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Powerline Networking or a Wireless PCI card?

Tags:
  • Powerline
  • Wireless
  • PCI
  • Networking
  • Components
Last response: in Components
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December 24, 2013 10:17:15 AM

I'm building a computer over the holidays... Almost settled on buying a powerline network adapter, but I've heard terrible things about them when you have poor quality wiring/different breakers for each receiver. Or, should I go back to basics and just get a PCI card for wireless? If you have any other solutions, feel free to tell me!

More about : powerline networking wireless pci card

a b F Wireless
December 24, 2013 10:28:56 AM

Your particular environment is the deciding factor.

Crappy house wiring? Stay away from Powerline.
Many competing WiFi networks or other interference? You may not want WiFi.
Long distance/many stone walls? Again, you may not want WiFi.

No one out here can determine what is best for your particular house/building.

As always, a straight Cat5e direct to the router is best.
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a c 213 F Wireless
December 24, 2013 10:32:09 AM

The choice depends on your specific circumstances and what you need to do with the connection.

How densely populated is the area around you -- lots of wireless users or none? You can get some idea with the free home version of inSSIDer from HERE.

Are you gaming, streaming video, or just checking Facebook and email? Uses matter. Streaming video takes a lot of bandwidth and gaming likes low latency.

Powerline or wireless work in the right circumstances. I've used the Zyxel PLA5205kit and PLA5215 kit and would recommend them highly, but I've also used a pair of ASUS RT-AC66U, one in router mode and the other in media bridge and they work quite well too. ANd of course, a cable is always the best if it is possible.
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