Powerline Ethernet adapter?

[ebolamonkey3]

Hey guys, has anyone used something like this? I've never even heard of powerline ethernet adapters before today, but if it does work, then it would definitely be something I'm interested in!

NETGEAR XAVB101-100NAS Up to 200Mbps Powerline AV ...

[bogmali]

Currently using it on my network. Connects my game consoles, HTPC, and my boy's PC to my gateway. Works like charm and in my setup it's faster than my wireless.

[CDdude55]

Didn't even know what this was until i saw this on Newegg:

Turns any electrical power outlet into an Ethernet network connection
Secure your Powerline AV network by just pushing a button
For use with both wired and wireless routers and gateways
Simply plug one XAV101 into your router and another XAV101 into any Ethernet-ready device
Connect a desktop, notebook PC, gaming console, NETGEAR ReadyNAS, Slingbox, a DVR or NETGEAR Print Server (PS121)
Red, yellow, green status LEDs indicate maximum data rate
Supports Windows Vista
HomePlug AV compatible

Sounds nice.

[newtekie1]

http://www.youtube.com/user/NCIXcom#p/u/27/Sue1Zvmh8JA

This is a nice little video covering Powerline networking vs. wireless vs. ethernet. It is a great alternative to wireless for sure, but not as nice as an actual direct ethernet connection.

There was also a review on these here at TPU. http://techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/HP-3000E/

[ebolamonkey3]

bogmali, are you using the exact model I posted? I just ran to best buy and bought a linksys PLS300 and finally got internet on my basement computer. Do you know which one's better?

[CJCerny]

They work well, if the electrical wiring in your house is fairly normal. If wiring in your house is old or not grounded in places, all bets are off.

Try to put the transmitter and receiver on the same 220v leg of your service. You will get a much better connection.

I use X10 for controlling devices like lights and appliances. It transmits its signal over the AC lines too. I had to get a bridge to connect the 2 220v legs in order to be sure the signal could go anywhere in the house. I've never seen anything like that for PLA's (power line adapters) though. Mine plugs into the 220v dryer outlet and makes the connection that way.

But if you can get Tx and Rx on the same leg, it should work brilliantly.

[ebolamonkey3]

Well, after plugging in and trying out the Linksys PLK300 kit from best buy, it worked very well going from upstairs (where router is) to basement. So I just ordered the kit on Amazon (for $80 less!) and I'm going to return the one from Best Buy.

[newtekie1]

Also, don't plug them into surge protectors, they kill the speeds.

[bogmali]

I'm using older models xe104 and xe103. Just remember when they get hot to the touch they need to be cooled otherwise you will loose your connectivity.

[ebolamonkey3]

Hmm.. are yours fast enough to stream 1080p video? I'm trying some Hulu right now and it's going great.

[bogmali]

Originally Posted by ebolamonkey3

Hmm.. are yours fast enough to stream 1080p video? I'm trying some Hulu right now and it's going great.

Mine are fast especially when my 12 yo is playing his MW2 on xbox live.

[MBrandt]

I'm using powerline adapters from Plaster Networks, and I really recommend them over the units from Linksys and NetGear because they include a bunch of built-in management and diagnostics tools. These tools help you to troubleshoot any problems that you may have with the powerline network and also to optimize the network for streaming high def video. These adapters use the latest technology and cost a bit more, but they're well worth the price.

By the way, in response to Twilyth's comment regarding X.10 - these adapters use the HomePlug AV standard (designed for data networking). HomePlug is completely different from X.10 in that it operates around 100-200Mbps throughput, whereas X.10 operates about one thousand times slower. HomePlug has no problem transmitting across the electrical phases in a house, so you do not need a bridge.