Networking over wall outlets

[Raduque]

How reliable is something like this? I'm considering this for my mom's computer, as the wireless signal from my router won't extend to the far end of the house, and there's just too much effort involved to run an ethernet cable.

Anybody ever used these things and know how good they are?

 

[themisfit610]

theres a reson the technology was never popular. I would really really not reccommend it. just run some ethernet, or get a wireless signal booster, or a better antenna for ur mom's comp

 

[oynaz]

I think they work fine. The maximun bandwidth is not great though. Expect something about 25 mbit/s

 

[Aluvus]

If it works at all in your house, it is supposedly pretty reliable.

Notice the "if".

 

[benzylic]

I've used it and they worked fine. If you're in a older house with bad electrical wiring they might not work though.

 

[So]

Why not just buy a wireless bridge / extender?

 

[redgren]

Originally posted by: So
Why not just buy a wireless bridge / extender?

Ditto.. especially since that Power outlet job looks to cost about 10-15 bucks more than a 802.11g wireless bridge.

And I guess you would need 2 of the Power Outlet doohickeys.. so make that "a lot" more instead of 10-15.

 

[Raduque]

Well, they are sold in kits of two for about $100, so I'd guess that makes them $50 each. I can't find a wireless extender for less then $60, plus I'd also need another wireless card for the desktop. A friend of mine brought up another concern: power surges. I guess they'd work fine through a power strip, right? I mean, I don't see any reason they wouldn't.

 

[RebateMonger]

I've never used the PowerLine network stuff. But the main reason it never took off is probably that WiFi got so cheap. The same thing with HPNA (telephone wiring networking), which I HAVE used, which worked "OK", but WiFi kinda' overwhelmed.

There could be circumstances where PowerLine or HPNA would make sense over WiFi.

 

[redgren]

Nothing under 60? Froogle shows about 5-7 in the 30$ range.. and PCI wireless cards are cheap as heck also (just saw one for about 6$ recently). But, Like RebateMonger stated.. there could be circumstances where PowerLine networking is the best option.

As for surge protectors, there shouldn't be any problem there. The literature I've read says the work through circuit breakers and the like, and a surge protector is basicall the same concept.

 

[deathwalker]

I support a Range extender as your first option...then Powerline avenue as last resort. If price is an issue..you may want to try ebay...I was just there and you can pick up a few for considerably less than full retail, might even be able to pickup a used one.