Should I add another powerline adaptor for Steam Link?

adamgwsmith

adamgwsmith

adamgwsmith

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Joined
7 Jun 2009
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Hi all,

I'm really keen on buying a Steam Link. However, I'm concerned that I'll be disappointed with it over wifi via my BT Home Hub 4.

Currently, my PC upstairs is connected to the router via a powerline adaptor (namely the TP-Link AV 500 Gigabit PowerLine HomePlug Adapter Kit TL-PA511KIT).

Will I see much benefit in investing in another powerline adaptor for this and, if so, which would be the best to get (in terms of compatibility etc)?

All opinions welcome amd apologies if these are stupid questions . . .;)

Thanks!
 
In general if you've got a working PL kit that you're happy with then stick to the same brand/model where possible. I've osed a few different versions/brands on the same ring main without issue, but stick with what works for you.
 
Valve recommend using hard wired connections for Steam Link. After all it's processing inputs and sound/graphics, not just a connection to a game server.

I'd ditch the powerline and hardwire things in.
 
Hi,

Thanks for the feedback. Hardwiring things in isn't an option unfortunately, due to the distances involved (and the fact that i'd want everything chasing into the walls).

So, would a powerline connection be better than wifi?

Cheers!
 
Cable>Powerline>Wifi

adamgwsmith said:
Hi,
Hardwiring things in isn't an option unfortunately, due to the distances involved (and the fact that i'd want everything chasing into the walls).
Cheers!
Click to expand...

2 points;
Cat5e can go up to 100 metres so unless you're an undercover lottery winner this isn't a problem.
Cat5e can be bought in "external grade" so you wouldn't need to chase anything in. Externally run properly it's pretty much invisible and then your interior stays as is.

Powerlines run RF over your mains cable. Mains cable....RF (ie not designed for it). They are a "make do" at best.
 
Unfortunately, I live in a terraced house with the upstairs study on the opposite side to the living room (where the router is), so going external would mean more of a headache.

Sounds like powerline is the way forward under my circumstances.

Thanks for all the advice - I can always rely on these forums to solve my PC problems!
 
bledd. said:
I wouldn't recommend powerline, pings aren't stable on it.
Click to expand...

Depends i guess, My powerlines only add roughly 1-2 or depending on how many appliances are using power in the house 3ms to my connection to the router. With a cable you get <1ms obviously, so in my case fluctuations of between 1-2 ms and sometimes upto 3 ms is not a lot. You get much worse over wifi.
 
How powerline adapters perform depends largely on your electrical wiring, so ultimately it's just a case of testing it and seeing how it goes. If you've already got two adapters you'll want a third identical one to ensure compatibility and performance.
 
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