Hands-On Powerline Networking: How Well (Or Not) Are Latest-Generation Devices Working?
by Brian Dipert on September 1, 2011 12:41 AM EST- Posted in
- Networking
- Powerline Adapters
- NetGear
Call me a Luddite, but I've always found the whole idea of setting up a dedicated wired connection just to get a gadget on the network to be a superfluous hassle. At least with Wi-Fi, as both Brian Klug and Jarred Walton have exemplified in recent days, all that's normally involved is twiddling a few software settings to bring a widget online. The approach is particularly attractive for mobile devices, which by their inherent natures are incompatible with wired tethers. But, as wireless networking veterans already intimately realize, the process is rarely that simple. First off, there's interference to consider; from Bluetooth transmitters, cordless phones, microwave ovens, and neighbors' access points. Don't forget about reflection and attenuation; glass, metal and tile, chicken-wire mesh in walls, and the like. Finally, consider the fundamental physics-induced range limitations, which no amount of antenna array augmentation and DSP signal boosting can ultimately surmount. All other factors being equal, for example, you're not going to be able to successfully bridge as lengthy a span at 5 GHz as you can at 2.4 GHz.
AC-powered devices aren't portable, of course; they're permanently mated to a nearby wall socket. Here's where hooking up a network-dedicated Ethernet, coax, phone line or other connection has always annoyed me. I've already hooked up one (thick) wire, the AC power cord. Why can't I just use it for network packet-shuttling purposes, too? In fact, I can; that's the whole premise of powerline networking, although few devices (save the occasional router) currently integrate power-and-packets within them. Instead, indicative of the still-embryonic state of this particular market, you're forced to externally connect a dedicated Ethernet-to-powerline bridge adapter, which you then connect to a different AC socket.
Conceptually, however, the single-connection vision remains valid. And I've noticed encouraging signs of market maturation in recent months. Now-conventional '200 Mbps' powerline adapters are now advertised on sale for around $50 for a two-pack; that's less than half the price that manufacturers and retail partners were promoting them at not so very long ago. And latest-generation '500 Mbps' adapter two-packs are selling for not much more moola; $75 or so. I've been daily using as well as periodically evaluating various powerline networking technologies since the early portion of the last decade, back in the '14 Mbps' HomePlug 1.0 days (say hi if you ever see me at a show, and I'll show you my scars ;-) ). Given recent trends, I figured it was high time for an evaluation revisit. How well do latest generation adapters fulfill their marketing promises? Is it finally time to dispense with burrowing through dirty, spider- and snake-infested crawlspaces and drilling holes in walls and floors in order to route Cat5e cable around?
53 Comments
View All Comments
Arbie - Thursday, September 1, 2011 - link
Yes, it is hard to read. I wasn't going to comment on that until I saw your remark. The style is verbose, with too many words behind every thought, whether or not it's important. "Burrowing through dirty, spider- and snake-infested crawlspaces"? C'mon, that sounds like a 7th grade composition. You've got a good subject and all the smarts; don't mess it up.kmmatney - Thursday, September 1, 2011 - link
I have a Western Digital Powerline that plugs into the router in my basement, with the other outlet at my TV on the second floor. It works great for streaming video, and it also has 4 ports, so I've hooked up my DirectTV box, BlueRay player, and WD live player, and I still have a spare port for a new internet-enabled TV. Overall, a very good solution for $89 or so.bdipert - Thursday, September 1, 2011 - link
Quick aside, speaking of WD Livewire...the company's Outlet has a refurb two-adapter kit for $59.99 right now...http://dealnews.com/Refurb-Western-Digital-Livewir...jabber - Thursday, September 1, 2011 - link
They work well enough in my opinion. As mentioned I only use these as a last resort after physical location/wireless etc. options have failed.abkfenris - Thursday, September 1, 2011 - link
... is the house.crimson117 - Thursday, September 1, 2011 - link
TIL that Anandtech editors' houses are as unique as the editors :)Great article!
edved - Thursday, September 1, 2011 - link
I've been using the AV 307's for about 3-4 months now and they're great. I'm streaming huge data, HD video and uncompressed audio without a hiccup. Literally plug and play, this is the best way to go! I've now got my Panny Tv, Blu ray player, WDLive, Onkyo 509 all piped-in thanks to the 307's!Can't recommend it enough.
my2cents.
casteve - Thursday, September 1, 2011 - link
These $50 powerline adapters are just one LAN connection away from expensive electronics. Since you can't connect them directly to a surge protector, what internal protection do they have for the LAN?edved - Thursday, September 1, 2011 - link
I paid over $100 for mine, but wasn't ready to start "Burrowing through dirty, spider- and snake-infested crawlspaces"!bobbozzo - Thursday, September 1, 2011 - link
I had some Logitech security cameras last year, which came with separate powerline adapters; they claimed to have built-in surge suppressors, but no KV or other ratings were specified.I put them on some APC surge suppressors, and they worked for several days and then lost the connection, so I had to move them off the APCs.