Using Powerline Ethernet to Connect My Computer

Hey! (Yes, this is not related to weight loss)

I am using powerline ethernet to connect my computer to the router downstairs. I use Comcast Cable, and an very pleased with the performance. I got the adapters on Ebay...it was refurbished, and they are from Netgear. I am happy with the performance overall.

Homeplug and Universal Powerline Association (UPA) are the two primary specifications for powerline ethernet. With both standards, you would simply plug in your first adapter into the outlet, and the second adapter into the second outlet, and connect your network cable to each of these adapters, and the network would be complete. Do keep in mind that the standards aren't cross compatible; you either need to use Homeplug, or UPA.

Technical support is available if things don't proceed as smoothly as planned. Occasionally, either electrical interference, or keeping the adapters on different circuits causes a problem. Powerline ethernet is preferred in situations where wireless cannot reach, or just due to cost reasons. Most likely you would require a Wireless-N connection to match the speed of a good powerline ethernet link.

The speeds stated for powerline adapters are theoretical and the speeds people achieve in real situations will be less. Before delving straight into specifics, I want to consider wireless internet engineering. As of 2010, the quickest technology for wireless out there is 802.11n with theoretical speeds of around 300Mbps with channel bonding. 802.11g clocks in at 54Mbps. Wireless technologies tend to be affected by partitions and radio interference so actual speeds are less.

Powerline ethernet transfer speeds in real life conditions are around 30-45 Mbps. The speed is dependent upon whether the adapters are on the same circuit, electrical disturbance, as well as whether encryption is enabled. Encryption reduces the speed of transfer, but provides security. Two hundred Mbps and Gigabit adapters perform approximately the same in real life tests.