Best 'ethernet over power' or wifi extender solution?

Ldlaso on 07/12/2013 - 17:41

I'm currently living in a share-house and my desktop is one of the furthest things in the house from the router. I have a wifi card, but the signal is pretty poor. Laying an ethernet cable through the entire house isn't possible.

I initially wanted to get a wifi signal extender, but I was told that they're often ineffective. The best solution is probably an 'ethernet over power'/'powerline' connection. What do you think is the best and most cost-effective solution?

I know MSY have a large range of ethernet over power adapters for sale. Do you recommend any of them? http://msy.com.au/default.jsp?category=63

Computing

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 07/12/2013 - 17:50
    +2

    EOP is a far better solution than wireless extenders, but only under certain environmental conditions.

    I believe the EOP units have to be on the same circuits, and the wires are also prone to electrical noise — the longer the wiring the more noise is introduced, and the more attenuation there is.
    So there is a huge YMMV factor involved and you won't really know how good EOP is until you try it out.

    A small review here
    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1736308

  • No on 07/12/2013 - 18:45
    +2

    I have 4 of these:

    http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=7115

    I was skeptical but they work really well.

  • SteveBuscemi on 07/12/2013 - 21:49
    +1

    I use the Netgear XAVB5004 which works great. One end is a 4 port switch so you can plug in (and prioritise) 4 devices — I have my PS4, PS3 and RPi (XBMC) plugged into it. 1-2ms of lag to the router, over 100Mbps of actual throughput, and no dropouts playing very high-bitrate movies.

    • dlaso on 13/12/2013 - 18:05

      I just remembered that I never replied to this thread. I saw your comment and ended up buying the XAVB5004. MSY ended up having it available on clearance (for $110), and although I don't need the 4 ports at the moment, I'm sure it'll be useful down the track. My internet connection is perfect, despite my computer being at the other end of the house. Thanks very much for the advice.

      I think I'll also have to look at getting and setting up Raspbmc. It seems like an awesome idea.

  • ferguscan on 08/12/2013 - 11:39
    +1

    EOP is brilliant. I use TP-LINK hardware. The 500Mbps version.

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