on the design side

Si vous avez déjà eu un boitier CPL Devolo entre les mains, vous ne serez pas dépaysés. Le design est très semblable à d’autres produits de la marque. On aurait pu imaginer un changement pour cette nouvelle gamme mais non. Pourquoi changer quand ça fonctionne bien ? Déjà, avant d’aller plus loin, sachez que les trois boitiers sont identiques.

It is a rectangular white device (with rounded angles) whose dimensions are still quite imposing.On the front, it contains a female socket, two LEDs (CPL and WiFi), a Devolo logo and a reference to the range of which the product is a part.

The presence of this female socket means that you do not condemn the electrical outlet on which you connect the CPL box.I take this opportunity to emphasize that once the adapter has been connected, it is perfectly motionless.I have not noted any game or noise during manipulations.There is nothing to say, the boxes breathe solidity.

The brand has designed the slices in such a way that they let the heat escape.It is not worse because when they use, they tend to heat.

On the lower edge, each adapter is equipped with a reset button (to reset the device) and two Gigabit Ethernet sockets.It’s practical to connect wired devices.

Au dos du boitier, on trouve quelques informations techniques ainsi que le code WiFi (et un QR Code) si vous décidez de ne pas créer un WiFi unique ou de pas reprendre celui de votre box.

It's perfect because each box has its own connection info except that it is on the back.Once connected, it is impossible to access it.This prevents your guests from being able to connect without your consent but it remains impractical.Anyway, I advise you to take up the information from your box or define the network yourself.I’m talking about it later.The other solution is to take a photo of the back before installing the block.

Imposing boxes but equipped to offer the best

After going around the adapters, here is what we can say.Above all, we cannot deny it, the boxes are imposing.It will be complicated to position them on a socket behind a piece of furniture.Between the thickness of the box and the socket that you will connect on it, you may have to shift the furniture.

Overview of the dimensions of a Devolo Mesh Wifi 2 CPL box

En revanche, côté avantage, il dispose d’une prise femelle et de deux prises Ethernet. Un autre élément point positif est que les boitiers peuvent être branchés dans les deux sens. Soit les deux prises Ethernet sont accessibles en bas, soit elles le sont en haut. Je vous confirme que c’est bien utile lorsque les prises électriques sont positionnées trop bas sur le mur ou si vous avez des plinthes un peu épaisses.

Finally, as usual at Devolo, the boxes are white, sober and breathe solidity.These are not the most design boxes on the market but the most important is the content and the functions offered.And then, these are not devices that we wish to expose to everyone's sight.

Constitution of the Maillé Devolo network

What is the CPL?

I’ve already tackled this subject in previous tests but it’s always good to repeat yourself.The Multiroom Devolo Mesh Wifi 2 kit includes three CPL adapters.What does this CPL acronym correspond to?CPL means "current carrier online".

Cette technologie va permettre à n’importe quelle personne de constituer un réseau sans « tirer » de câble Ethernet à travers toutes les pièces et sans installer de routeur WiFi. Le CPL va utiliser le courant électrique pour faire transiter les informations. C’est très pratique. L’un des boitiers est connecté à la box et chaque autre adapteur branché à une prise murale va récupérer le réseau via le courant électrique.

It is very useful for constituting a wifi network and covering the maximum surface and connecting wired devices.This last point is feasible only if the boxes have one or more Ethernet sockets.This is the case for the adapters of this Devolo kit.

Installation of the Multiroom Mesh Wifi 2 kit 2

Before you can benefit from the advantages of such a system, you must above all be installed.The brand communicates on its simplicity of implementation.I confirm it to you, all of this takes place quickly and easily.In addition to the kit made up of the 3 adapters, you just have to recover the Devolo Home Network application (Android and iOS compatible).

Everything you need to constitute its network

Comme je l’expliquais un peu plus haut, le premier avantage de ce kit est que tous les adaptateurs CPL sont identiques. En d’autres termes, n’importe lequel d’entre eux peut être relié à votre box. Ils peuvent tous constituer cette première maille de votre nouveau réseau.

Another advantage of this kit is that the adapters are all equipped with two Gigabit Ethernet sockets.For this first box, one of them will be busy to connect to the box.This means that you have a take to possibly connect something else.This can be a NAS server, a connected TV, a network printer or a computer.Finally, you understood.

