Powerline vs WiFi

ultralaser

ultralaser

ultralaser

Associate
Joined
7 Sep 2014
Posts
1,169
Hi,

It's been a while since I've used PowerLine adaptors. I'm using the standard Sky black box router, am I better sticking with WiFi or trying the PowerLine adaptors (not standard ADSL not fibre and PowerLine adapters are the TP Link PA4010P models).

Thanks
 
You'll be told neither, put in cables.
If you say that isn't possible, you'll still be told to do it.
From the choice of two, powerline any day of the week. I run my smart TV, PS3, Sky Box all via powerline adapters and they work perfectly.
 
Go powerline adapters if you can. Just be aware that they may not work perfectly. I have some Devolo plugs that occasionally cut out throughout the day. I think it's down to the wiring in my house.
 
Powerline is generally better than WiFi (except for being in extreme close proximity to the WiFi source), but remember that a) you'll get absolutely nowhere near the advertised speeds of the adapters, and b) for the love of god configure the encryption/pairing, don't just leave it on "out of box" defaults.

Obviously cabling up is superior to both solutions, but in terms of latency and packet loss, I get far lower latency on powerline compared to wifi, less packet loss on powerline compared to wifi, but typically less throughput also.
 
paradigm said:
b) for the love of god configure the encryption/pairing, don't just leave it on "out of box" defaults.
Click to expand...

+1 for this especially if you live in a block of flats.

Could've been the dodgy leccy setup of an old place of mine but I managed to get on another person's network with just one Powerline plug.
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I'd love to run Ethernet but it's not really feasible without mucking up the look for the living room. I'm going powerline from router to gaming PC and everything else will be connected over WiFi.
 
Well I'm the opposite, I got rid of powerlines and switched to a good AC wifi solution. Even with only 1-2 bars of signal at the opposite end of the house I can max out my 152Mb broadband connection.
 
I was surprised at how well power lines work. No where near as fast as cable but more then enough for Netflix. I cable everything I can but my CCTV system is in an awkward place.
 
Pottsey said:
I was surprised at how well power lines work. No where near as fast as cable but more then enough for Netflix. I cable everything I can but my CCTV system is in an awkward place.
Click to expand...

Wait until Li-Fi gets properly established, but nothing beats good old ethernet cabling :p
 
I'm currently on the PowerLine adaptor and it seems fine, my connection is only 11 meg it was more of a case of latency. Done some initial testing and the PowerLine adapters are offering a more consistent ping whereas the WiFi is a bit more erratic.
 
I think he's suggesting that it is a security issue if you leave it on defaults i.e. chance of someone being able to connect to your network without entering your property. I don't think it is as big an issue as unsecured WiFi with visible SSID used to be though (most routers seems to come with encryption on by default these days).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom