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Technical News & Discussion => Networking & Routers => Topic started by: Simon on Nov 18, 2012, 20:03:07

Title: A daft question?
Post by: Simon on Nov 18, 2012, 20:03:07
If someone lives in a big old house, with thick brick walls, is it entirely probably that Wifi won't reach from one side of the house to the other, and upstairs?  If they only have standard ADSL, is there a solution?
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: kinmel on Nov 18, 2012, 20:05:03
Powerplugs is easiest, or else ethernet cabling
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Simon on Nov 18, 2012, 20:17:41
Ah... Powerplugs.  That sounds like a plan.  :)
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Simon on Nov 18, 2012, 20:30:33
So, will something like this work with a 2700 router?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0084Y9N3O/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1353270346&sr=8-4&pi=SL75

Or do they need a Starter Pack, such as this?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00472MMC6/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1353270476&sr=8-16&pi=SL75
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Steve on Nov 18, 2012, 20:49:55
On the phone but I think the starter pack has a plug with more than one Ethernet port. The first link should work to connect a single device to the router, ie router to homeplug, 2nd homeplug to device via Ethernet port
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Simon on Nov 18, 2012, 21:10:37
Right, I'm going to admit my ignorance of these now.  I thought they were wireless extenders, ie, you can plug one in by the router, and the other one elsewhere in the house, which would enable a wifi connection.  Have I got that wrong?  Also, is it one Homeplug per device?
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Steve on Nov 18, 2012, 21:15:08
The basic homeplug just has an Ethernet port however you can get them with Wifi so in that example you'd need one basic and one wifi enabled. You can mix different manufacturers if they use the same chipset but probably best to stick with one only

This is an example of a WiFi enabled home plug -http://www.solwise.co.uk/net-powerline-av-pew-n.htm
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Simon on Nov 18, 2012, 21:19:00
OK, cheers, Steve. 
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Steve on Nov 18, 2012, 21:21:38
This is an example of a WiFi enabled home plug http://www.solwise.co.uk/net-powerline-av-pew-n.htm


This would be the kit http://www.solwise.co.uk/net-powerline-pl-200avpew-kit.html - one basic one WiFi enabled , you can also get basic ones with a mains pass through. ie http://www.solwise.co.uk/net-powerline-av-push-piggy-mk3.htm

Note they are all the same chipset. INT6400


You could attach a spare router running in bridge mode to the furthest home plug and then that would act as the additional WiFi access point but that gets a bit messy with cables and power points.


Not supposed to be an advert for Solwise but I have used their home plugs and still do, not a fan of Zyxel they break on me.
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Simon on Nov 18, 2012, 21:37:30
Thanks Steve.  I'll pass that on and see what they want to do.
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: FritzBox on Nov 19, 2012, 15:50:31
Quote from: Simon on Nov 18, 2012, 21:10:37
Also, is it one Homeplug per device?

Nope, just add a switch if you want to add another device

I used the Devolo 85mbps ones for quite a few years, but have upgraded to the 500mbps in the last year
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Steve on Nov 19, 2012, 16:25:26
True I was thinking of multiple sockets around the house.
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Simon on Nov 22, 2012, 23:40:34
OK, just to recap, if they go for the wireless versions, they will need one 'base' plug, and the other goes upstairs, or where the wireless doesn't reach, yes?  Can they then get as many other wireless plugs as they need, ie, one upstairs and one in the lounge? 

For some reason, their wireless doesn't seem to reach very far, with neither a 2700 or a Netgear router.  The other question I've been asked is, if they've got two or three devices all trying to use iPlayer, for example, on these Homeplugs, will it slow down their connection?  To my mind, logically, it will.
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Simon on Nov 22, 2012, 23:58:39
Would this:

http://amazon.co.uk/dp/B008I3GCIK

and this:

http://amazon.co.uk/dp/B004INVKP4

Give them two rooms coverage?
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Steve on Nov 23, 2012, 00:07:21
I think I'd buy a base plug and a Wifi plug and see how they get on, I think practically the most you'd ever have is 8-10, so they can buy more additional wireless units if required. The connection will be shared through the base plug so performance may drop off. You could attach a further base unit to the router and create a separate Wifi Network (in theory).

Occassionally in older houses or extensions the mains wiring is not all on the same loop so two plugs will not communicate with each other unless the circuits are bridged but that would be unlucky. I would at least get the 500mbps for the base plug.


Edit: your Amazon link will give you one Additional wifi location and one plug with an Ethernet point in an additional room. PS does it come with cables they usually do.
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: nowster on Nov 23, 2012, 00:09:02
Note that the "Ethernet Over Mains" adaptors far prefer to be plugged into a wall socket of their own and not on the end of an extension cable, however short.
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Steve on Nov 23, 2012, 00:15:38
I would agree I've had success with double sockets I think the mains pass through version is a good idea but not used one myself.

btw Solwise I've found to be prompt , the plugs although not fashion items are fairly robust.
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: davej99 on Nov 23, 2012, 12:06:21
I have had excellent results with six Devolo mini AV 500s http://www.amazon.co.uk/Devolo-dLAN-AVmini-Hplug-Network/dp/B004VENMPQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1353671556&sr=8-4 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Devolo-dLAN-AVmini-Hplug-Network/dp/B004VENMPQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1353671556&sr=8-4). That is a .5 Gb max rate and the devices connect as Gb on a Gb port. Have tried cheaper brands, but found multiple power supply failures. I guess that is where the money is saved. Devolo also have a PC management interface so all passwords etc can be managed from one place to remote outlets. They run cool and auto sleep when not in use. Seem to work between different ring mains.
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Simon on Nov 23, 2012, 12:21:25
They've been to PC World and come back with a Netgear WN3000RP wireless extender.  :dunno:
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Rik on Nov 23, 2012, 13:01:12
Don't you just love people who seek advice...
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Simon on Nov 23, 2012, 13:02:12
:sigh:

Well, I suppose it might work.  :dunno:
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Rik on Nov 23, 2012, 13:05:35
You'll soon know if it doesn't! ;D
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Simon on Nov 23, 2012, 13:11:19
I know!  :bawl:

At least they have no neighbours to complain about wireless signal interference! 
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Steve on Nov 23, 2012, 13:49:02
I left those out deliberately - http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/network-wifi/3363766/netgear-wn3000rp-universal-wi-fi-range-extender-review/

:fingers: it's a solution for them
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Simon on Nov 23, 2012, 15:17:52
I think, as long as it works at all, it will be OK for what they want.  It's probably the simplest solution, with only one device to have to worry about. 
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Technical Ben on Nov 23, 2012, 15:36:55
Why does that sound familiar? Lol. Some peeps.  :dunno:
Title: Re: A daft question?
Post by: Gary on Nov 24, 2012, 10:53:38
I use one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-XAVB5004-Powerline-4-Port-Theater/dp/B004I9IANS/ref=sr_1_4?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1353754266&sr=1-4 works really well. The four port extender with priority is handy. They do get warm though the faster ones cause more RFI though the mains.