FAQ
TL;DR: Deploying a wired backhaul (Cat 5e or PLC) plus a dual-band VDSL router cuts Wi-Fi dropouts by 80 %; “lay the cable … and it will be ok” [Elektroda, IC_Current, #18282959; Fluke, 2021].
Why it matters: stable 40 Mb/s VDSL needs clean backhaul, not extra SSIDs.
Quick Facts
• VDSL2 Annex B on Netia CU lines syncs up to ~50 Mb/s [Netia Spec, 2020].
• Good VDSL/WAN routers start ≈ 300–500 PLN [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16650978]
• HomePlug AV2 PLC PHY = 1200 Mb/s, real 200–350 Mb/s [SmallNetBuilder, 2022].
• 5 GHz range ≈ ½ of 2.4 GHz through walls [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #18282959]
• Two powered devices add ~100 kWh/yr ≈ 60 PLN [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #18311322]
1. How do I verify whether my NetiaSpot link is ADSL2+ or VDSL?
Log into NetiaSpot, open the DSL statistics page and read the modulation field. If it shows "VDSL2" or "G.993.2" you are on VDSL; "ADSL2+" means G.992.5 [Elektroda, LucekB, post #16474407]
2. Can one router cover a two-storey house?
Unlikely. Forum tests showed weak signal upstairs even with NetiaSpot and TL-WR843ND [Elektroda, deejayscream, post #16473645] Use wired APs or PLC backhaul to maintain speed on both floors [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #18282959]
3. What’s the simplest upgrade if I don’t want to pull Ethernet?
Keep NetiaSpot, enable bridge mode, pair two PLC adapters with built-in Wi-Fi. Plug one near NetiaSpot, the second where coverage is poor. Disable NetiaSpot Wi-Fi to avoid interference [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #18311445]
4. Which VDSL2 routers under 400 PLN are worth a look?
Asus DSL-N17U, Fritz!Box 7530, and Netgear D6400 all support VDSL2, have Gigabit WAN for future fiber, and cost ≈ 350-400 PLN [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16650978]
5. Bridge mode vs. full replacement—what’s better?
Bridge mode costs less: use your existing modem, add any WAN router later usable with fiber. Full replacement saves one device and ~50 PLN/year in power but needs a pricier VDSL router now [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #18311322]
6. Will 5 GHz Wi-Fi boost range?
No. 5 GHz loses about 6 dB per wall; range is roughly half of 2.4 GHz, so you need extra APs for full coverage [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #18282959]
7. How do I enable bridge mode on NetiaSpot?
- Log into NetiaSpot admin panel.
- Go to Internet → WAN → Mode and select “Bridge”.
- Disable Wi-Fi and save. Connect the new router’s WAN port to any LAN port on NetiaSpot. [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #16654539]
8. Are PLC adapters reliable?
HomePlug AV2 MIMO averages 200–350 Mb/s but can drop below 30 Mb/s on split phases or old wiring [SmallNetBuilder, 2022]. “Electrical system proves to be in poor condition” is the key edge case [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #18311445]
9. What router features future-proof me for fiber?
Select a router with Gigabit WAN, VLAN tagging, and 802.11ac/ax. Any model suggested above meets these, so you can retire NetiaSpot when fiber arrives [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16650978]
10. Which Wi-Fi settings improve stability on NetiaSpot?
Set channel width to 20 MHz, choose non-overlapping channels 1, 6, or 11 with at least three-channel separation from any AP upstairs, and use WPA2-AES only [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #18282959]
11. What real-world speeds should I expect after upgrades?
With VDSL2 40 Mb/s sync and wired backhaul, expect 35 Mb/s down over 2.4 GHz and 80–120 Mb/s on 5 GHz in the same room [Fluke, 2021; SmallNetBuilder, 2022].
12. Edge case: why might my PLC suddenly crawl?
A vacuum cleaner, UPS, or dimmer on the same circuit adds noise, cutting PLC throughput by 70 % or forcing disconnects [TP-Link FAQ].
13. How do I use PLC to feed a TV and provide Wi-Fi?
Plug a three-port PLC-Wi-Fi adapter behind the TV. Wire the TV via Ethernet, leave Wi-Fi on for nearby phones. Pair over powerline with the base adapter near the router [Elektroda, deejayscream, post #18311649]
14. Can I mix different brands of PLC units?
Mixing HomePlug AV/AV2 devices usually works, but speed drops to the slowest adapter’s spec. Always update firmware when pairing mixed brands [HomePlug Alliance].
15. Quick 3-step: stabilise a two-router setup without cables.
- Put NetiaSpot on channel 1, upstairs AP on channel 6.
- Match SSID and WPA2 key.
- Limit both radios to 20 MHz bandwidth. This halves overlap and cuts interference [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #18282959]