Wireless AC vs Powerline

OpenToSuggestions

OpenToSuggestions

OpenToSuggestions

Soldato
Joined
5 Aug 2006
Posts
11,428
Location
Derbyshire
Hey all.
Following on from this thread:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?p=28879769#post28879769

I have decided to ditch the POS Technicolor router in favour of a D-Link DIR-868L AC1750 from the MM.

My Microserver is next to the router and so speed is not a concern, but when transfering files to/from my gaming PC the speed is very slow. This is due to the 100mbps powerline adaptor my gaming PC uses.

I am stuck between:
Wireless AC Card, such as TP-LINK - Archer T8E PCIe AC1750 Dual Band ~£40-50.
+ Better theoretical maxmimum, cheaper than Gigabit powerline adaptors
- Wireless always has the potential to drop out or be a general PITA

or

Buy better powerline adaptors ~£60-100
+ A 600mpbs gigabit powerline adaptor is ~£60.
Rock solid consistent connection.
- More expensive that the powerline adaptors. Unless I buy a really good one then will the performance be that great?
1200mpbs Gigabit network adaptors can be >£100.
 
Wireless if:-

-No dense (plasterboard walls) or metal objects between access points.
-Low interference from other AP's and away from other EM emitting devices (fridge, microwave oven).

Bonus Points: If stationary, use directional antennas for better gain.

Powerline if:-

-Short cable run between adapters and on the same circuit.
-No devices connected on the same circuit main that draw high current from time to time (fridge or vacuum cleaner starting up) or are used infrequently.
-You're not an amateur radio enthusiast.
 
bledd. said:
Is running cables out of the question?
Click to expand...

Yep afraid so.

Rozzy85 said:
Wireless if:-

-No dense (plasterboard walls) or metal objects between access points.
-Low interference from other AP's and away from other EM emitting devices (fridge, microwave oven).

Bonus Points: If stationary, use directional antennas for better gain.

Powerline if:-

-Short cable run between adapters and on the same circuit.
-No devices connected on the same circuit main that draw high current from time to time (fridge or vacuum cleaner starting up) or are used infrequently.
-You're not an amateur radio enthusiast.
Click to expand...

The current powerline works perfectly, but it is just slow. I have no idea whether I am on the same circuit and the study is above the kitchen.
The house is probably your typical 3 bed and is by no means large.
From the router to the gaming PC in a direct straight line is probably 10-12m.
I once did try wireless but it was probably G? Could have been N? Either way it was not great.
 
If it's all on the same floor then it should be on the same circuit but each house is different. With some good quality 1200Mbps adapters you could get anywhere around 200-350Mbps, there is no way to know for sure. Real world averages could be a bit lower.

Wireless AC could get similar speeds but only in ideal conditions. 12M isn't far but if there's a few objects/walls in the way and you're using the common rubber duck or internal antennas then Powerline will be the better option.
 
I went for the Wireless PCIE Card. With my current woeful single band wireless N TG582n router I am connected to it between a fluctuating 52-100mbps.

I have confidence that the multiband DIR-868L on wireless AC will blow it away.
The router should arrive Weds or Thurs, so I will post the results!

If the wireless AC PCIE card turns out not to be the best option, I can always flog it on the MM.

Edit: Turns out the TG582n was only 10/100 anyway even on wired.
Edit2: Wireless speed dropped to 5.5mpbs. It was stuffed under the tv unit behind the Megadrive! Pulled it out from all the cables and now 130mbps steady.
 
Last edited:
New router all set up.

5Ghz showing as a 'fair' signal, but after 30 mins it has uppdd to 702mbps so can't really complain!
Living room PC hardwired at 1gbps.

I think file transfers between the two should top the 100mbps connection from before :p.

Thanks for the help all.
 
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