Homeplug-Powerline Adapter Queries

[Scream]

I just need some confirmation from people as I am not total sure with a few things regarding these Homeplug/powerline adapters.

Whats the difference between homeplugs and powerline adapters? I know they are supposingly different standards but are there any pro's and cons with each, is one standard better/future proof and is there a standard I should try and stick to?

If I buy a pair of adapters, stick one in one room and the other at the router, and I decide I want another computer to use an adapter, do I just buy the one so the two 'clients' work through the adapter at the routers end or do you have to buy in pairs i.e two computers need to adapters at the router?

What's their compatibility in terms of working with different brands of adapters i.e a netgear working with a Linksys or another brand?

Does it actually matter what brand I go for as I have heard some folk mention not to be fooled by the likes of big brand names like netgear and linksys and instead just get a set of comtrend adapters for they are just as good as any.

Sorry for the questions but I rather get some info from people's mouths.

Cheers.

 

[Biffa]

1. Homeplug is the communication technology. Powerline is just passing information over electrical mains connections.
2. You just stick another one in the room where the new piece of equipment is and it talks to the first two automatically. So you only need one adapter at the router and up to 5 or 6 I think is the practical limit (theoretically 200+)
3. I'd stick to the same brand.
4. Just check out reviews. Everyone seems to have a bad experience with one brand or another. I use the Zyxel PA400 (individual) or PA401 (2 pack). I had to send one back (I've got 4) and use them to extend my network to my garage and put the wireless AP where it is most effective.

Extra, stick to the same speed too, the 200Mb ones aren't compatible with the lower speed ones.

 

[errata]

As above but regarding homeplug vs powerline, Homeplug is a semi official standard that a certain set of makers usually using Intellon chipsets adhere to (version 1, v1 turbo and version 2 or Homeplug AV).

If something is branded homplug then it will work with other homeplugs of the same speed rating with just occasional care needed with firmware revisions.

Powerline is both a general description of technologies for ethernet over mains and has a rival assciation pushing diffrent chipsets

Bottom line is that with something marked as home plug then you just have to check the speeeds are all compatible.

if something is marked powerline it could be homeplug or another technology (such as comtrend) so check the fine print

I would reccomend homeplug AV over the others on the basis of they seem to have less chance of having an effect.

Avoid brands that have no uk returns procedure (NEWLINK fro example) as their do seem to be some reliability problems with the cheapest of the cheap. Zyxel units are pretty solid and have a good UK presence.