Devolo Magic 2 - A Comprehensive Guide

Having an internet connection is more of a necessity than a luxury in this age of communication. Using Wi-Fi rather than wired internet has become the standard for many households. One big problem with Wi-Fi, however, is that the further you get from the modem the weaker your connection becomes. This is where the Devolo Magic 2 system comes in.

With Devolo Magic 2’s mesh Wi-Fi technology you can increase the reach of your network’s signal to cover your entire home. What’s more, this can be done without having to install additional hardware or even using any wires. This comprehensive guide will outline the features of the Devolo Magic 2, how to use and install it, and how it can extend your Wi-Fi signal.

Devolo a Brief Overview

Founded in May of 2002 in Aachen, Germany, Devolo began selling its products the very next year. Specialized in communication technology, Devolo’s high speed network adapters and other dLAN (direct Local Area Network) products are considered as some of the best on the market. Since the launch of their initial product, Devolo’s adapters have been developing their wireless technology even further.

Devolo Magic, the company’s latest Wi-Fi communications product, launched in 2018. This wireless, powerline adapter converts the electric cables in your home into physical network connections. With the Devolo Magic 2, no corner of your home will be without a stable Wi-Fi signal.

What Is Powerline Technology?

But what exactly is Powerline technology? Also known as PowerLAN, Powerline Communications, or dLAN, these devices make use of your existing powerlines to transfer data and create a physical network. Powerline devices can make use of either Ethernet ports or a Wi-Fi connection to establish this connection. A minimum of two adapters are required though, one to connect to the router, and another to become the network access port.

Using this technology on your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network is great especially if you live in a large house with multiple floors. Normally, the router’s signal form would have to go through walls and other obstacles causing the signal to deteriorate. With powerline adapters, the electrical wires themselves become a part of your Wi-Fi network, ensuring the presence of a signal practically anywhere in the house.

What Is Mesh Wi-Fi?

Mesh Wi-Fi or Whole Home Wi-Fi relates to a system in which you have one device serve as your main Wi-Fi router while using several satellite modules to spread the signal. The mesh aspect refers to how the various modules mesh together to produce total coverage.

Unlike traditional Wi-Fi routers, mesh Wi-Fi uses only one SSID and network password. This isn’t a collection of networks created to cover an area, but one single network whose signal is either boosted or relayed from one module to another.

No matter how fast your Wi-Fi speed is, if physical obstructions diminish the signal you may still experience buffering. With a mesh Wi-Fi network, you’re sure to get a strong signal no matter how near or far you are from the main router.

Devolo Magic 2 Product Specifications

The Devolo Magic 2 kit comes with two adapters for the starter kit or one adapter for the extension. Typical coverage of the mesh Wi-Fi system is about 5,300 square feet, though extensions can increase the coverage depending on how many adapters you use.

Each LAN Adapter can have maximum speeds of up to 2,400 Mbps for a distance of up to 500 meters. The device comes with a 128 AES or Advanced Encryption Standard Key which protects the data that is transmitted through it.

As the Powerline system uses your electric wiring as a means of data transmission, one may be concerned with how much energy the device uses. Fear not. The Devolo Magic 2 comes with an integrated power saver mode which cuts off energy use whenever there is low or no data traffic. The Devolo Magic 2 has power consumption ratings of 4.8 Watts at a maximum, 2.8 Watts on average, and 0.7 Watts while on standby mode.

The device connects to an electric plug with 196 – 250 Volts AC power, at 50 hertz. Preferable operating temperature is between 0° to 40° Celsius (30° to 104° Fahrenheit), while storage temperatures can range from about -25° to 70° Celsius (-13° to 158° Fahrenheit). It’s advised to use the Devolo Magic 2 in areas that have no condensation with about 10% to 90% humidity.

As per the size of Ethernet ports located at the bottom of the device, they’ll fit a standard RJ45 Ethernet cable. The Devolo dLAN Cockpit, the monitoring and encryption program that can be used with Devolo Magic Products, has minimum operating system requirements of at least 32- or 64-bit Windows 7-, 32- or 64-bit Ubuntu 13.10, or Mac OS X 10.9.

