Powerline Ethernet - Alternative to Wireless Networking
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I had a customer complaining about his weak wireless signal at home. His wireless router was located on the first floor and he was using his desktop PC on the 3rd floor. Unfortunately, he could not relocate the wireless router to a place closer to his desktop to get a better connection. Therefore, I suggested him to try the powerline ethernet adapters.
What is Powerline Ethernet?
In simple terms, powerline ethernet is to use the power outlets on the wall, through the powerlines, to transmit data between devices on the network. There are a number of choices in the market such as the DHP-301 from D-Link, the XE103G from Netgear and the PLK200 from Linksys. These powerline ethernet adapters convert a power outlet on the wall into a RJ-45 jack in which you can plug in a normal network cable. Some models can even convert a power outlet into a wireless access point. The top models should provide a 200Mbps data throughput theoretically which is good enough for normal internet surfing.
Work or Not Work
So how are the powerline ethernet adapters working in reality? I have tried using them in three different houses. In two of them, the powerline adapters were working very well. I didn’t experience any difference in terms of downloading and uploading speed comparing to a wireless connection. I have tested with one adapter on one floor and the other one on a different floor and they were still performing very well.
However, in the third house, the powerline adapters almost could not function properly. The connection kept dropping frequently in which you almost always get timed out when trying to visit a website. The throughput rate is too low to be usable. It seemed like the connection was affected greatly by the wiring of the house.
Test Before You Buy
Because the powerline ethernet adapters are greatly affected by the wiring connection of a house, it is better to test it out before you decide to purchase a set. I would keep a set of adapters on hand just for testing purposes. If a customer is interested, I can go and test them on-site. If they work, then I can sell my customer a new pair. If they don’t work, then my customer will not waste his money on them and I can find him a different solution.
What is your experience on powerline ethernet adapters? Which model are you using?
In October, I installed a pair (Netgear) into a business who was having a similar issue with their wireless. So far we’ve had no problems at all. The building itself is well over 130 years old and the wiring is probably pretty old too.
Jamie
I actually just tested a pair from Netgear too and they worked pretty well. Seems like Netgear is doing pretty well on this category. They have more choices in terms of powerline ethernet solutions.