Homeplug

[imroberts]

Need to get my broadband signal across my house, ethernet is not an option, and wireless is just not cutting it. Tried a Pre-N router and this gave none or minimal improvement over my current G+ router so I took it back. So I'm going to buy some Homeplug equipment.

I'm looking at one of the kits that includes built-in wireless, as this would cut down on wiring and excess equipment in my lounge where the receiver is going to be.

At the moments it's between the following:

- Netgear WGBX102 (14mbps + 54mbps G)
- Devolo dLAN Wireless Extender Kit (85mbps + 54mbps G)

Now the main data transfer of any significance will be between two computers connected wirelessly so the 14mbps would not be a limitation to this. The wired Homeplug connection will be used largely for my ADSL Max connection so again 14mbps should be more than adequate.

Is there any reason to pay the additional £45 for the Devolo over the Netgear? Will the 85mbps really be 5 times faster if it was used for data transfer, or does this work on a similar principle to the "100000mbps" wireless connections which in fact are about 25% faster than standard 802.11g?

[errata]

I would rule out the netgear, you can get extenders with 85mbps powerline and 54g wifi easily and its not clear to me that your data transfer between 2 pc's would not have to go back to your router via the 14mbps link (should not but depends on the netgear having a switch rather than a hub)

The devolo is expensive but has good support

the 85mbps powerline is not 5 times faster but it is cheap and reliable and the cost difference is minimal versus 85 speed (though not perhaps between the 2 suppliers you mention) 14mbps is obslete unless its as cheap as chips

Have a look at Solwise as a supplier also Maplin have some promos at the moment on homeplug gear including routers if you want to really tidy up your network.

[UltraMagnus]

just a question, why is Ethernet not an option? its not hard or obtrusive to run a single cable through your house with cable tack staples

[jimborae]

I use the Solwise AV 200Mbps plugs and they work a treat. Devolo were also very good and and you can use their plugs with the Solwise ones but they cost a bit more than Solwise.

If you can afford it I would recommend the 200Mb/s AV Homeplugs as they are fast enough to stream HD content should you wish to do that in the future.