So where can you buy a Devolo Magic 2 kit? You can get it online from Amazon if you don’t fancy a trip to a brick-and-mortar store. The device itself has many distributors and can be purchased at any store that sells quality LAN adapters. If you’re wondering if a store near you sells the Devolo Magic 2 you can reach out to Devolo’s support page.

Devolo Magic 2 Quick Review

Tired of not being able to use the full speed of your Wi-Fi network whenever you move too far away from the router? If so, the Devolo Magic 2 is a device that is worth your consideration.

Unlike Wi-Fi extenders that require line of sight with your main router to bounce the signal off each device, Devolo Magic 2’s uses a different approach. The Devolo Magic 2 uses its Powerline technology to use your electrical wiring as a way to transmit data through each adapter. This gives users a physical network system without having to install any additional cables. All you need is to plug in one Devolo Magic 2 device to your Wi-Fi router, and another device as the satellite module.

The Devolo Magic 2’s mesh Wi-Fi system allows the signal from your router to travel unimpeded by walls, floors, and other obstructions. Each power outlet in your home becomes a potential satellite node to extend the reach of your Wi-Fi signal.

The Devolo Magic 2 offers many advantages to people who want to make the most of their wireless connections. As each device in the mesh Wi-Fi system forms a single network, your devices automatically connect with the one with the strongest signal. This means that even if you move around from room to room, you’ll experience an uninterrupted connection.

Whether you use your internet for entertainment or for work, you can take advantage of the Devolo Magic 2. Creating an interconnected home office? The Magic 2 creates a home network that covers your entire home so you can work anywhere you want. Wish to enjoy your online games from any room in your home? All Devolo Magic 2 needs is a compatible electric outlet to work so you can get the strongest signals wherever you need it.

Because the Devolo Magic 2 operates as one cohesive network, it needs only one SSID and network password. Moving from one node to another doesn’t require your device to reconnect to a new network ID. Your connection stays the same and won’t cause your device to reset, risking the loss of data or causing failed downloads.

The Devolo Magic 2 can support up to 100 devices, which makes it a perfect accessory for a smart home setup. Connect all your smart home gadgets to your Wi-Fi using a well-planned mesh Wi-Fi setup.

If your room only has one electric outlet, don’t worry. Devolo Magic 2’s integrated electric socket can be used as a normal electric plug. Just insert the adapter into a compatible socket, then plug another device or a power strip on top. Extending the reach of your Wi-Fi signal has never been so simple. If you want to add more adapters to further expand your mesh Wi-Fi you can get an extension kit for another Devolo Magic 2 device. The network can be as small or large as you need it to be.

What’s in the Box?

1. Starter Kit

• Two Devolo Magic 2 LAN Adapters
• Two Ethernet Network Cables
• Installation Guide
• Security Details Pamphlet
• CE Declaration

2. Extension Kit

• One Devolo Magic 2 Adapter
• One Ethernet Network Cable
• Installation Guide
• Security Details Pamphlet
• CE Declaration

Setup and installation of the Devolo Magic 2 is relatively simple. All you need to do is to refer to the following instructions to create your very own mesh Wi-Fi network:

To install a Devolo Magic 2 network, you’ll need to do the following:

1. Connect one adapter to your Wi-Fi router.
2. Link both adapters to each other
3. Plug the other adapter to an electric plug in your home.

Before you start, make sure that you have all the required equipment that you’ll need for the setup. Here’s a quick checklist of the things that you’ll be using:

• A device capable of using the Devolo Cockpit app. This can be a laptop, a smartphone or a tablet.
• Your Wi-Fi router.
• A network cable, included in the kit.
• Two Devolo Magic 2 adapters.
• A compatible electric outlet near your router.
• A compatible electric outlet in the room where you need a Wi-Fi signal.

Do note that it’s preferable that you plug the adapter directly into an electric outlet. Using a power strip or extension cables may interfere with the normal function of the device.

Setup can be done step-by-step as follows:

1. Connecting the adapter to your Wi-Fi router

1. Make sure that your Wi-Fi router is correctly installed as per its own product specification.
2. Plug in the Devolo Magic 2 adapter into a compatible electric outlet near your Wi-Fi router.
3. Use the ethernet cable provided and insert one end into a free port in your router.
4. Plug in the other end of the ethernet cable into the adapter’s network port. This is located at the bottom of the device.

