The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Powerline Help/Questions

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Roken911, May 16, 2012.

  1. Roken911

    Roken911 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    51
    Messages:
    172
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I need some advice/help.

    I currently live in a 1,905sq.ft house and my router/modem is situated in the basement (I have 2 desktops there). Now my problem is I can't get WIFI in my bedroom (I'm lucky if I even get 1 bar, its 2 floors away from the router/modem).

    I am unsure of what to do. I have tried reading about powerline networking, but I don't know how good it is. I need a WIFI solution and I know repeaters have a diminishing return (I do not want that).

    I see 200MBps Wireless and 500MBps wired adapters. Which should I get?

    I'll be getting a NP9170 soon, so hopefully I can find a solution (without having to move the router/modem).

    Please any help would be appreciated


    PS. When are we going to have a functioning forum again? I've posted this 3 times now :(
     
  2. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,020
    Messages:
    3,439
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    If your not needing file transfer between other computers any will work, just get the above your isp speed. Otherwise go for max speed.

    Now what I would do is use them to connect to another router setup as a AP. The PL adapters will server as eithernet wiring from the basement to the second floor router/AP. This way you will have wireless on the floor and wired ports if needed.
     
  3. Roken911

    Roken911 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    51
    Messages:
    172
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Ok that's what I was thinking as I do get wireless on the main floor, I just have to extend it to the bedrooms.

    So a 500Mbps PL would be enough? I've got 3 options for wired PL:

    1)TRENDnet TPL401E2K Powerline AV Adapter Kit - 500Mbps, 2x Adapters $131.99
    2)Belkin F5D4085 Powerline AV500 Network Adapter Kit - 2x Powerline AV500 Network Adapters, Up to 500Mbps, 2x Ethernet Cables, Up to 1,000 ft. Range
    $98.99
    3)Zyxel PLA4205 Powerline Gigabit Ethernet Adapter - 500Mbps, Plug-and-play $102.99

    My wireless PL are more limited: D-Link DHP-W306AV, Powerline AV Wireless N Extender for $69.99

    Any recommendations?
     
  4. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    7,729
    Messages:
    8,722
    Likes Received:
    2,230
    Trophy Points:
    331
    Yeah- one recommendation- leave D-Link out of it.
    Based on speed I'd say Zyxel- see here for more.
     
  5. Roken911

    Roken911 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    51
    Messages:
    172
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Looks like I'll either get the Belkin or the Zyxel.

    Anyone have anything to say about either one. I've used Belkin products before but never an electronic (i've used cables).
     
  6. downloads

    downloads No, Dee Dee, no! Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    7,729
    Messages:
    8,722
    Likes Received:
    2,230
    Trophy Points:
    331
    I'd go with Zyxel- Belkin does have a reputation of being prone to failure among our users.
     
  7. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,020
    Messages:
    3,439
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    That's an understatement.
     
  8. Roken911

    Roken911 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    51
    Messages:
    172
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Thanks, looks like Zyxel it is.