Powerline bridge for MVP and other networked devices

[jdamore]

I was wondering how many people have tried powerline communication for a network solution. There is many different applications like Ethernet bridging, Audio/Video distribution, and more.

Good experience? Does it suck? Does the job?

Currently I'm using powerline security cameras. The kit came with a powerline USB device (interface PC to Powerline), powerline camera, and software. It took me about 15 minutes to install because all I had to do plug it in and install the software. I was also able to purchase a couple add-on cameras to expand the system and all I had to do was plug them in! No problems as of yet..

Anyone try a powerline Ethernet bridge to link their media extenders? I know how most of the community prefer the MVP wired over wireless but what if homeplug was built-in?

Would it provide enough throughput for HD?

Please share any insight, opinions, and your experience.

[mdnttoker]

Originally Posted by jdamore

I was wondering how many people have tried powerline communication for a network solution. There is many different applications like Ethernet bridging, Audio/Video distribution, and more.

Good experience? Does it suck? Does the job?

Currently I'm using powerline security cameras. The kit came with a powerline USB device (interface PC to Powerline), powerline camera, and software. It took me about 15 minutes to install because all I had to do plug it in and install the software. I was also able to purchase a couple add-on cameras to expand the system and all I had to do was plug them in! No problems as of yet..

Anyone try a powerline Ethernet bridge to link their media extenders? I know how most of the community prefer the MVP wired over wireless but what if homeplug was built-in?

Would it provide enough throughput for HD?

Please share any insight, opinions, and your experience.

See:
http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/show...ghlight=hdx101

for some discussion on my Netgear HDX101's.

I've been able to take out the Dell router with 6.1. However, it still takes about 5 - 6 hard reboots of the MVP to finally get Sage to load if I ever lose power to the MVP. (infinite "Loading Application" screen)

After the initial load, everything works fine until the next power loss.

[jdamore]

Do you ever have drop-outs while watching?

You mentioned in the above thead that microwave, cordless phone, and something else (forgive me for forgetting aready) didn't have any effect on throughput. What about appliances with brush motors like hairdryers, blenders, and vaccums (not that I vaccum while watching tv).

Do you think there is enough throughput for 2 or more MVPs?

[12three45]

Hair dryer will affect the powerline network. It depends on what your bandwidth is per each network legg your on.

[mattdcknsn]

I too am using the HDX101 for my MVP and it works just fine. I have the similar problem mdnttoker and the power loss but otherwise they have been running great.

[sainswor99]

I tried the netgear HDX101 as a bridge and was getting less than 4M throughput; didn't even try it with a MVP. Packed it up and took it back. I just realized how negative this post sounded; what I should have said was that I didn't have much luck with powerline adaptors. If you want to try it, be sure that you buy them from a place that allows easy returns (just in case they don't work out for you).

Sorry.

[teknubic]

I don't think that sounded overly negative. You were just being succinct.

I think the overall message here is "it works... barely" for SD television. The OP is interested in using it for HD among other, simultaneous things (as am I). I've tried 802.11g and ended up running a 50' cat6 cable because of the packet loss -- and that was with SD. I'm sure it would be impossible with HD but maybe with 802.11n or other technologies like MIMO that would clear things up.
I'm interested in this technology because I'm not excited about running another link to the bedrooms upstairs. There is another option that maybe worth investigating but that may warrant another thread.

[mohanman]

I have had great luck with the netgear HD powerline adapters, I have about 3 throughout my condo. They never drop signal, are strong and fast. I was streaming HD and divx/xvids as well as dvds on my nas just fine with MCE. No hiccups.

I tried wireless N adapters, tried netgear, d-link, linksys. None of them compared, they would drop signals, go up and down in speeds.. not dependable, sucked.

Thanks
Mo

[jdamore]

Originally Posted by sainswor99

I tried the netgear HDX101 as a bridge and was getting less than 4M throughput; didn't even try it with a MVP. Packed it up and took it back. I just realized how negative this post sounded; what I should have said was that I didn't have much luck with powerline adaptors. If you want to try it, be sure that you buy them from a place that allows easy returns (just in case they don't work out for you).

Sorry.

I'm looking for any experiences even if it is bad.

It seems like its hit or miss.. did you try different outlets in the same room?
Are you in a house/apt/condo? Is your house older(older wiring)? Is the house large?


I just went to BB and picked up the HDX101... wow $$ solution!
How funny is this: The first thing I noticed when looking at the box is a sticker representing the GeekSquad.. it said "Let the Geeksquad intall this for you". Yes, I need a Geek to plug this thing into the wall!

Time to go play with it now.. I hope it works!

Thanks!

[sainswor99]

In the same room, I was getting 120M connections, which would be great if I wanted it in the same room. Of course, I could run an ethernet cable in that scenario for a lot less money

The room I was trying to get to is on another floor, at the opposite end of the house. No dice. Using wireless-n technology, I can placeshift now on my laptop, but I have to transcode to a sub-lan speed.

I've had success with wireless bridging using two g routers for SD, but not for great distances.

Stu

[tipstir]

Get larger 4, 6, 8, 16 db Gain ANT for your Wireless G Router. I use 4db power amp works and I get excellent signal strenght through out the house. 1 and 2 floors..

[mattdcknsn]

The biggest problem with the powerline adapters is that it all depends on your house wiring. I read reports of new houses having a horrible time with powerline adapters but older houses they run great. It all depends on your wiring and the junction box.

My powerline network gets 120 speed from first floor to second floor. I tested it with some utilities and it was fairly accurate. When I tried it in the bedroom on the third floor I got the same result.

[sandor]

Originally Posted by teknubic

.... There is another option that maybe worth investigating but that may warrant another thread.

i would freaking LOVE to turn my pre-wired cable (RG-6?) runs into a network - i have cable drops in every room, and they terminate in my condo's laundry room.

My phone line, on the other hand, is run on cat 5e, and has a second run with it, but terminates in the basement (i'm in a 3rd floor condo).

[jdamore]

Thought I would share my result for the PL adapter..

For as much as these PL adapters cost, they need to work 100% (consistent throughput for its environment). I had the same problem as mdnttoker connecting to the MVP but thanks to the thread mdnttoker referenced above I was able to do it fairly quickly.

When it works, it works as if wired. But, as soon as noise is introduced, like when the Wifey is blowdrying her hair for an HOUR, it gets choppy and stutters.

I am in an apartment by the way, also, I am running the WiLife homeplug camera system with 2 cameras (2 cameras use about 500k combined)

Q-check showed an average of about 10-12M throughput for the 2 PL adapters.
With the hairdryer running it showed 3M, 8M, 2M,10M.. you get the point.
So I guess, in my situation, I am sitting on the line of working and not working for streaming a/v for that link. Forget any hope for HD.

I don't want to scare anyone away from homeplug but purchase from a place with a good return policy. Definitely try it because it very may work for you!

I can see HP being good for an older house with thick walls where WiFi isn't so good. Very reliable for Internet.

I think I am going to try the HomePNA over coax next.

Other thoughts: HomePlug needs to come out with "HomePlug Compliant" hairdryers!