Homeplugs question

AFK_Matrix · 27 May 2008 at 16:42

Ok at the moment we have a linksys wifi router upstairs and 2 pcs are cable linked to it and then I have my pc and a macbook pro downstairs. My pc's have to be down stairs as there is no room upstairs and thus I have them on wifi, and to say its rubbish is an understatment. So to sort this I am looking at these homeplugs. I know I need 2 of them for it to work but for game playing and movie streaming from the net will the 85mbps ones be ok? Or should I consider the 200mbps ones? Also for the plug downstairs that connects to my pc do I just plug the ethernet cable directly from the plug into my pc or do I need a hub or something?

Thxs

Dano · 27 May 2008 at 16:57

85mbps is fine, unless you have a monster speed net connection and by monster I mean speeds that are currently unavailable in the UK as far as I know.

Router to homeplug upstairs, homeplug to pc downstairs will work just fine.

AbsenceJam · 27 May 2008 at 17:09

Actual throughput won't even vaguely approach 85mb/s and there's no way of really telling till you get them. I've seen as low as 7mb/s to around a quarter of the data rate, about the same with 200mb/s ones, 50mb/s best case but can be much lower. Still fine for what you'll be doing but you wouldn't want to move files around via it.

Dano · 27 May 2008 at 19:54

AbsenceJam said:
Actual throughput won't even vaguely approach 85mb/s and there's no way of really telling till you get them. I've seen as low as 7mb/s to around a quarter of the data rate, about the same with 200mb/s ones, 50mb/s best case but can be much lower. Still fine for what you'll be doing but you wouldn't want to move files around via it.

Really? Both sets I've installed have near maxed out.

FrankJH · 28 May 2008 at 07:41

Different quality of electrical wiring is actualy the probable cause of the different data rates you are seeing - in the two houses I have lived in since having homeplugs I have got widely varying results

either way homeplugs are a decent solution and will work well for the OP

R4z0r · 28 May 2008 at 15:32

I use the 200Mbit ones in a new flat (Good quality wiring) and I get ~45Mbit which is pretty brilliant as far as I'm concerned. You can plug straight into a switch (I doubt you'll be using a hub ;o) or directly into your PC - depends on if you have other ethernet devices next to your PC that you want to network.

I can't coment on the older ones but my 200Mbit homeplugs are superb and I'm very happy with them. I used to have wireless (Again in a flat so no huge distances involved) and the speed upgrade is enormous.

FYI, I'm using the Solwise HD jobbies.

AFK_Matrix · 28 May 2008 at 17:13

Thanks guys.

I have ended up buying the Solwise 85mbps ones as I got 2 of them for £45. Would have liked to get the 200 ones but money is a bit tight. But I am sure its gonna be a big improvment over the 1 bar strength I have on my wifi!!