Powerline Networking

ecksmen · 26 Nov 2013 at 20:50

Moving house and just realised I hadn't considered the network element, its a new build property which originally I was going to have hard-wired but costs just didn't allow (I know I'm kicking myself, but I lost the argument of kitchen vs home network grrrrr).

So I have a fairly decent wifi router, that should offer good coverage throughout the house for laptops etc... but some devices such as the desktop computer, rasbpi and amp etc... all use 100Mbps.

So, I'm thinking four homeplugs. One plugged into the router, one by the computer upstairs and then one behind the TV.

So my question is - are there any problems or limitations about having two or more switches connected to different powerline adapters expanding the network? I know throughput over the homeplugs won't be amazing but it doesn't need to be. Internet speed is key and that's estimated 50Mbps so a good candidate for homeplugs real throughput.

bremen1874 · 26 Nov 2013 at 21:03

There's no problem (part from the limited bandwidth) using switches to connect multiple devices to a Powerline adapter.

AtreuS · 26 Nov 2013 at 22:10

I use tp-link ones and they are really annoying, randomly dropping the connection for upto a minute.... avoid them

ecksmen · 27 Nov 2013 at 10:17

Thanks, I was wondering if the powersaving features etc... didn't work properly when connected to a switch.

I have ordered some TP-link ones, my router is TP-link: TL-WDR3600 and so is a small unmanaged 5 port switch so thought it best to stick to the same manufacturer.

Ideally, I'd of run wires during the build phase but I'm still not against running cables now its built but its just going to be a bigger job. Maybe early next year if these fail or don't live up to expectations.

I had some 85Mbps ones when they first came on the market and they were OK, never had a problem but they only did about 8Mbps throughput which was just too low even for Internet so they soon got thrown away.

Thanks

Woden · 27 Nov 2013 at 10:23

I am using TP-Link powerline adapters to a TP-Link switch in my bedroom, no issues. Decent speed and no packet loss.

AtreuS · 27 Nov 2013 at 12:02

Woden said:
I am using TP-Link powerline adapters to a TP-Link switch in my bedroom, no issues. Decent speed and no packet loss.

I get good speed and no packet loss just random cutouts for upto 30 seconds... I have tried everything, turning all other electrical things off in the house.. using diff plugs and so on... nothing fixes it. Reading online there are others who have the same problem so I really don't know if its the plugs or just something with the house wiring!

Richdog · 4 Dec 2013 at 05:43

AtreuS said:
I get good speed and no packet loss just random cutouts for upto 30 seconds... I have tried everything, turning all other electrical things off in the house.. using diff plugs and so on... nothing fixes it. Reading online there are others who have the same problem so I really don't know if its the plugs or just something with the house wiring!

I would buy another different set from another brand to test so that you know... then either return or sell the TP-LINKs. No point sticking with them if theyre not working!

EL_JOCK · 4 Dec 2013 at 09:17

Hi,

I have been using power-line for the last 4 years & to be honest it works great had a devolo 200 set which worked fine, maybe had 2 drop outs in 4 years,

Just moved to fibre with Sky & i sync at 59/13 and the 200 set cut off before the new fibre top speed, they gave me about 43 - 47 down. Got the TP-Link 500 set and they max my fibre out at about 56/12.5 so much better...

In short i think they are great bits of kit...