In this regard, if you think that the few pages of the documentation are not enough, the manufacturer's site offers several download documents (technical, manual and mounting guide).The last solution - even simpler - is to start the application.Indeed, Devolo Home Network offers an installation tutorial.

Simple to set up

The first step in the installation is to connect an adapter to a wall outlet next to your Internet box.I specify that Devolo has always advised not to connect its adapters to multipleisms.This is not the only brand to say so follow this advice.Then you have to connect these two devices via the Ethernet cable provided.Another cable may be suitable but it is present in the box so why deprive itself.

L’étape suivante consiste à brancher les deux adaptateurs où vous le souhaitez. Je rappelle que l’objectif est de faire en sorte que toutes les pièces de votre domicile – du moins toutes celles importantes pour vous – soient couvertes par le réseau WiFi.

Once the adapters have been plugged, the last step is to connect them to each other.One of the solutions is to constitute a single network with that of your box.In this case, the fastest step is to use the WPS function of your box.There is the equivalent on the adapter (CPL button) or in the application.

Here, everything is finalized.I would say that it only remains to check that you capture the WiFi network everywhere.If you are not satisfied, move one of the adapters and check again.One of the objectives is achieved but there is another: benefit from a quality connection.

Indeed, this is not enough to be able to benefit from WiFi, the interest is to have a powerful connection.It will allow the whole family to be able to navigate, play but also to take advantage of the high quality streaming services.Before talking about performance, let's look at the Home Network application.

Devolo Home Network, an application offering many options

Dans l’absolu, vous pouvez installer le kit Devolo et profiter de votre nouvelle installation (WiFi et filaire) sans lancer une seule fois l’application. Je vous le dis de suite, ce serait dommage. Tout d’abord, elle peut vous aider lors de l’installation et surtout, elle est riche en fonctionnalités. C’est un tableau de bord pour votre réseau.

It may not be enough for the most demanding but for the general public, it is very good.The goal is not to have a multitude of options to know only.

At the launch of the application, if the adapters have already been connected, a scheme of the installation is displayed on the screen.The image displays the Internet box and the 3 adapters.Then, to access the configuration menu, simply click on one of the adapters.Besides, this image is a good way to access the box configuration page.It’s clever.

Before detailing all this, here is the content of the general menu available from a retractable menu available on the left of the screen

General menu

En plus des fonctions standards permettant de consulter les mentions légales, de remonter des infos au constructeur et d’accéder au support (via le site web), c’est depuis ce menu que l’utilisateur accède à la procédure d’installation et à la vue d’ensemble du réseau.

Before detailing certain submenus, it is from this screen that we can rename the boxes and define the name of the WiFi network.Changing the names of the adapters can be very useful when you have several has it.This allows them to be identified more quickly in the overview.

As for WiFi settings, this is the right option to create a different network from that of your box.At validation, the information is transmitted to the various boxes and a new WiFi network appears.Thanks to this, I was able to compare the performance of my two networks (WiFi Box Bbox and Wifi Devolo).

Add a product

Comme je l’indiquais plus haut, Devolo Home Network contient un tutoriel pour installer ce kit mais pas uniquement. En effet, en cliquant sur « Add a product », l’application propose plusieurs produits de la marque et offre également la possibilité de scanner un code-barres. C’est un moyen simple et rapide d’obtenir la bonne procédure à suivre.

Le tutoriel pour créer son réseau WiFi Mesh Devolo

Please note, the Devolo Home Network application is not compatible with all brand products.On the other hand, it informs that the next versions of the application will increase the number of compatible references.

The firmware update takes 10min

One of the items in this menu is to check and update the version of the box microprogram.During the first installation of the kit, I carried out this manipulation.

I warn right away: the procedure takes 10 minutes and not a minute less.It's long.Whether the case is that connected to the box or one of those connected elsewhere, the procedure is identical (and the duration too).It’s long but it’s always advisable to update your devices.

Le mise à jour du firmware des adaptateurs CPL Devolo

Each updates ended with a message indicating that the Update had failed.This should be able to be resolved during an update because it worked well for the first time for each of the adapters.

