Powerline advice

Eyghon · 26 Apr 2015 at 16:29

I set a Pensioner friend of mine up with a Powerline set up (http://uk.tp-link.com/products/details/?categoryid=&model=TL-PA511KIT) about a year ago. The set up was as follows, they live in what is effectively a Granny flat, this is the two upstairs back rooms and then an extension built on over the Garage (this is where I think the problem is as I'll explain in a minute, we'll call this the sitting room).

The main Internet connection is VM Cable with the Hub based downstairs where his Daughters PC is located, this is located below one of the back bedrooms, his TV, PS2, DVD etc is based in the room in the extension at the front of the house, the Sitting Room.

I located one Powerline adapter next to the VM Hub and one in the "sitting room" connected via Cat5 to a http://uk.tp-link.com/products/details/?model=TL-SG1008D (5-Port version), the TV, Laptop, DVD, PS2 etc were connected through this, he also uses his Laptop via WiFi when needed via the downstairs Hub (not a great connection).

It has all worked fine (after taking a couple of hours initially for the two units to lock onto each other) for about 12 Months, then about a week ago he says they lost connection, I spent an hour yesterday trying to get them to reconnect with no luck and going back tomorrow, I think the problem is that it's located in the extension building which may not be on the same Ring Main but they have worked for the last year. The units connect instantly in the same room AND if I move the upstairs one into the room at the back of house (in the old part) directly above the computer they also reconnect.

So I'm looking for suggestions, Ring Main problem?, TP-Link have also suggested it may be a device plugged in causing interference?, I've been and purchased a Socket Tester this morning which supposedly shows any faults with the Live\Neutral circuit.

I would also value suggestions for an alternative set up, I was thinking of swapping the Homeplug I have upstairs for 2x http://uk.tp-link.com/products/details/?categoryid=2244&model=TL-WPA4220 I could then put one of these into the room in the old part of the house connected via the Power Circuit downstairs to the existing PA-511, plug the other one in the "Sitting Room" and connect via WiFi to the other one, would that work?, that would give him the Hard wire for his Switch and should also give him better WiFi coverage for his Laptop too shouldn't it?

Hope this all makes sense, open to ANY and ALL suggestions

Regards

Craig

bremen1874 · 26 Apr 2015 at 20:57

Are you really using 85Mbps adapters? It seems a strange choice for such a recent installation.

If you are then I'd try something more modern. The recent AV600 (and AV1200) adapters are a lot better and may be able to work where the existing adapters don't.

Any chance they'd accept a properly installed network cable? If they will it's the best guaranteed fix.

Eyghon · 26 Apr 2015 at 23:25

Sorry linked to wrong ones, post updated.

Steveocee · 27 Apr 2015 at 07:25

TP link may be spot on that another device is causing interference. For them to have worked previously tou can be pretty sure the wiring hasn't changed but additional / replacement devices are a valid explanation.

Odd they took so long in the first place, maybe try a replacement set of adapters if you have any?

Mercutio · 30 Apr 2015 at 05:19

Powerline can be very good but... it's really not much hassle to run a cable up the wall, lift a couple of floorboards in the room above and wire up a box for a network port. Will give an absolutely solid connection. With it being above a garage too I doubt there'd be much concern over a cable neatly tacked to the wall (rather than a preference for hiding it in a normal room of a house).

You could even come from the outside, just drill out from the room a bit above the skirting board, feed cable, come back in through a wall/window frame...a bit of external grade cat 5/6 won't be much for a single run (much cheaper than replacement powerline).

HACO · 30 Apr 2015 at 05:58

Mercutio said:
Powerline can be very good but... it's really not much hassle to run a cable up the wall, lift a couple of floorboards in the room above and wire up a box for a network port. Will give an absolutely solid connection. With it being above a garage too I doubt there'd be much concern over a cable neatly tacked to the wall (rather than a preference for hiding it in a normal room of a house).

You could even come from the outside, just drill out from the room a bit above the skirting board, feed cable, come back in through a wall/window frame...a bit of external grade cat 5/6 won't be much for a single run (much cheaper than replacement powerline).

I wish I could but landlord doesn't allow it. For me powerline was bad as I didn't get anything over 130Mbps with 1Gbps units. Went back to AC WIFI as it gave better speed.