Connect modem and router via Powerline adapter

Zaphan58 · 17 Jan 2022 at 10:21

Hi all, I'm switching from Virgin to Sky so will be using the phone socket. Trouble is the phone socket is the baby's room. Call me paranoid but I'd rather not have a wireless router sat right next to the cot.

I'm thinking of putting the modem in one room next to the socket and the wireless router in another and connect them via Powerline adapter. Would that work? I have read mixed things with some saying it won't work if there is more than one powerline adapter in the house.

Caged · 17 Jan 2022 at 10:26

For the price of a decent powerline kit you can have the phone line moved. Ask Sky for a managed installation and a new line.

Beerbaron · 17 Jan 2022 at 10:30

I've used several powerline adaptors in a house/garage before. I only use them as a last resort though as I get throughput issues from my NVR stored in the garage. Wi-Fi from the access point connected to it works fine though.

TheVoice · 17 Jan 2022 at 14:49

If you're switching to FTTC (which uses the phone line) you won't get a separate modem and router, it's one box.

Sin_Chase · 18 Jan 2022 at 22:18

Don't powerlines act like switches? I didn't think they mapped pinouts on each endpoint and therefore wont work with a PPPoE session.

Caged · 18 Jan 2022 at 22:23

PPPoE works fine through switches though

Zaphan58 · 19 Jan 2022 at 09:09

Hi thanks for the replies. I should have been more clear in the original post. I already have a separate modem / router I can use and some powerlines adapters. I could put the modem next to the line socket and then run an ethernet to the router but trying to avoid the faff of finding a way to hide the cable.

bremen1874 · 19 Jan 2022 at 15:57

It should work, and as you already have the equipment it'd be quick and easy to try once the line is active. Get the connection working first with a cable between the modem and router.

If you have other Powerline adapters for the LAN then you'd need to keep them separate by using different encryption keys.

Given how unreliable Powerline can be, it isn't an option I'd be seriously looking at. With the situation as described, I'd run a data extension with a length of CW1308 and get all of the equipment out of the child's room. You could also use network cable for the extension, but it's much thicker and more difficult to hide.

TheVoice · 19 Jan 2022 at 18:07

Zaphan58 said:
Hi thanks for the replies. I should have been more clear in the original post. I already have a separate modem / router I can use and some powerlines adapters. I could put the modem next to the line socket and then run an ethernet to the router but trying to avoid the faff of finding a way to hide the cable.

The problem is that powerline adapters aren't always reliable and speeds can fluctuate, which will potentially affect your entire connection. Your router and modem should be linked via Ethernet as it's most reliable.