Powerline Networking - Which to choose?

Conanius · 11 Feb 2008 at 09:58

I'm needing to get a powerline networking kit to link my XBOX 360 in my bedroom to the HTPC in the front room. This is so I can use the media centre and stream the live TV, recorded TV etc. I've tried the XBOX 360wireless connector and it just cant sustain enough bandwidth to work.

I've been looking on the OCUK site and I think these (link below) should be suitable. Interested to hear if you guys think they will be up to the job.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-112-NG&groupid=46&catid=800&subcat=

Ideally I want to order these today in time for my new TV's.... so hurry !

Many Thanks

errata · 11 Feb 2008 at 13:10

Should be fine, probably more than you need for the xbox etc unless you are streaming HD files. The units are pretty big so make sure they dont block other sockets off if you need them.

I generally prefer homeplug technology units, netgear dont state which technology they use, powerline used to be a separate technology but the term is often confusingly applied.

So long as you stick to one technology they will do a sterling job.

d-links are cheaper using same technology

gord · 11 Feb 2008 at 16:11

Im using those to erradicate my wireless usage, which kept dropping XBL. i get about 80mbits connection which is fine for that.. dont know about the streaming though..

Conanius · 11 Feb 2008 at 20:27

errata said:
Should be fine, probably more than you need for the xbox etc unless you are streaming HD files. The units are pretty big so make sure they dont block other sockets off if you need them.

I generally prefer homeplug technology units, netgear dont state which technology they use, powerline used to be a separate technology but the term is often confusingly applied.

So long as you stick to one technology they will do a sterling job.

d-links are cheaper using same technology

Due to a last minute road trip only just got back in....

It may well end up streaming HD content, but surely 100mbit if it manages to sync that high (200mbit suggested) should be more than enough?

Homeplug technology you say... could you give me any examples of units that do that, and what sort of performance + price difference I would be looking at?

Scope · 12 Feb 2008 at 15:03

The max you will get out of a 200mb network is around 40mb - Still enough to stream several HD streams. I went for 200mb for future proofing, but it does cost a fair bit every time I add another adapter to the network.

errata · 13 Feb 2008 at 07:53

Hmm quite a lot of the reviews are on competitor sites but see

http://www.trustedreviews.com/search?q=powerline+homeplug&s=Search&t=2&sec=0&o=1

for their reviews of powerline and homeplug adapters and a mention of the panasonic units. They dont explain very well the different technologies used, but as I said its matters not if you stick to the same units.

50+ is a reasonable expectation maybe even 70+ mbps on a good simple set of circuits from 200/AV rated units