2. Link the two Devolo Magic 2 adapters to each other

1. Plug in the second adapter in the room where the main adapter is located.
2. The front light or home light of the second adapter should light up. It may take up to 45 seconds to do so – wait until it does.
3. If your Devolo Magic 2 adapter has a front light, then the button on the right side briefly. If your adapter has a home button on the front press and hold it briefly.
4. The lights on both adapters will light up once they’ve been properly connected. Once this is done, you can remove the second adapter from the electric outlet and plug it anywhere else in your home.

3. Plug in the second Devolo Magic 2 adapter into an electric outlet in the room where you want to increase the signal.

You can also use your Devolo Magic 2 to create a single Wi-Fi network if you don’t already have one. This can be accomplished by doing any of the following:

1. Cloning Wi-Fi information using the Devolo Magic 2

1. Plug in your Magic 2 adapter into a compatible electric outlet at least 10 meters from your Wi-Fi router.
2. Wait for 45 seconds. Afterwards, press and hold the Home button or the right side button briefly.
3. On your router press the WPS button within two minutes.
4. Your Devolo Magic 2 adapter should clone your Wi-Fi name and password automatically.
5. You can now remove the adapter from the electric outlet and plug it into any other socket in your home.
6. If your Wi-Fi name and password hasn’t been cloned, you can repeat Step 2, but instead of using automatic cloning, you can enter your credentials manually via the Devolo Cockpit app.

2. Manual Devolo Wi-Fi Setup

1. Take note of the Wi-Fi code of your Devolo adapters. The usual location would be at the back of your device.
2. Connect to the current Wi-Fi network with your mobile device or laptop.
3. Download and install the Devolo Cockpit app.
4. Open the app and choose Wi-Fi adapter.
5. From here, you can change the name of the network by tapping on Rename.
6. Once you’ve renamed the network, tap on Apply.
7. Reconnect your mobile device or laptop to the new network.

Devolo Support

Devolo also offers several hotline numbers for both local and international inquiries for warranties and online ordering inquiries. These numbers are:

US: you can direct US inquiries about the Devolo product via email through [email protected].

UK: +44 (0)33 333 60582. You can reach the UK Devolo service center from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM from Mondays to Fridays, and 9:00 AM to 5:PM on Saturdays. Email can be addressed to [email protected].

Germany: +49 (0) 241 99082 111 for online order inquiries, +49 (0) 241 99082 222 for warranties and installation inquiries. The service is available from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM from Mondays to Fridays, and from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays. Emails can be addressed to [email protected] for online shopping questions, and [email protected] for warranty and installation questions.

Spain: +34 912 661965 for inquiries. The service centers are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mondays to Fridays. Any emails can be addressed to their support page at [email protected].

France: + 33 185 854925. Their offices are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Mondays to Fridays and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays. Emails can be addressed to [email protected].

Netherlands: +31 208 084003 for inquiries. Service center can be contacted from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mondays to Fridays. Emails can be directed to [email protected].

Italy: +39 06 20294962. Inquiries can be made from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM form Monday to Friday. Emails can be directed to [email protected].

Comparisons With Similar Products

The Devolo Magic 2 isn’t the only powerline adapter available on the market. There are a few other products that you can use if the Devolo isn’t available in your area. We’ll list some of the more popular choices here:

Devolo Magic 2 vs. TP-Link AV2000

A tad more expensive than the Devolo Magic 2, the TP Link AV2000 offers the same plug and play setup that the Devolo does. With a 2,000 Mbps over power connection, it can easily connect your home devices wherever they may be located.

Each kit comes with a standard two adapters, one to connect to the router and another to plug into any outlet in your home. Additional adapters can be connected as easily as the first one via automatic plug and play connection.

Unlike the Devolo which cuts power to about 0.7 Watts when on standby, the TP Link AV2000 only cuts about 85% of its power consumption. This might not be a big issue, but if you’re using multiple devices, this can add up eventually.

