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More => Old Versions => Media Center 11 (Development Ended) => Topic started by: sapnho on March 05, 2005, 07:25:04 am

Title: Powerline-Great Alternative to Wifi
Post by: sapnho on March 05, 2005, 07:25:04 am: After reading about Powerline for some time now (and remembering that quite a few guys were unhappy), I decided this morning to test the Netgear XE102 Powerline Adapter Ethernet Bridge. Basically I have a file server with music and MC11 as Media Library and two computers accessing that remotely. My Linksys WRT network was kind of slow and although it was 54 Mbit and Powerline is only 18 Mbit, Powerline is much faster. At the CeBIT trade show in March another manufacturer of Powerline equipment, Develo, will announce an 85 Mbit version!

So for all those that have a home network with wifi and are not absolutely happy, try Powerline!

Here's a benchmark: To start a song, it took about 5 seconds to buffer with wifi (long distance). With Powerline, it is instant.

If you have a media network at home (and if you use MC11 you can't avoid it... ;)), have a look at Powerline. IT'S GREAT!!! :P :P
Title: Re: Powerline-Great Alternative to Wifi
Post by: JimH on March 05, 2005, 07:47:29 am: I use a couple of Belkin Ethernet over Powerline adaptors and they work fine. I think they're rated for 14Mb/second.
Title: Re: Powerline-Great Alternative to Wifi
Post by: sapnho on March 05, 2005, 08:28:11 am: Quote from: JimH on March 05, 2005, 07:47:29 am
I think they're rated for 14Mb/second.

You're right of course: 14Mbit it is. In reality I get about 7-8 but that's plenty to stream APE files and that's all I need... 8)

Jim-how stable is your powerline network? Do you have dropped connections sometimes?
Title: Re: Powerline-Great Alternative to Wifi
Post by: hit_ny on March 05, 2005, 11:33:04 am: Thanks for the interesting post, i guess wired still beats out wireless (at least in the media section)
Title: Re: Powerline-Great Alternative to Wifi
Post by: evanr76 on March 05, 2005, 03:48:22 pm: How does the age/condition of your home wiring affect the max. throughput you can see?
Title: Re: Powerline-Great Alternative to Wifi
Post by: sapnho on March 05, 2005, 03:54:24 pm: It seems to be a game of luck if it works or not. The manufacturers can't give any guarantee. Just buy and try and if it doesn't work - return!

I am still trying to find out myself if there is any difference between the various manufacturers because the Intellon chipset is the same in all devices. Does anybody know more about this?
Title: Re: Powerline-Great Alternative to Wifi
Post by: JimH on March 05, 2005, 06:43:26 pm: Quote from: evanr76 on March 05, 2005, 03:48:22 pm
How does the age/condition of your home wiring affect the max. throughput you can see?

I can't imagine how the age of the wiring could make a difference. Maybe noise on the wire could.

But mine has been extremely reliable and trouble-free.

I expect we may see a lot more of powerline networking.
Title: Re: Powerline-Great Alternative to Wifi
Post by: sapnho on March 06, 2005, 05:52:56 am: Quote from: JimH on March 05, 2005, 07:47:29 am
I use a couple of Belkin Ethernet over Powerline adaptors and they work fine. I think they're rated for 14Mb/second.

Jim - what model are you using?
Title: Re: Powerline-Great Alternative to Wifi
Post by: JimH on March 06, 2005, 08:03:46 am: hit_ny,
Your post on Wi-Fi is here:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=26343.0
Title: Re: Powerline-Great Alternative to Wifi
Post by: JimH on March 06, 2005, 08:16:03 am: Quote from: sapnho on March 06, 2005, 05:52:56 am
Jim - what model are you using?
I'm looking at the box, but I can't see a model #. It's called "Powerline Ethernet Adapter". The box is blue and white. It cost $84.99 (each) at Micro Center.