Continue with wireless or try powerline?

onzey

chateauneufdupape wrote: »

......but do I really need 200mbps when my exchange is only 2 mbps?

Unless you plan to transfer significant amounts of data between your PCs/laptop you don't need 200mbps.

chateauneufdupape

Thanks for the very good help. I think I will go for the following system, based on the fact that we do little if any data transfer.

2 No. 85mpbs Homeplugs
1 No. 85mbps HomePlug Ethernet/Wireless

Cost about £110

I was tempted to future proof with the 200mbps Homeplugs and have the pass through system. If I did this, i would need 2 X 200mbps Homeplugs, 1 No. 85mpbs Homeplug & 1 No. 85mbps HomePlug Ethernet/Wireless. This would cost about £190. I could not justify the extra £80 to speed up the connection and gain 2 sockets.

I will let you know how I get on.

One further question. For the 85mbps HomePlug Ethernet/Wireless, Solwise offer 3 different aerials:

A 2dB is included
A 5dB is £4.78
A 9dB is £6.70

Is it worthing going for a better aerial?

Leopard

Glad you've found this helpful. As I said, only you know your own precise needs and the characteristics and dimensions of your house - we just try to give you the information necessary for you to make an informed decision that's right for you.

As to the aerial, it's tempting to suggest that you simply try it with the standard aerial and then if that's not good enough go back and buy one of the other, more powerful ones.

Since, however, to do that would probably cost you as much in shipping fees for the second one as merely adding the 9 db one now for an extra £6.70, it's probably best to stump up for it with your main purchase and get it all shipped in one go, for one fee.

Remember that the stronger the signal, the greater will be the range and the speed of your wireless connection. It might even then be strong enough for you not to need the second homeplug adaptor on the top floor!

Why not give Solwise a call on the Technical Support number listed and ask their advice? I found them very friendly to deal with. (Ask for "Big John" in Technical if you don't get through to the right section to begin with!)

:xmassign:

Conor_3

Any RF transmitter does not transmit directly upwards very well, instead imagine placing a donut around the antenna and that's the directions it does. So you can buy all the 9dB gain antennas you want but you've still got the same basic problem.

If you've no other gear using wifi, place the antennas on both the router and the desktop upstairs horizontal.

It costs you nothing to try and is usually successful.

onzey

chateauneufdupape wrote: »

I think I will go for the following system, based on the fact that we do little if any data transfer.

2 No. 85mpbs Homeplugs
1 No. 85mbps HomePlug Ethernet/Wireless

I was tempted to future proof with the 200mbps Homeplugs and have the pass through system. If I did this, i would need 2 X 200mbps Homeplugs, 1 No. 85mpbs Homeplug & 1 No. 85mbps HomePlug Ethernet/Wireless.

I've probably missed something but I'm confused. If you had gone for 200mbps why would you need 4 items but only 3 items for 85mbps?

chateauneufdupape

I am quite happy to be corrected, but my understanding is that you can run both 85mbps and 200mbps together, but they won't talk to each other. The wireless is only available on 85mbps and so I would need another 85mbps Homeplug for it to talk to. Please let me know if I am wrong.

onzey

Just did a quick bit of research and it looks like you are correct. Apologies for causing any doubt.

chateauneufdupape

No problem. It is good to have confirmation of my thinking.

Leopard

Er... well...actually...

1 x existing Netgear DG 834GT used as modem/router/firewall only = £0

2 x Solwise 200 MB/s powerline Piggies at ££44.50 = £89

1 x Solwise 200 MB/sec powerline Wireless N 4-Port router at £99.99.

Shipping = £7.99 + £2 + £2 = £12

Total cost for a 200 MB/sec system with wireless now at 802.11n = £201

But possibly achievable successfully (with wireless N router now on upper floor) by means of only 1 Piggy + the 200 Mb/s powerline Wireless N router for £154.50.

But, hey; if 85 Mb/sec and 802.11b/g for £110 is all you reckon you'll ever need, yourself... :money:
:xmassmile :xmastree:

Conor_3

The 9dB antenna is going to be pointless if the receiving computer is 2 floors above the transmitter.