Poweline Networking?
 

Anyone using powerline networking in their house? Experiences, pros, cons?

I'm thinking it would be nice to have faster data speeds in some places, like at the TV. Right now we use wireless .

Can you recommend a brand, or even specific equipment?

Does it have to be plugged directly into the wall, or can it work through a power strip/extension cord?

In my situation, one end would be at the Apple Airport that is connected to the cable modem. The other end(s) would be at the TiVo, the Xbox, or at a Mac/PC in the study, and possibly a second Airport that is acting as a repeater upstairs.

The set I have is not recommended for use with power strips, not sure why.

They work well or so/so.

I found which pair of outlets you use makes a big difference.

If they are on the same circuit they work better.

I've got a hub hanging off one with no ill effects.

This may help:

HowStuffWorks "How Power-line Networking Works"

I'd worry if I had a high-end stereo - injection of RF noise can degrade the sound quality.

A friend ran CAT-6 all over his house - IIRC, he did it all just with drilling holes, no big knockouts of drywall (OTOH, he handles electrical work for a local college). But you may find a fast wired connection is not much trouble.

WiFi is about to get a bump up in speed, so the a/c spec. is worth investigating. Wait a while longer and there should be WiMax.

The thing is, keeping up with the newest and fastest wifi standard is hard, because we have a mix of old and new client devices, some only do b even now. Only a few of the devices need a fast connection, and those are stationary - and near a power plug . . .

WIFI networks will throttle down to the speed of the slowest device.

Run multiple APs - one for B devices, one for G devices, or if needed multiple G aps, etc.

Or better, run cable.

Exactly. In theory I could set up two separate wireless networks, one old/slow and one new/fast, but that seems like a pain.

My house needs a repeater AP already.

So for two wireless networks I would need four AP, for three six, etc.

Urgh.

But alas the power line adapters would be on separate circuit breakers.

You need a new house!

I am running Actiontec brand Powerline network adapters. These are the cheapest i have seen and available at best buy stores for instant gratification. No idea if they are plugged into the same circuit. Works fine for my purpose which is to "hardwire" a 2nd wifi router into my network. I would of course prefer having CAT 5 run, but its an 1860s stone farm house. Wiring and solid 18" stone walls just don't go together. wifi signals also do not pass through the stone walls very well.

Anyhow, I have the primary router jacked into one Powerline adapter, and at the other end a secondary router which gets me wireless coverage on my porch, and over by the pool (which was absolutely necessary so I can access PPOT while sunning by the pool:D). For basic web browsing, this works perfectly. Haven't tried multimedia stuff.

I'm using the Linksys PLK500 to connect my house to my shop. A Dlink GB 8 port switch at each end. Router in the house connects to the net. It all works great. The 2 switches link up at GB speed although the PLK's only run at 500MB. Saved me from buying and installing wireless or burying a cable. The buildings are 100 yards apart. For the most reliable connection is seems that the devices need to be on the same leg of the panel.

Thanks, everyone. Buying some ZyXel AV500 Powerline adapters. These are the only ones I've found that have a passthrough (piggyback) AC socket so that the adapter doesn't block an AC outlet. (Old house = not a surplus of AC outlets.)

Will initially use these to wire the Apple Airport by the cable modem to the remote Apple Airport that is currently a repeater AP. Then I'll be able to cable the TiVo, Xbox, etc to the remote Airport.

I tried it. Never could get a decent reliable connection.... Save your receipt.

I figure Amazon has a return policy . . . If necessary I can move the relevant circuits to a common leg.

Am also running ActionTec at the house. I have my main internet feed coming into the office upstairs and use one of the powerline adapters to run internet access through a switch to the Tivo and Television downstairs.

Works great and fast enough to view movies on NetFlix or Hulu... and NewEgg just had a special on them last weekend. Got two additional boxes for $30 which is hard to beat and the new models will feed more than one cat 5 cable.

I ended up buying a pair of Zyxel powerline adapters because they have pass through AC receptacles. Installation was effortless. So far, on the third floor where wireless depends on the remote Airport, which used to be set up as a repeater but is now wired to the main Airport , my iPhone is now getting 10 Mbps down! Which is far better than it used to get; was 2-3 Mbps down before.

I would kill for 2-3mbps down...

From my provider!!!!