Powerline Adapters - How Many

[Django x2]

Trust me, it will be a pig to run Cat 5 everywhere, and there aren't enough ports on the router for all the devices and we don't really want a massive switch, which kind of leads me on to my next question...

If, at the router, I use one powerline (single socket) adapter, and in the middle lounge, a 4 port powerline adapter and plug 4 devices in, I have to assume the potential powerline adapter speed is divided by 4 if all devices are on and being used at once?

My thought is:

3 x 4 port powerline adpaters for each of the rooms (for flexibility) and then a single port powerline adapter at the router

 

[JAzz]

You know they're not secure, don't you? It's been demonstrated that the signal put out by these things doesn't get blocked by your meter.

Shouldn't setting a password on your powerline network stop anyone else from getting onto your network?

CAT5e is obviously the best solution but a real hassle getting it all done and running wires around the whole house.

 

[bremen1874]

Setting your own encryption keys will make them secure (as much as anything is). The problem is most people just plug them in and leave the encryption at the default settings. Everything appears to be fine until someone else within range buys a set and does the same.

 

[daver]

I have a pair of power line adaptors in my flat but I use a couple of standalone gigabit switches with them, it was a lot cheaper that way. The multi port adaptors seem to be fairly expensive. Having separate switches gives you a bit more flexibility as well