Powerline Networking

[sassie05]

Your thoughts and experiences on Powerline Networking.
Also need recommendations on equipment (Powerline) for a small home network.

A wireless solution does not seem to cut it. Walls and distance seem to be a factor in weak and loss of signal.

Trying to avoid running cables.

Thanks in advance.

[risk_reversal]

Well I have one of these plugged into my router

http://www.solwise.co.uk/net-powerline-pl-85pe.htm

and one of these which I use when a wireless signal is poor in my house

http://www.solwise.co.uk/net-powerline-pl-85pew-mk2.htm

They seem to work pretty well with no issues. The wireless homeplug also has an RJ45/ ethernet connector so could also be used via hardwire.

The system can be set to its own encryption ie on the homeplug side.

Ideally, homeplugs should be directly plugged into a wall socket and not used on a power strip.

I have never tried 2 hardwired homeplugs but understand that sometimes the client homeplug (ie the one which is plugged into pc or laptop), may need to be connected to a switch first (prior to laptop/pc) as sometimes they can have issues with allocating a DHCP ip address and instead defaults to 169.x.x.x.

Lastly, you should note that if the homeplugs are to be situated on different power rings this could have consequences.

Good Luck

[sassie05]

Lastly, you should note that if the homeplugs are to be situated on different power rings this could have consequences.

What do you mean by "Power Rings"?
A different circuit?

[risk_reversal]

What do you mean by "Power Rings"?
A different circuit?

Yes. Sometimes even single dweling properties have more than one ring. Which doesn't mean that the homeplugs will not work but it adds a layer of grey.

Good Luck

[classicsoftware]

Bite the bullet and run the cable......

[sassie05]

lol

Bite the bullet and run the cable......

It would be the best connection.

These folks already invested time and money in a wireless setup. Got a laptop with wireless and seem to think all should work perfect.

Actually they are on a second wireless router. The first, a Belkin, dropped the connection too much. I brought it home to test and it was flakey.

[classicsoftware]

Originally Posted by sassie05

lol


It would be the best connection.

These folks already invested time and money in a wireless setup. Got a laptop with wireless and seem to think all should work perfect.

Actually they are on a second wireless router. The first, a Belkin, dropped the connection too much. I brought it home to test and it was flakey.

If you are the one who sold them on the idea of wireless and then sold them the equipment, then you are on the hook to make it work or adjust your bill. If you are helping them pick up the pieces, you need to be frank and say their environment is NOT conducive to running a wireless network and the best and most efficient plan would be to run cat 6 cable.

[sassie05]

If you are helping them pick up the pieces...

They had already purchased the router. I helped them install.

I will suggest running cable throughout.
Not my cup o tea to run cables.

[classicsoftware]

Originally Posted by sassie05

They had already purchased the router. I helped them install.

I will suggest running cable throughout.
Not my cup o tea to run cables.

That's a job for an electrician. One outlet near the PC and one near the router and a patch cable at each end with a nice wall outlet....

[PrntRhd]

I agree, electricians have the tools and the skills to get it done cleanly.
A good combination.