Powerline networking

R4z0r

R4z0r

R4z0r

Soldato
Joined
26 Oct 2002
Posts
3,701
Location
Surrey
Hi Guys,

I was wondering if somebody could give me some advice on this. I have three PC's to network, can I simply buy three adapters (I'm looking at Netgear HDX101), plug them into power outlets and have a network? Is there any funky software to install or is it as if everything was just plugged into a switch.

I also need to connect up an existing switch which connects a further few devices, can I simply plug the switch into an adapter?

Thanks!
 
Thats more or less it, yes. You might have to install something to make them see each other, but thats a one off. (depends on the adapter I think).

You can also connect a switch into one of them and they will all be able to see eachother, I've done this and it works fine. :)
 
As above yes works straight out of the box just as if you had wired them up to a switch. No software required though you may want the utility to change default security settings and monitor speeds this is strictly optional.

If you want to share files run the relevant wizard in XP etc.

You dont mention using a router so the Pc's and devices will have to sort that out themselves with ad hoc IP numbers. You may wish to use a router or set up fixed network IP addresses so you have control of this.

I belive those negear units dont use the more common homeplug AV chipset so you will be locked into having the same units if you further expand in the future.

The node with the switch will be the most powtentially congested regarding network traffic but will work
 
Great, that's confirmed how I thought they would work :) I've been looking at D-Links instead now though as they are quite a bit cheaper - are the DHP-301/B any good?

Also, I live in an apartment so potentially could other residents see my network? I know very little about how powerlines are wired up but would each flat be independent or would they all be shared?
 
I have the Netgear HDX101's. In the Netgear app it says they're connected at 100-120mbit but the most I ever get is about 40mbit/sec.

When they work they're excellent, but on the very odd occassion they give me ****. No matter what I do, the throughput is useless. After a few hours they start working correctly but at the time its very annoying.

I've updated the firmware on both devices but it didn't help.
 
I like the look of the Solwise due to the fact you can simply push a button to encrypt the data. As I'll be plugging a router in, doing the encryption is some software is probably not an option as I can't install software on the router!

tbz_ck, how many plugs are you using, are you using encryption and what kind of performance are you seeing.

Thanks, for all the help!
 
I've got them on 24/7 m8. Barely warm to the touch. Heat has been an issue with the longevity of several manufacturers devices, most noteably dlink (from googling around) but these Solwise adaptors of mine are not putting out a lot of heat

CK
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom