Best setup using Powerline Adapters?

I've only bumped into using powerline adapters when a friend of mine recommended it to me over wireless-n for gaming, so I was checking a lot of powerline adapters (linksys, d-link, trendnet, netgear etc.) and I really don't know what specs to look at when buying these powerline adapters.

Before thinking of buying a set, what specs should I consider looking at? Consumer-wise, I'd think that the higher the data transfer rate, the better, but I've been having second thoughts.

For example,

I saw a TRENDnet powerline adapter TPL-406e2k and TPL-401e2k. According to their site, the newest product they have is the 406e2k, yet the 401e2k is more expensive. Both are saying "up to 500mbps". What's the difference then? Why is the older adapter more expensive than the new one?

My friend also told me to pick up an ethernet cable, yet when I researched those, it came up with either CAT5e or CAT6 cables. I would assume CAT6 is better because it's the new standard according to some sites.

To sum it all up, what ethernet cable would be the best for what powerline adapter?

 

the older 401e2k supports the 802.3ab standard, a newer and faster protocol than the 406e2k's 802.3u (gigabit ethernet vs. 10/100mbps), and can carry 2gbps in full duplex (1gbps each way). the 401e2k also allows for more nodes/units to be used simultaneously (64 vs. 8). and your assumption is correct that category-6 ethernet cable, being newer than cat-5/5e, is "better" to the extent that cat-6 calls for stricter electromagnetic interference and crosstalk prevention, but all three (cat-5/cat-5e/cat-6) can support gigabit transfer.

that said, you'd be best served by the 401e2k using cat-6 (not just between the adapters, but from modem-to-router if you don't have a modem/router). that's not to say cat-5/cat-5e will have any real difference in transfer speed because it more than likely will not. any other powerline adapters you might choose to go with instead should support gigabit ethernet. the number of allowable simultaneous units seems irrelevant to your situation/decision.

 

Thank god a great reply.

So let me get this straight, since I am no wiz in networking.

cat5e with RJ45 (10/100, no gigabit) is ok.

cat6/cat6a with 10/100/1000 is the best option?

All I'm looking for is consistency in the internet, unlike when I use wireless-n, when checking a ping -t on google, every 13-15 packets is a spike (jumping from 10ms to 100+ms).

Thank you for your insights, I'd take your advice and get the cat6 ethernet cable with 10/100/1000 powerline adapter.

 

100mbps is usually just fine for internet work. Most home internet connections don't get anywhere near that. 1000mbps only really comes into play with home (intranet) networking. For example, streaming some high-bitrate movie from a server/NAS to your TV.

Concerning your problems with wireless, that's an entirely different issue. There could be any number of factors affecting a bad wireless connection. I you'd like, we could try troubleshooting your wireless before going off to buy a powerline solution. I game on wireless-n--albeit I'm only about twenty feet away through two walls and across a hallway from the router--and it's rock solid for me.

But, if you decide to go for a wired powerline system, make sure to you get your cables from Monoprice. Not expensive, yet I've never had a problem with them.

 

in what scenario would you recommend old technology when the new(er) is ~$25 more, even if OP doesn't intend to take advantage of local gigabit streaming (which yes, he still probably wouldn't achieve anyway)?

very nice link though.

 

Powerline adapters usually achieve up to ~80mbps throughput with the best ones crossing 110mbps line.
It seems to be worth paying for a Gigabit ones though- those are the one that top at ~80mbps while 100mbps ones don't go above 60mbps (and often below that)

Obviously it has nothing to do with the actual NIC but with the fact that newer ones are simply better.

TRENDnet 401e2k is a good choice although I'd also recommend looking at a Zyxel. They even have a nice powerline switch to complete the setup.

 

What problems are you having with your wireless connection?

At home I've been using a powerline connection (Netgear) from my router on the upper floor to a kitchen computer on the ground floor for a few years. It works well enough, but there are a couple of issues you should be aware of. When you set up such a connection, you'll find that not all outlets will work - the 2 outlets you intend to use have to be on the same electrical phase on your breaker panel or fusebox otherwise the powerline adapters cannot "see" each other.

Also, my Netgear adapters are supposed to go up to 85 Mbps but I've only ever seen that when I tried plugging both adapters into the same outlet. Put any distance between them and the speed drops off quickly. The connection from my router to the kitchen usually runs between about 25 to 35 Mbps, which is much slower than any wifi N connection to the router.

Edit: sorry, I see you did post the problems you're having with the wireless connection. I agree with Forge that you need to troubleshoot your connection before buying more equipment that may or may not help.

 

In reference to 100mbps vs 1000mbps, no real reason. Just letting him know. Knowledge is power and all that.

If you're talking about using wireless vs powerline, if his problem is his wireless it'd be better for him to at least try to fix it first before spending money on a different system.

 

i think downloads offers a good enough reason. powerful knowledge and all that is logical.

not sure from where in the OP you and jimbo are extrapolating, but i don't see any mention of wireless issues.

 

Not the original post. Actually his second post (Post #3)

 

oh. what do you know--the elusive wireless ping spikes, huh?