PowerLine Adapter Advice

Matt2889 · 1 Sep 2011 at 16:51

Hey guys,

I'm moving into a new place with cable and sticking with Virgin Media 50MB.

My problem is that the cable inlet is downstairs and the computer would be upstairs, which is a typical situation.

In the previous house I quite happily ran an Ethernet cable up the stairs and pinned it to the skirting board.

With the new house, there are winding stairs and the PC room would be the other side of the landing, so for discussions sake, I would like to eliminate running a cable upstairs.

I have been looking into powerline adapters, but really have no clue how well they work, and what kind of drop (if any) occurs. I've done some googling for reviews, but found nothing really in depth.

Is anyone running a powerline adapter setup? If so what are your specs, i.e. net connection, socket distances and what adapters are you using.

Cheers,
Matt.

Liquid_Entity · 1 Sep 2011 at 16:57

literally loads of threads about these things, I have been reading a fair few. Looks like Solwise could be a good purchase. Thinking I might get the 500AV ones.

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18283323&highlight=homeplugs

search > homeplugs

Matt2889 · 1 Sep 2011 at 17:00

Cheers mate! Will have a good read!

Liquid_Entity · 1 Sep 2011 at 17:05

200 ones seem to be alright for HD streaming etc, most people say that it all depends on the wiring in the house too.

I keep saying I will buy some but then I run out of money each month, I then get annoyed when my PS3 stutters constantly when streaming (not even HD content)

I should just bite the bullet. My house is ancient and the wiring is pretty bad to, so hoping I don't waste money on getting 500 ones

Matt2889 · 1 Sep 2011 at 17:09

The new house I wouldn't say is "that" old, so hopefully I shouldn't have a problem. I just hope that because they are some distance away the power cables are on the same circuit.

Firegod · 1 Sep 2011 at 17:15

I've been running the Devolo 500Mbps Mini adapters for 3 months now. Had zero issues and seem to be nice and quick. Recently flashed the firmware on them too and that went without hitch.

Smart piece of kit imo.

http://www.devolo.com/consumer/81_dlan-500-avmini_starter-kit_product-presentation_1.html?l=en

http://www.devolo.com/consumer/dlan...ct-picture-dlan-500-avmini-eu-sk-front-xl.jpg

Matt2889 · 1 Sep 2011 at 17:20

What is the distance between the two adapters mate?

Firegod · 1 Sep 2011 at 19:12

Matt2889 said:
What is the distance between the two adapters mate?

I run three actually.

The one that is the max distance away is around 30-35ft. They can sync at 10/100/1000 speeds so I've got TP-Link 5-port Gig switches interconnecting everything, such as PS3's, TV's, PC's, NAS. Works really well.

Hope that helps.

Ole · 1 Sep 2011 at 22:36

Only just stumbled across homeplugs today - sounds too good to be true! Going to order the TP-Link pair that are currently on offer:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-032-TP&groupid=46&catid=1604&subcat=2024

Is the network cable included or do I need to order two 1m cables at the same time?

Thanks

happy_2008 · 2 Sep 2011 at 11:38

I have the same problem but im gonna see if i can run a flat cat 5 cable instead

Firegod · 2 Sep 2011 at 17:12

Usually cable is included.

schnipps · 2 Sep 2011 at 20:35

I have just tonight taken Sky wireless out and put 2 Belkin 200Mbps plugs in, works immediately and one is on a 5 way extension, getting full speed internet.

happy_2008 · 5 Sep 2011 at 12:22

I still prefer cable for realibility

Liquid_Entity · 5 Sep 2011 at 12:37

That's always going to be the case happy. But powerline adaptors are a damn sight better than wifi !

GeX · 5 Sep 2011 at 14:50

I have a pair of TPLink 200mbps homeplugs. When I first put them in I was getting 94mbit/s over them (probably my 100mbit/s swith limiting that). I tested them the other day though and it was down to around 45mbit/s.

We had a new boiler installed a couple of weeks back, and it seems that that has killed my link speeds. It is no longer enough for HD streaming.

khisanth75 · 6 Sep 2011 at 16:29

I use a pair of Belkin Powerline plugs to connect to my Virgin broadband downstairs and it works perfectly. It goes through a long extension cable too.

Think it's the 85 Mbps one, but I dont do much file transfer between machines so cant comment on full speeds attained. For normal internet use (torrents, gaming,surfing,downloading,streaming etc) I am only limited by the actual internet connection.

Overall these are invaluable and a must have for me. Especially for up in the loft where I have a plug socket and ZERO wireless reception or for older retro computers that dont have wireless.

Scope · 6 Sep 2011 at 16:36

I've got 5 Devolo 200 adapter running around the house - they are AMAZING, and stream 1080p x264 movies no problems.. These adapters have been around for quite some time now (6-7 years atleast?), so I would probably recommend the new 500/1000 adapters to be more in line with gigabit networks and allow some growth.

But all in all, unless pulling cables is an easy option for you (as it is acheaper and faster option), these adapters should be a must in all homes, beats wifi any time of the day.

Yungstar 2006 · 7 Sep 2011 at 18:47

Ole said:
Only just stumbled across homeplugs today - sounds too good to be true! Going to order the TP-Link pair that are currently on offer:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-032-TP&groupid=46&catid=1604&subcat=2024

Is the network cable included or do I need to order two 1m cables at the same time?

Thanks

i ordered a couple of pairs of these the other day (thanks for the link) and they arrived yesterday. they come with all the cables you need.

connected one to the router and another to comp in back room (both down stairs), worked a charm. then tried to add one upstairs and it would not sync with either of those downstairs.

restarted/reset and connected the router and the 1 upstairs, ok. added the one in the back room and all worked well.