Are HomePlug devices transparent enough to use as an extension for a cable modem?

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
I need a way to get the ethernet output from my cable modem into my "office." The g/f is getting tired of the cat5 running down the stairs (not to mention the network equipment mixed in with home theater stuff), & I can't drill holes/run cable (apartment).

Anybody ever tried this? I know it's not terribly fast, but my internet connection is the only thing that would be running through it.

Basically something like:

Cable Modem => HomePlug Bridge => ISA server external interface

Think it would work?

Viper GTS
 

loup garou

Lifer
Feb 17, 2000
35,132
1
81
Originally posted by: Viper GTS
I need a way to get the ethernet output from my cable modem into my "office." The g/f is getting tired of the cat5 running down the stairs (not to mention the network equipment mixed in with home theater stuff), & I can't drill holes/run cable (apartment).

Anybody ever tried this? I know it's not terribly fast, but my internet connection is the only thing that would be running through it.

Basically something like:

Cable Modem => HomePlug Bridge => ISA server external interface

Think it would work?

Viper GTS
I just used 2 homeplug bridges to extend a client's home network since wireless just wasn't cutting it between their 2 floors. I'm impressed at how simple the setup was. Essentially, it went like this:

Upstairs:
Cablemodem>WRT45G router>Homeplug & 2 computers

Downstairs:
Homeplug>WRT45G in AP mode (DHCP Off)>2 computers & XBox (using wireless bridge)

I had a bit of a problem since it's an apartment. Oddly enough, someone else in the building was using homeplug devices and the computers would occasionally try to use the neighbor's gateway! Had me confused for a while! Luckily, just changing their HomePlug devices' encryption key from the default solved it.

Performance wise, the homeplug link is invisible for internet usage. Download speeds are perfect, pings are only a few ms more, and webpages load up just as fast as all the other systems.

Now, they have total wireless coverage over their apartment between the 2 WRT54G's, also.

They're a bit pricey (I think the Belkin devices I used were about $125 each), but it's great for long distances where wireless is flaky or can't penetrate.
 

bsobel

Moderator Emeritus<br>Elite Member
Dec 9, 2001
13,346
0
0
I run some at my rentals to get extend the DSL to where the computer is, completely transparent, work great...