Which switch?

julianhj · 9 Oct 2013 at 15:09

I'm in the process of setting up a NAS. My router is on the ground floor, and my desktop on the second floor is linked via powerline adaptors. The easiest location for the NAS is in the vicinity of the desktop. Would a basic switch such as this do the trick, or is there any value in spending more?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-040-TP&groupid=46&catid=2316

OracIe · 9 Oct 2013 at 15:17

That's limited to 100Mb/ps.

What kind of files would you be transferring to the NAS?

To be honest, if I were you I'd be buying this.

julianhj · 9 Oct 2013 at 15:21

It's going to be for all my data, so photos, videos, docs, maybe DVDs if/when I get a capable telly.

I'll go for the gigabit option, thanks!

OracIe · 9 Oct 2013 at 15:42

No problem, my powerline adapers are 500MB/ps, some are 100MB, some are 200 but for the sake of an extra £15, you are effectively future proofing yourself.

julianhj · 9 Oct 2013 at 15:58

I've got 200MP adaptors at the moment, but might well upgrade if required.

neodude · 11 Oct 2013 at 10:50

Also remember that even though your powerline adapters are rated at 200 or 500 Mb/s they will still only have 10/100 network interfaces unless otherwise stated.

julianhj · 17 Oct 2013 at 10:12

neodude said:
Also remember that even though your powerline adapters are rated at 200 or 500 Mb/s they will still only have 10/100 network interfaces unless otherwise stated.

In relation to this, I'm looking at some additional adaptors as Sky are sending me a new HD box, which I can plug in for on demand stuff. I kow I could use wi-fi with it, but I'd rather have it over powerline for stability.

I currently have a pair of TP-Link AV200s (PA211 kit):
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-032-TP&groupid=46&catid=1604

What is the benefit of these (PA511 kit):
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-044-TP&groupid=46&catid=1604

compared with these at less than half the cost (PA411 kit):
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-094-TP&groupid=46&catid=1604

I understand that it's related to Gigabit, but would that make any difference given my current set up?

I'm on BT Broadband, getting around 10Mb. I'm waiting for Infinity, but it's taking a ridiculously long time for them to put the cabinets in my street.

JAzz · 17 Oct 2013 at 10:28

It will only make a difference mainly if you have a very fast internet connection or do a lot of transferring between networks via the connectors. I've got a set of 500MB adaptors and can get my full Virgin 120MB on the other end of my house, I tried out some 200MB adaptors and couldn't get that.

Personally I'd just buy the PA511 ones, problably won't make any difference now but better to future proof when you do get Infinity.

neodude · 17 Oct 2013 at 14:34

The 411 and the 511 uses a 500Mbps powerline network, but each individual plug on the 411 is limited to transferring 100Mbps. The 511, having the gigabit connection, will have no limitation.

julianhj · 17 Oct 2013 at 18:25

neodude said:
The 411 and the 511 uses a 500Mbps powerline network, but each individual plug on the 411 is limited to transferring 100Mbps. The 511, having the gigabit connection, will have no limitation.

Thanks, that's really handy to know.

julianhj · 17 Oct 2013 at 18:26

JAzz said:
It will only make a difference mainly if you have a very fast internet connection or do a lot of transferring between networks via the connectors. I've got a set of 500MB adaptors and can get my full Virgin 120MB on the other end of my house, I tried out some 200MB adaptors and couldn't get that.

Personally I'd just buy the PA511 ones, problably won't make any difference now but better to future proof when you do get Infinity.

Gonna go for the 511s, thank you.

uncle_rufus · 18 Oct 2013 at 15:48

Just to say, I have the same powerline adapters you said you currently have, and I installed the same Gigabit switch mentioned above last night (the 8-port version of it at least)...

According to the lights on the switch (which the manual says light orange for fast-ethernet devices and green for gigabit) the powerline adapters are connected at full speed, which I was surprised by... I haven't had a chance to test the speeds over the adapters though so perhaps it's not but even still for my other devices the switch is fantastic

One thing that's worth considering is whether there is any way to get your router closer to your desktop/NAS room. I was in a very similar setup to you and I had a plan at one point to use powerlines or maybe run an ethernet cable from my router downstairs to my office room upstairs... but then I realised that the very small ADSL cable would be much easier to run upstairs instead, so now I have:

- Telephone socket downstairs, connected to ADSL microfilter and telephone

- ADSL cable runs up the stairs (used some very thin PVC trunking) and passes under the inside edge of the door to my office room

- Router in the office room, connected to an 8-port switch

- Switch connected to my Desktop PC, my server, NAS and a powerline adapter

- The other end of the powerline adapter is back downstairs in the living room connected to a raspberry pi under my TV

Anyway just an idea - Good luck!