Powerline network questions

JoHnDoE416 · Nov 2, 2014

I'm thinking of going with a powerline adapter for my internet. The router's too far away to use ethernet, and my wireless connection is ok but leaves something to be desired, especially for gaming. So my questions:

1. Does powerline work with any electrical cables, at all, no exceptions? (For example is there any older electrical cable standard that can't carry data or something like that)

2. What brand/model of adapter would you recommend? Speed is what I want, but also reliability (600Mbps does me no good if the thing won't turn on), and preferably $100 or less

3. Are there any other alternatives to powerline, ethernet, or wireless that are faster/more reliable?

huilun02 · Nov 2, 2014

How well a powerline adapter will work for you, will depend on the wiring distance the signal has to be sent through, and the quality of the power wiring in your house. Certain electrical devices like a bad quality SMPS (switch mode power supply) could send noise into the wiring that will interfere and weaken your ethernet-over-power signal. Also don't attach the adapter to any sockets after a surge protector or UPS.

Ethernet is fastest. Powerline/wifi performance will depend on many variables.

Are you getting good enough signal strength over wifi? If if its just connection strength you're worried about, consider getting a wifi repeater.

BuddhaSkoota · Nov 2, 2014

JoHnDoE416 :

1. As mentioned previously, power line network adapters are subject to distance and noise from certain appliances. Even in newer homes, a connection can be prevented by certain types of GFCI outlets and breakers. They also may not work when connected to outlets that don't share the same power leg. With that said, they can provide a very good connection in ideal conditions. I've had very good luck with them, but there have been a few cases where the adapters wouldn't work. I'd recommend purchasing from a retailer with a good return policy in case you just can't get them to work.

2. Netgear, TP-Link and Trendnet seem to be the most popular. The good thing is that prices have dropped significantly on these devices. I recommend staying away from the cheaper adapters that don't provide any link security. Most name-brand devices allow you to establish a secure connection. You'll pay a little more for an adapter with a higher rated speed.

3. Direct wired is the best you can get, but other alternatives are MoCA (coax) and HPNA, with MoCA being far more common and available. These adapters tend to be a little more expensive, but also can provide a good connection in the right conditions. For gaming, avoid wireless.

JoHnDoE416 · Nov 2, 2014

huilun02 :

I get about 20Mbps with a ping of around 50-60. It does the job when downloading files, but for some reason when I'm gaming (specifically Planetside 2 but also other games) I experience awful lag and occasionally disconnect. Also, my download speed will sometimes inexplicably drop to around 8Kbps. I've thought about a repeater but doesn't it require logging in on a separate network?

JoHnDoE416 · Nov 2, 2014

BuddhaSkoota :

JoHnDoE416 :

1. As mentioned previously, power line network adapters are subject to distance and noise from certain appliances. Even in newer homes, a connection can be prevented by certain types of GFCI outlets and breakers. They also may not work when connected to outlets that don't share the same power leg. With that said, they can provide a very good connection in ideal conditions. I've had very good luck with them, but there have been a few cases where the adapters wouldn't work. I'd recommend purchasing from a retailer with a good return policy in case you just can't get them to work.

2. Netgear, TP-Link and Trendnet seem to be the most popular. The good thing is that prices have dropped significantly on these devices. I recommend staying away from the cheaper adapters that don't provide any link security. Most name-brand devices allow you to establish a secure connection. You'll pay a little more for an adapter with a higher rated speed.

3. Direct wired is the best you can get, but other alternatives are MoCA (coax) and HPNA, with MoCA being far more common and available. These adapters tend to be a little more expensive, but also can provide a good connection in the right conditions. For gaming, avoid wireless.

Thanks for the answers. Is there any way to test/determine if I'm going to get a good signal before actually plugging in an adapter? If not, are there any brick-and-mortar retailers (U.S.) that sell good ones? I'm currently looking at adapters online but if it doesn't work returns will obviously be more difficult through mail

huilun02 · Nov 2, 2014

Look for them in PC components stores, big name electronics retailers and department stores.

If you know the power wiring layout in your house, can make a rough estimate of how much distance in wiring the powerline signal has to be sent through. The shorter the better.

BuddhaSkoota · Nov 2, 2014

JoHnDoE416 :

Unfortunately there is no comprehensive test to tell if you will get a good connection before purchase. Just be aware that any circuit protected by a GFCI will likely interfere with the signal. In newer homes this can include outlets in bedrooms.

The only brick retailer that comes to mind that might have a decent selection is Best Buy, but there might be more in your area. If you find a department store that even has these, the choices will be limited.

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