TP -Link powerline adapters randomly disconnect

I recently bought a new PC which I use for gaming (mostly online games like TF2). In order to play the games without lag, the sales assistant suggested I use an Ethernet connection rather than wireless. Since my computer is upstairs while my router is downstairs, I bought TP-Link powerline adapters that go through the house mains. I can't remember the model name but this is what they look like:

However, at seemingly random times with no clear pattern, I will be disconnected from the Internet. The icon in the bottom left of my screen that shows my Internet connection will have a yellow warning triangle next to it, and I will be disconnected from any server I am on. Upon turning off the TP-Link adapters at the wall and turning them on again, the problem fixes itself and I am once again able to connect to the internet with no problem. How do I fix this issue?

I have Windows 7 Home Premium.

UPDATE: I have discovered that turning the connector off at the socket and then turning it back on again fixes the problem. It still occurs randomly however, forcing me to crawl under my desk every time it disconnects.

Solution 1:

It seems to be an issue reported several times. But TP-Link do nothing to fix it.

http://forum.tp-link.com/showthread.php?78658-Powerline-disconnecting-issues

http://forum.tp-link.com/showthread.php?75408-WPA4220TKIT-More-Connectivity-Issues

http://forum.tp-link.com/showthread.php?1689-TL-PA411-needs-constant-rebooting

...

My advise, don't buy tp-link powerline.

Solution 2:

If you have the specific bug where you can replug the adapter to fix the connection, you can stop the connection from dropping by sending data over it at regular intervals. One way to do this is to ping your default gateway (home router) at regular intervals.

You can add a Windows scheduled task for this:

1. Go to Administrative Tools > Task Scheduler > Create Basic Task...
2. Enter any Name and click Next >
3. Select When I log on and click Next >
4. Select Start a program and click Next >
5. In Program/script: enter ping and in Add arguments (optional): enter -t <address> where <address> is the IP address of your default gateway
6. Click Finish
7. You can start the task immediately by going to Task Scheduler Library, right-click your created task, and click Run

For Ubuntu:

1. Go to Startup Applications
2. Click Add
3. Enter any Name and in Command: enter ping <address> where <address> is the IP address of your default gateway
4. Click Add
5. Log out and then log back in to start the task

Solution 3:

A few things to try that weren't mentioned:

• Upgrade the firmware (US or UK).
• Plug both powerline adapters directly into the wall outlet. Don't use them on a surge suppressor, UPS, etc.
• Troubleshoot any sources of interference by unplugging as many devices in your home as possible (particularly those on the same circuit). If the problem goes away, start plugging them back in until you find the problematic device.