MissingRemote takes a look at the Actiontec PWR500 - 500Mbps Powerline Network Adapter Kit

Measuring 2.5” (63.5mm)H x 1.75” (44.45mm)W x 1” (25.4mm)D, the Actiontec PWR500’s size is an outstanding attribute compared to both previous generation Powerline networking products and most competing technologies (e.g. MoCA). The trim physique makes it possible to place the adapter in tandem with most plugs, but the consumption of an outlet can combine with a limitation where it does not work reliably when plugged into a surge protector (i.e. many power strips and receptacle duplicators) to require some careful planning. Adding electrical pass-through would provide additional flexibility, but as it was more annoyance than blocking it is hard to judge too harshly on this point. Other than that minor complaint, the only other nit noted was that the status lights are very bright and flash constantly, which makes them unsuitable for naked use in most media consumption locations. Obviously a bit of electrical tape resolves this problem, but it would be nice if a button (or some other method) were available to disable the indicators during operation.

In Use

The Actiontec PWR500s operate in three modes (Green/Orange/Red) marked by the second (LK) status light on the front of the device, which indicates the quality of the connection. In testing the “Green” (100+Mbps) was reliably observed when connecting both adapters to receptacles on the same circuit. There was some variance when connecting across circuits however, where some would occasionally connect “Green”, but not consistently; even in the same outlets over time. “Orange” (50-99Mbps) was always achievable except in locations with Intermatic Z-Wave outlets installed, where it would not connect at all. GE models worked properly though, so it is not a general issue with Z-Wave receptacles. The “Red” (