Powerline networking need advice

I am having a hard time getting a good connection on the second floor of the house with my old laptop. i was thinking of giving powerline networking a try. What product would you recommend from newegg.com? Looking to put in order as soon as possible.

EDIT: or a good wireless N usb one. The laptop uses G and has issues. so a good wireless N usb doggle would work i guess

 

Read here.
And check the forum rules on bumping threads- once in 24h.

 

sorry i took that as once a day....aka i posted yesterday and so i will bump it once today....which i did earlier.

 

I don't have extensive experience with powerline but I did install a couple of Netgear adapters and they worked pretty well. I remember the speed was limited to under 10Mbps, but it was intended for web surfing so that wasn't a problem. I think one thing you need to check first is if the two outlets you plan to use are on the same circuit breaker panel. If they are on separate panels, I don't think it will work, depending on how they are wired in the house.

EDIT: It may be difficult in your house, but you really should consider just running a plain old Ethernet cable. I'm sure you've considered it but perhaps your house's construction is not making it easy. You may want to consider running it through the window sill and outside the house if inside is too hard.

 

Try the Belkin Powerline HD, just make sure you are able to return it in case it doesnt work well.

 

I bought 2 of Netgear XAV2001-100NAR (refurbished) for my parents house. They work over multiple power phases, but even though they link at just under 200Mbps, according to the Netgear utility, the best actual throughput I get is just under 50Mbps - one way, tested with iperf (2 meg window).
I tested the adapters on several outlets on the 1st and 2nd floors and the throughput was anywhere from 20-50Mbps depending on location.

Now my friend, who has a similar size house, bought the same pair of adapters, placed them in similar locations (1 downstairs, 1 upstairs) and could not break 20Mbps. He ended up going with a 802.11N bridge.

I don't see the Netgear adapters on newegg anymore, but they were only $30 for the refurbished units (each).

Newegg.com - Recertified: NETGEAR XAV2001-100NAR Up to 200Mbps Powerline AV 200 Adapter

 

Netgear would be my first choice, if I was no going to run a net cable.

Belkin would be the last on my list to try. Belkin does not have a good rep of being reliable.

 

I have tried just about all of them it seems. The absolute best, easiest, fastest, is the Plaster Networks. Read some reviews on them, they are always getting rave reviews. They also have a feature that allows you to log in and see how your network is working, as in speeds, strengths, etc.

I can simply unplug one that is anywhere in my house, move it anywhere and bam, it connects perfectly. I get the same exact speed as if I was plugged into my router.

Go to there web site, or Amazon for the best prices.

One great thing I like is that they automatically upgrade the software or firmware for you.

 

I looked at SmallNetBuilder and read up on the powerline network adapters. There are a few details you need to know before you purchase. You do not want anything cheaper than the advertized 200mps type. There are two different system types and they do not mix well. You can loose well over 50% of your speed through some brands of AFCI breakers other brands cause very little interference. Square D are less of a problem. Small device chargers and even plasma TVs plugged directly into the wall outlet will cause high frequency noise that drops the speed also. By simply plugging them into a power bar so they are not in direct contact to the wall outlet much of the high frequency noise will be eliminated.
Slow HomePlug? Five Ways To Boost Powerline Network Speed - SmallNetBuilder

 

By stating AFCI do you mean GFCI? If the home is wired correctly the GFCI circuit is not in a typical room. Most of them are in the bathrooms, garages, decks, kitchen etc. They do not loop into the other circuits at all.

Also make sure your powerline adapter uses the latest Home A/V certification.

 

The 2006? National Electrial code required ARC Detection Breakers to be installed in some rooms. This may be what he is referring to.

 

The requirement for AFCI circuit breakers entered in the US electrical code in 1999 and in Canada in 2002. There purpose is to prevent fires do to things like faulty wiring. You can tell if you have them by looking in your breaker box. They are well marked. GFI outlets are designed to shut down a circuit to prevent electrocution. If you are using powerline network adapters you should read the article at SmallNetBuilder. In addition to what they suggest you should make sure that your house is properly grounded. Grounding rods are required by code to have a certain resistance although they are rarely tested. They do not last forever. Poorly grounded homes can create more resistance in the power lines. This can effect not only power line adapters but also your expensive plasma TVs.

 

Now I see what your talking about. I thought you meant GFCI, not AFCI.

I installed a new grounding rod at my house last year. Knocked that sucker way lower than what it was. The grounding lugs were actually starting to loosen up a little. At the least, I would go out to your meter and look on the ground below it and inspect it. Take a sledge hammer and knock it down a little to get a new firm grip/hold into the ground.

Just my .02's

 

hey guy's thanks for your response but I ended up coming across a wireless N usb adapter for 10 bucks and free shipping so i am going to give that a try first. The wireless N should be just good enough since the wireless G just barely connects. I also noticed the reviews on smallnetbuilders and i think powerlines still need a ways to go before they are viable. The asus one would have been awesome if they used the Atheos chips correctly. Plus i am currently not home so my gf would have to set it up herself and i doubt her capablities ^^ Also its an old farm house with spotchy wiring so that was another turn off. Again thanks guy's i will be keeping all this knowledge stored away for later