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Performance
I tested the PG-9172 using our standard powerline test procedure, with all results entered into the Powerline Performance Charts. Since G.hn performance is in the same ballpark as "1200 Mbps" AV2 MIMO adapters, I decided to compare it to the three highest-ranked AV2 MIMO adapters: TRENDnet's TPL-420E2K, NETGEAR's PL1200 and D-Link's DHP-701AV.
The Downlink Throughput plot below shows the PG-9172 at 263 Mbps doesn't approach the ~400 Mbps peak Location A throughput of the TRENDnet and NETGEAR adapter pairs. But I should note, Comtrend sent a note warning against "short loop" (closely spaced) testing, saying it isn't typical in actual powerline adapter use. While the point is valid and accepted, "short loop" (we call it Location A) testing is part of our standard benchmark suite and many products have no problem with the test.
That said, the Comtrend adapter does quite well in the mid and far-range Location C test and turning in its best comparative performance in worst-case Location E with 148 Mbps. This is actually the best throughput we've ever measured in Location E for any powerline adapter tested! The next best products are the TRENDnet, D-Link and NETGEAR products shown in the chart below.
Downlink throughput comparison
Looking at the composite IxChariot downlink plot shows fairly steady throughput in all three locations. The jump at the beginning of the plot is the IxChariot Nagle's algorithm quirk.
Downlink throughput IxChariot composite
For uplink, the PG-9172 again beats the other three products only in Location E with 141 Mbps. Maximum Location A throughput is better than downlink at 308 Mbps.
Uplink throughput comparison
The uplink IxChariot plot shows low throughput variation in all three test locations.
Uplink throughput IxChariot composite
The PG-9172's simultaneous up /downlink IxChariot plot shows higher average uplink throughput than downlink, with no battling for dominance. The 336 Mbps total throughput is only a moderate (9%) increase over the 308 Mbps maximum uplink throughput.
IxChariot simultaneous up/downlink
Adding another simultaneous stream pair adds only 17 Mbps for 353 Mbps of total throughput.