Connecting a PC to the Internet on a different floor

Not sure what to offer as a solution but can offer some insight to using the powerline ethernet. I have been using a Netgear powerline ethernet kit to get internet from the basement (where the modem, router, and file server are located) to the 1st floor family room. It has proven to be an excellent and reliable solution and did not require drilling holes, running cable, or relying on a wireless signal; for all intents and purposes it works exactly like connecting your PC directly to the router. It is literally plug and play. The Netgear even came with a utility to test connection speeds. Nice!

I recommend the following; 1) 10/100/100m connection, 2) at least 500mbps, 3) getting a kit (2 adapters).

I have observed that it depends on what outlet the transmitter and receiver are plugged into. For example, I plugged the transmitter into an outlet in the basement and then the receiver into an outlet in the family room and got 10M signal, but then moved it two outlets away and got a 100M signal. What that indicated to me is the strength of the signal is dependent on the electrical circuit the outlets are connected to. The best result seem to be from outlets that are connected to the same breaker in the electrical panel. The nice things is there is very little signal loss on the ethernet signal due to it "riding" the electric current. In theory, should be able to plug the transmitter into any outlet and get a perfectly usable signal out of any other outlet that is connected to the same electrical panel. However, as mentioned, the strongest signal will come from two outlets that are on the same circuit and wired through the same breaker in the electricl panel. Older homes with older wiring will effect signal strength. The signal strength can also be effected by the load on the particular electrical circuit it is connected to; meaning if you attached the powerline ethernet to the same circuit as the microwave and electric stove and then used the microwave and stove, you would see your signal get weaker. You cannot connected the powerline ethernet adapter to power strips, it will just not work! Expect realistic connection speeds to be between 5Mbps and 15Mbps (mine is reliably between 12-14Mbps) which is good enough for streaming HD video and audio let alone general use and internet surfing.

My logic in taking the chance at powerline ethernet was that I had spent more money on lesser things and if it didn't work, I could always take it back to the store and get a refund. I'm glad I took the chance because it saved me from having to drill holes, run cable, and all the other associated mess that goes along with it. So, in my humble opinion, go out and buy the powerline adapter kit (2 units) and give it a try, if it doesn't work, return it and get your money back. Worst case scenario is you'll be left connecting the PC through wifi, which may meet your needs especially if you have a strong wireless signal.

Take a look at this kit, NETGEAR Powerline 500 Mbps Nano Kit (XAVB5101).

I hope this helped. Good luck!