Network's overview: a shortcut to the boxes of the boxes

This card of your network is not only there to present a graphic.It is since this representation that the user can access the configuration of the various boxes.

If the network has different types of CPL kit, consider swiper to the right to visualize the other view, that corresponding to the other boxes.It is not indicated and yet the administration of other CPL Devolo boxes is possible from Home Network.

Vue globale du réseau WiFi Mesh Devolo au fur et à mesure de l’installation

Finally, it is from the "Configuration" submenu that the user can display the transmission rates between the boxes.It is given as an indication, but this information can for example be used to identify any anomalies.

Configuration of a Mesh WiFi device

By clicking on an adapter, a button allows access to its configuration.At a glance, the user visualizes the number of peripherals connected in wifi and wired.

Two other buttons are shortcuts to return to the overview and the quick reference guide.It is practical for knowing the meaning of LEDs (depending on their behavior).

Guide de référence des boitiers WiFi Mesh Devolo

By clicking on "Opening the configuration of the device", all the options of the adapter present themselves on the screen in the form of a banner presenting several functions: Wifi, CPL, LAN and system.Each of these themes includes multiple screens to configure everything.

The first screen delivers general information on the box (name, standard number, firmware) and connections (Wifi, CPL and LAN).We can get more details and act on these elements by selecting the right menu.

WiFi Mesh Devolo administration

This is obviously the most important and interesting menu to manage its WiFi network via this multiroom kit.

Etat du WiFi Devolo

The "State" menu lists the devices connected to the case by providing details on the speed of transmission and reception but also on the connection period.This menu may seem a little technical for some but it allowed me during my tests to know on which case connected my laptop (via the Mac).

In the "WiFi networks" menu we find the parameters related to the WiFi network (name, password, 2.4GHz and / or 5GHz, ...).This information will be identical for example if you have synchronized the boxes and decided to take up the information on your box.Besides, do not hesitate to consult the "neighboring networks" menu to see the channels used and thus adapt your own network accordingly.You can also leave the system in automatic mode.

Functions such as guest networks, planner and parental control

Now, if you want to allow your guests to connect to your network, the "Guest Networks" option allows you to create a separate WiFi network.It’s practical if you don't want to share your password for example.In addition, the application offers a QR code to transmit information to the mobile devices of your guests.It is otherwise faster than dictating a long chain of characters.

Ce menu liste deux autres fonctions qui peuvent servir : le Planificateur et le Contrôle Parentale. Le premier permet de définir des plages horaires durant lesquelles le WiFi est activé. Cela peut être bien utile pour désactiver le WiFi la nuit. C’est bien si les boitiers sont à proximité des chambres des enfants.

Overview of Devolo parental control

Overview of the Devolo WiFi Planner

The second authorizes to restrict access to certain devices (via Mac addresses) by opting for an interval or a connection period.This is a quick solution to set up.Think about it if you have children.It is not as sharp as solutions specialized in this area but it works well.

The latest options are those linked to wifi mesh, fast roaming and wifi clone.In the first two cases, the goal is to optimize the WiFi network and speed up the connection of devices.The last point makes it possible to transmit WiFi data from one access point to another.Of course, I advise you to leave the default options to take advantage of the technology offered by the boxes.

Les menus CPL et Lan

The CPL menu is made up of a single page which allows, among other things, to launch the pairing of the case or get it out of the CPL network.

The LAN menu delivers information on the status of the two Ethernet ports (connected / disconnected) and on the network (protocol, IP address, ...).At a glance, you can know the condition of the LEDs, the temperature and in a few clicks intervene on a few options.

We can also rename the case, activate standby and energy saving modes and activate or not the functions related to the buttons on the front (and the behavior of the LEDs).

Some might wonder what good to go so far in the options.The advantage is that the person who "manages" the system can lock the boxes to avoid any intentional modification (click on the buttons) or accidental.To go even further, it is even possible to request authentication to access this configuration.

Performances

A kit installed in a 3 -storey house

A WiFi network finally available on all floors

To test this kit and make sure that he was meeting my need, I installed this kit at home, in a house including a DRC and 2 floors.

