Powerline networking questions.

[nichorob]

Hi there,

After problems with Wireless, im considering getting one of the Powerline kits to network via my house mains. I have a few questions:

My current set up is just a simple NTL cable modem -> PC, no router or anything. Im assuming il need another ethernet port to run to the mains powerline adapter, will something like this Netgear switch (first on the page) do the job?

Does the adapter need to be connected directly to the mains socket, or can I use it on an extension cable/surge protector etc?

Lastly and most importantly, the main purpose of the adapter will be for online gaming. Are these suitable? As in no latency/packet loss.

Many thanks.

 

[Vicar]

Hi there,

After problems with Wireless, im considering getting one of the Powerline kits to network via my house mains. I have a few questions:

My current set up is just a simple NTL cable modem -> PC, no router or anything. Im assuming il need another ethernet port to run to the mains powerline adapter, will something like this Netgear switch (first on the page) do the job?

Does the adapter need to be connected directly to the mains socket, or can I use it on an extension cable/surge protector etc?

Lastly and most importantly, the main purpose of the adapter will be for online gaming. Are these suitable? As in no latency/packet loss.

Many thanks.

Would also be interested in anyones input..... kinda interested in this myself seeing as the wireless is dire in this house.

 

[bringans]

Basicly yes to the switch. simple plug and play.

I have set these up on extentions, on surge protecters (single ones not the 2,4 +ways)

All they have to have is there own line ie nothing else pluged in on that point.

Never seen a loss, but then never really checked on clients PC's, but there kids all play games online and not heard back about it.

TBH get the wireless extenders, (Netgear WGXB102 ) if you are just having wireless range probs, one thing is, atm they dont do WPA2 so your security will be open to the people that know what to do.

 

[nichorob]

I would love to use wireless believe me, im fed up of it though, ive tried - wasted money on kit and now im calling it a day. Powerline seems like the perfect replacement as running CAT5 round the house is not an option at all.

The Powerlined networked PC will be used for online gaming and web browsing only, if its definatly capable of that then im sold.

 

[Phemo]

It's not too clear how many PCs you want to use this for.

If you plan on having more than one PC hooked up at the same time then a switch will not do the job - you'll need a router. Unless you're fine with having to swap the cable between two devices and reboot the cable modem, that is.

 

[nichorob]

It will only be one PC upstairs.

Yes, I dont want any cable swapping involved or anything like that, should I just cough up the extra money and buy a wired router anyway?

 

[chimaera]

I got fed up with wireless and got the Devolo high speed starter kit and never looked back, absolutely perfect.

The plugs only take a ethernet cable, so as long as you have something to plug into it that can send the internet connection you'll be fine. Personally i use a combined router/modem/firewall, one cable going into the phone line, and one ethernet cable going into the homeplug.

Then i have 3 PC's with their own homeplugs, works like a treat and never had a single problem.

I would definitely advise using the security software as its easy enough to set up.

 

[nichorob]

I got fed up with wireless and got the Devolo high speed starter kit and never looked back, absolutely perfect.

The plugs only take a ethernet cable, so as long as you have something to plug into it that can send the internet connection you'll be fine. Personally i use a combined router/modem/firewall, one cable going into the phone line, and one ethernet cable going into the homeplug.

Then i have 3 PC's with their own homeplugs, works like a treat and never had a single problem.

I would definitely advise using the security software as its easy enough to set up.

Brilliant, thats exactly what I wanted to hear, thank you

Do you do much online gaming using them? Whats your experience?

 

[chimaera]

Brilliant, thats exactly what I wanted to hear, thank you

Do you do much online gaming using them? Whats your experience?

I play a lot of guild wars and have no problems, but then again its not a game where high pings are essential, but the only slowdown i ever get is when the game servers are packed or when my P2P software is taking all the bandwidth, nothing from network slowdown as far as i can tell.

Whenever i've played online FPS's (usually DoD:S) i get a good enough ping to join the high ping only servers (i'm on a 2mb ADSL line, so cable should be better), usually between 50-150 depending on what country i'm connecting to.

They give you software that constantly monitors the network speed between each plug, and its usually between 30-50mbps depending on distance.

Bear in mind each house is different so its hard to compare, we had our wiring replaced last year so get very little resistance from that. The documentation says that you shouldn't use surge protectors as they may reduce the signal, but i've never tried that out, also some sockets may be better than others.

It's not as good as ethernet cabling but its infinitely better than wireless, especially in a 1930's house like mine with thick walls, i gave up when i was advised to link 3 wireless routers and use them as signal boosters, homeplug was much cheaper.

 

[nichorob]

Thanks a lot for that.

 

[bisoner]

I have a combination of a wireless setup and the Netgear Powerline HD connectors. Wireless for the roaming laptops in the house and Powerline for Xbox Live and the static PC. Works fine for me - I am able to stream HD material to my 360 from the PC with no issues. Not played too many games of late so cannot comment on this side of things though playing WoW on wireless was fine so cannot see it being any worse using Powerline.

Thanks

Brad