Homeplug

llol_slim

Hello again,
Ive been doing some research into networking my two computers at home.(inlcuding searching/posting here)
I have one pc upstairs one downstairs.
I am currently looking at the homeplug system (ebuyer ) from links on this forum i found this scenario explanation.

However, I am on Virgin broadband and have a usb modem. Does this mean I am going to need to buy an adsl router aswell?

If this is the case, would I be better off buying wireless?

I like the idea of increased latency and reliability in the homplug system..

Also does it matter that if one PC is XP Pro and the other is XP Home?

Sorry for all the questions, I tried to make it clear as possible :-) and thanks in advance
Laurie

Rex_Mundi

If both computers have got an ethernet card (or already on the motherboard) then this homeplug system should work for you (it would be a lot cheaper than a wireless option). I have not tried this system though and can't tell you how good/bad it is.

It won't matter that the computers have different versions of XP installed.

mondayuk

Never tried the homeplug system so I cant comment, but be aware that if you use a USB modem then you'll need to use something like Internet Connection Sharing to allow internet to be used by the other computer. This means you'll need to keep the master PC on. If you go for a wireless router the two PCs can use internet independant of each other.

Another thing to consider is that most people that I speak to who delve into home networking for the first time tend to start off intending to just connect 2 computers together, but a few months later they have all sorts of devices like Laptops, Xbox's, wireless media player, fridges etc connected up and using the wireless network. If you go wireless in my opinion you're a little more likely not to regret it in a few months time when you have something else you want to hook up.

hendersonb

Tried home plug at a clients premises, its good for internet access however is a bit slow for any large file copy operations, you should expect a couple of MBit bandwidth on it only. Stated at 14Mbit but in practice is a bit less - probably equivalent to 802.11b transfer rates.

There is no configuration needing done in its sipleist form, i.e unencrypted etc

As above you can either use ICS or wquivalent to share your net access or buy a DSL Router, I believe solwise does one of the homeplug adapters with DSL router built in - they also do ones with a wireless point built in (useful for extending Wireless access areas.

Depending on the quality of your electrical wiring will affect your signal strength, however that said in all places we tested it we had no problem when just using it for internet access, could go form one end of the building to another and also for ground floor to 2nd floor without any problems.

Hope this helps

llol_slim

thanks everyone,
ill start looking into it.
I cant quite figure out whether the "HomePlug ADSL Modem Router" on solwise.co.uk wiould mean I would need just the one plug.
IE The modem router connected to one computer and the powerline and the second computer connected to a plug-n adaptor,
or
I would need the modem and two plug in adaptors one for each PC...:think:
if anyone could clarify this as well, that would rock .
Thanks again everyone
Laurie

Rex_Mundi

Your last question is easy to answer...........

You will need one plug for each computer. Your USB modem will connect to your main computer, then that (computer) will plugin to the homeplug. At the other end, the other computer will need to plugin to another homeplug. You will need to set up ICS (internet Connection Sharing) on both computers to network them.

llol_slim

Rex_Mundi wrote:

Your last question is easy to answer...........

You will need one plug for each computer. Your USB modem will connect to your main computer, then that (computer) will plugin to the homeplug. At the other end, the other computer will need to plugin to another homeplug. You will need to set up ICS (internet Connection Sharing) on both computers to network them.

Thansk, however what I meant was ...

If I was to buy the solwise modem would i still need two plug in adaptors? Or does the modem act as one ofthe plug in adaptors!

Thanks again
laurie

John_Gray

Have a look at what's available from BroadBand Buyer on HomePlug Networking. A pair of the high-speed ethernet Devolos will cost you around £120, but (obtained elsewhere) the Solwise ones seem to be about £86.

There is a good writeup on ADSLGuide on both the Devolo high speed plugs and on the Solwise.
version.

John