Devolo Magic 2 vs. Netgear Orbi

Considered as one of the best mesh Wi-Fi devices on the market, the Netgear Orbi is also very expensive. It offers excellent coverage with hardly a loss in signal strength over a large area, but it operates on a different system to the Devolo Magic 2 or the TP Link AV2000.

The Netgear Orbi isn’t a powerline adapter, meaning rather than using your electric wires for data transmission, it boosts the original signal to its other satellite nodes. This means that the setup isn’t as simple as the other devices on this list.

Devolo Magic 2 vs. Asus PL -AC56 Kit

Another great powerline adapter, the Asus PL-AC56 offers 1,200 Mbps of speed through transmission via electric wiring. Though not as fast as Devolo’s 2,400 Mbps or even Tp Links’ 2,000 Mbps, it still offers speeds that ensure uninterrupted streaming or gaming connections.

It’s also more expensive than the previous models, so if either a Devolo or TP Link is available, they’re a better choice than the Asus PL-AC56.

Devolo Magic 2 FAQ

Below are some common questions regarding the Devolo Magic 2:

1. How many Devolo Adapters do I need?
   Devolo Magic 2 supports up to eight connected adapters to increase the signal of your Wi-Fi network. As the coverage of each adapter can extend up to 500 meters, and the network itself can cover about 5,300 square feet, then eight devices should be enough to cover a rather large area.
2. Is the Devolo Magic 2 compatible with old dLink devices?
   No. The newer generation of Devolo devices don’t have backwards compatibility with its old routers. If you’re getting a new Devolo Magic 2 adapter, you’ll have to use Devolo Magic 2 adapters for your entire network. Other powerline adapters won’t be able to connect properly with the Magic 2.
   Other devices categorized as dLAN or dLink will connect with each other without problem. The Devolo Magic Line is a separate technology altogether, however. As such, it isn’t compatible with other devices that don’t share that technology.
3. Wi-Fi Mesh vs. Powerline, what’s the difference?
   Wi-Fi mesh is the concept that a Wi-Fi’s signal is boosted through nodes to cover a larger area than what the main router is capable of. The mesh is the interlapping of the signals to cover the entire area. Powerline technology, on the other hand, refers to the use of a home’s electric wiring as a means of transmitting data from one node to another.
   The two technologies have their own advantages and disadvantages. For one, mesh Wi-Fi is primarily used to increase wireless signals, while Powerline adapters are more useful to increase wired internet connections. Devolo Magic 2 combines both of these, using your house’s electric outlets as satellite nodes to send out a Wi-Fi signal.
4. Do Powerline adapters need to be in the same electric circuit?
   Yes. As Powerline technology uses your electric wiring to transmit data between nodes, all the adapters that you want connected must be in the same circuit. With modern home design relying on multiple electric circuits for a single house, it’s best to identify which circuit your main powerline adapter is connected to.
   Most wiring in your home should come with an electric blueprint so you can see which wiring connects with what room. Lacking this, you can test your powerline adapter by plugging it into a nearby socket to test if it’s working or not, then using it in the desired area to see if they share the same circuit.
5. What can I do if my Devolo Magic 2 Device doesn’t connect with other adapters?
   Your adapter comes out of the box with factory settings and should automatically try to find a compatible network once plugged in. If this process fails, you can set up the network manually via the Devolo Cockpit app which can be downloaded to your mobile device.
   The steps to manually set up your network are detailed in the section on using the Devolo Magic 2 above.
6. How far can my Devolo Magic 2 Adapters work?
   The Devolo Magic 2 Adapter has been rated to operate at least 500 meters from the main line. It’s important to note, however, that most electrical wiring isn’t installed in a straight line, especially for houses with multiple floors. You may need to place the adapters closer if the signal doesn’t seem to properly transmit from one node to another.
7. Can I use a Powerline adapter and use the outlet at the same time?
   Yes. In fact, Devolo Magic 2 devices are designed with an integrated power socket that you can use to plug other devices to. You can use this outlet even when the adapter itself is in operation without any apparent loss in Wi-Fi signal strength. This is convenient as you don’t lose the use of your electric outlet whenever you install a Powerline device.
8. Does a Powerline Adapter use a lot of Electricity?
   No. The amount of power that a Devolo Magic 2 adapter uses is rather negligible, with an average of almost 3 Watts with a maximum of almost 5 Watts. This equates to an average of $2, to a maximum of $3 of electricity consumption per year, per adapter.
   While the adapter is on standby mode, it doesn’t even use a Watt of electricity, so electric use is further minimized.
9. Is a Wi-Fi repeater or extender better than a mesh Wi-Fi adapter?
   Although a powerline mesh Wi-Fi adapter doesn’t strengthen the signal like a Wi-Fi repeater or extender does, the fact that the mesh remains as one network is more convenient. Repeaters or extenders usually require multiple SSID’s for each repeater in the node. This means that if you move from one area to another, any connected device will need to connect to a new network each time.
   If you’re currently downloading something, this means that the network will be temporarily interrupted, meaning failed downloads. A repeater will ensure stronger signals everywhere, but a Powerline mesh Wi-Fi adapter means a steady single connection throughout the covered area.
10. Why can’t I use power strips with the Devolo Magic 2?
    Power strips, especially those that have surge protection, interfere with the transmission of data, leading to a weaker signal from one node to another. It’s preferred that you use your Devolo Magic 2 adapter directly with a compatible electric outlet to avoid transmission errors.

