Mains networking

madasahatter · Mar 29, 2008, 23:56:08

Is there anyone here who uses, or has tried, mains networking? It sounds too easy, but that may just be my cynical mind

Was thinking of this one - Devolo, but if any of you know any better ones........

Just curious whether this would be better than the wireless I have now

Simon · Mar 30, 2008, 00:00:24

I can't speak from experience, but they look slightly gimmicky to me, and is the security any good?

madasahatter · Mar 30, 2008, 00:02:05

Quote from: Simon on Mar 30, 2008, 00:00:24
they look slightly gimmicky to me, and is the security any good?

That's one the main things I was wondering about Simon 8)

Edit: On further digging found this:

"Q) IS it really 14Mbs, or is it wlike wireless where the max you can really get over an 11mb connection is 4mb ? Thanks - Alex
A) The rate is 14mbps (mega bits per second)

Q) Does this product use 56bit DES? - Rob
A) Yes the unit is 56bit Data Encryption Standard (FIPS PUB 46-2) please download and view the associated PDF file for full specification."

Simon · Mar 30, 2008, 00:12:12

So, is 56bit Data Encryption Standard (FIPS PUB 46-2) good, compared to WEP or WPA in routers?

esh · Mar 30, 2008, 00:14:33

I've tried a 100Mbit deVolo set-up here to get a couple systems on an upper floor connected. The good thing is they run *across* circuit lines. The bad news is they really are affected by any extensions at all. Even in sockets next to each other I could only scramble about 30Mbit sustained transfer, and in actual use, the transfer rate varied from 5-12Mbit.

It really is a matter of just plugging them in.

However the fun stops there. At certain times of the day, say when people are cooking or something, it just dies altogether. Complete signal loss. You could even turn off loads of stuff in the building, but if the rest of the street was busy... no joy. Not the greatest electricity supply here admittedly, but it still made it as useless as wireless.

Edit: DES is a very old algorithm now, and WEP can be broken in under 3 seconds by a Pentium 4 class processor. WPA is the way to go.

madasahatter · Mar 30, 2008, 00:21:18

Sounds a complete nightmare esh

esh · Mar 30, 2008, 00:22:55

It's great when it works, even if it is not super fast. Being able to just plug in and go was quite impressive.

But going down at random (sometimes for an hour) and not being able to do a damn thing about it just makes it useless. It may just be the electricity in the area else I think they'd have people complaining everywhere... but still. Take caution if you go that route.

Steve · Mar 30, 2008, 00:35:55

Not had any issues with mains networking, works well for my needs i.e multiple internet connections from a single source. I purchase mine from solwise and use the 85mbps version, I also have a pair of 200mbps for video streaming from NAS to PS3.It requires virtually no maintenance and I have had less problems than I did with wireless. Security is not supposed to be an issue as the electric meter acts as your "firewall"

Sebby · Mar 30, 2008, 00:57:04

I've heard Devolo are pretty good when it comes to mains networking. As for security, I don't think it's really necessary, but there if you're worried.

Inactive · Mar 30, 2008, 02:45:46

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/109683

No idea if they are any good.

Dangerjunkie · Mar 30, 2008, 07:57:52

We use the Devolo kit at work to send public internet round the office as there's not enough spare CAT5s on the desks to send public and corporate LAN to every desk. It seems to be very solid.

Please bear in mind that it is a radio technology, like ADSL, and if you (or your neighbour) are into amateur radio the 2 technologies may not get on well together (even thought they are supposed to.)

Cheers,
Paul.

edit: corrected typos

madasahatter · Mar 30, 2008, 08:43:26

Thanks for the info guys - just trying to decide whether it's worth a punt or not

Rik · Mar 30, 2008, 08:55:44

Most people seem to be happy with it, Mad. You might want to pop over to ThinkBroadband an ask as you'll find more users there.

madasahatter · Mar 30, 2008, 08:59:42

Good idea Rik

I'll do that later.

Steve · Mar 30, 2008, 09:16:21

Hi Mad,you may find this link useful for more information.
http://www.solwise.co.uk/net-powerline.htm#TEST

madasahatter · Mar 30, 2008, 09:18:10

Good link Steve - thanks

wrtpeeps · Apr 04, 2008, 12:42:09

I use mains networking in my house, and I must say I'm very impressed. Been using it for about a year now and have had very little problems.

mrjeffery · Apr 04, 2008, 12:52:48

I bought a pair off ebay to use with my network media player and they work great