I'm sure you understand the interest of such a kit.My box being connected to the ground floor, so far, it was impossible to connect to the WiFi from the top floor.I specify that the house has many walls and a concrete slab separating the 1st from the 2nd floor.

En premier lieu, j’ai donc branché le premier adaptateur au RdC à côté de la box. Ensuite, j’ai positionné un boitier à chacun des étages.

The other special feature of my electrical installation is that the top floor has a second electrical box.This last detail can impact the connection between the CPL boxes but I reassure you, all the adapters have been successfully installed.

Before giving you some test results, I can already give you important information.With this kit, the WiFi network is well available on all floors, and in all parts.This is already good news compared to an installation made up only of a box.

Do not hesitate to reposition the boxes to obtain the best result

The interest is then to obtain the best coverage and a good network.In this case, do not hesitate to carry out tests by placing adapters to different rights to verify the availability of the WiFi network.

Si vous décidez de repositionner vos adaptateurs, le point positif est le délai avec lequel le boitier CPL reprend la connexion au réseau. Il n’y a rien d’autre à faire que brancher le boitier dans une autre prise.

In 1min, the case is functional and increases the scope of your wifi.In connection, the CPL LED is red.After 40s, she ends up going out and the WiFi LED lights up at 50s (in white).10s later, the 2 LEDs are white.

The multiroom kit offers very good wifi coverage

As I explained above, to test the performance of the WiFi network, I spotted myself in the Mac addresses of the devices (s) used to carry out the controls.Indeed, the devices quickly connect to the most effective adapter.If you move, it cannot be seen in live but after a few seconds, the Mac address disappears from a CPL block to appear on the nearest.

I specify that to carry out my tests, I modified my different devices so that they connect to the new WiFi network.The goal was to test it in normal conditions and not with just one or two connected devices.In the evening, with the whole family connected on at least one device (smartphone, tablet, connected TV ...) and I play on a console or a computer, I never had to complain.You can move between the floors without losing the wifi and enjoying a good connection regardless of the room in which we are.We can say thank you to the mesh network.

Le plus impressionnant est la couverture du réseau. Avec une surface supérieure à 125m2 répartie sur 3 niveaux et une box installée au RdC, le dernier étage n’était pas couvert par le WiFi. L’installation d’un tel kit solutionne le problème. Avec un bloc installé à chaque étage, toute la surface est couverte avec un bon WiFi et des points de connexion en filaire.

I still remarked a less good result when the last CPL point is connected to an outlet linked to the second electric counter.The network is indeed available but the tests show a loss of performance.By connecting it to an outlet linked to the first counter but still on the 2nd floor, the results are clearly better.

Another remark but this time concerning the DRC.If I carry out tests by comparing the two WiFi networks (Box Bbox and Devolo), that of the box offers better results in terms of internet flow.This is only the case on the ground floor.

Here is an overview of the results obtained with tests noted via Speedtest and NPERF (average of several statements carried out at different times of the day).

Download tests (box vs devolo)

Tests en upload (Box vs Devolo)

By connecting a computer to adapters of the 1st and 2nd floors via an Ethernet cable, we obtain slightly higher results.

Price and availability

The Devolo Mesh WiFi 2 Multiroom Kit pack is available at Devolo at a rate of € 369.90.

As we saw above, this kit is efficient and allows you to have a WiFi connection that covers all your home.On the other hand, this represents a certain investment that will slow down certain people.

L’autre solution est de démarrer avec un kit plus petit. En effet, devolo commercialise également un kit avec uniquement 2 adaptateurs. Il s’agit du devolo Mesh WiFi 2 Starter Kit qui est proposé à 249,90€.

Devolo mesh wifi kits are also available from brand partner resellers such as Amazon, Top Buy, Boulanger or LDLC.

The thing to know is that it is possible to extend its installation with all the smart adapters in the Devolo Magic range.

Conclusion

The Devolo Mesh Wi-Fi 2 kit is an effective solution to easily constitute an efficient WiFi network and offering nice coverage.It's quick to set up and the Devolo Home Connect application allows you to manage everything.Finally, thanks to the Gigabit Ethernet sockets available on the boxes, we have wired connection points.Now, the CPL adapters are not very discreet and installing this Multiroom Devolo kit requires a certain investment.