Devolo Magic Troubleshooting

There may be times that your Devolo Magic 2 device experiences errors or may fail to connect properly. Below are some of the most common troubleshooting tips if you’re experiencing problems with your adapter.

1. Resetting a Devolo Magic 2 adapter – you can reset an already connected Devolo Magic 2 device to factory settings by doing the following:

1. While the device is still plugged in, press and hold the reset button for at least 10 seconds.
2. Once the LED flashes white, unplug the Devolo Magic 2 device.
3. Your adapter should now have its initial factory settings.

2. LED Lights and what they mean – each Devolo Magic 2 device has an indicator light that will notify its owner of the status of the adapter.

1. Red

1. Lights up for two seconds – This means that the device is in the start-up process.
2. Flashes for half a second intervals – The device has been reset to factory settings. Your device can now be reconnected with another adapter either automatically or manually via the Cockpit app.
3. Stays lit – This means that the connection to other nodes has been interrupted, or other nodes are in standby mode so no signal is available. This can be fixed by placing the nodes closer to each other or by removing any source of signal interference.

2. White and Red

1. Flashes in intervals of red for 0.1 seconds, and white for 2 seconds – This means that transmission is not in optimal range. This can be fixed by doing one of the following:

1. Make sure that the device is connected directly to an electric outlet. If you’re using a power strip, remove the device from the power strip and plug it directly to a compatible wall socket.
2. The wall socket being used has another socket beside it. This outlet configuration behaves like a power strip. To ensure better data transmission make sure that you’re using a single wall socket.

2. Flashes at half a second interval for both white and red – the Devolo Magic 2 is currently undergoing a firmware update. No additional troubleshooting is required.

3. White

1. LED flashes on and off every half a second – Your Devolo Magic 2 Adapter is currently in pairing mode or is searching for another adapter to pair. This will end once another adapter has been discovered.
2. LED flashes on and off every second – The Identify Device option has been chosen via the Devolo Cockpit app. This will end automatically once the Identify Device option has ended.
3. LED lights up steadily – The device is working properly and the connection is transmitting without issues.
4. Flashes in intervals of half a second on and five seconds off – The device is in standby mode. To troubleshoot this problem, do one of the following:

1. This automatically happens when no network device is connected to the network for more than ten minutes. To reactivate, connect a network device like a computer a smartphone or tablet to the network.
2. Check if your adapter is properly connected to the outlet. If the connection is loose, plug the adapter in properly.
3. Make sure that the device has been properly paired to other adapters. If adapter hasn’t been paired it will fail to detect a network and will eventually go on standby mode.

Uninterrupted Connectivity

With the demand for wireless connectivity reaching an all-time high, getting uninterrupted connections wherever you may be in your home is ideal. With its adaptation of Powerline technology along with Wi-Fi mesh systems, the Devolo Magic 2 system is certainly a great solution. Increasing your connectivity without having to install new wiring is an advantage that many would find useful

Do you have experiences using the Devolo Magic 2? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.