So simple !!

[Inactive]

OK, I get a bit fed up with my wireless connection on the 2nd computer losing connection, so I thought I would give the Home Plug thingies a whirl.

Arrived today, connected to my Modem / Router, connected to 2nd computer, and that was it, immediately connected, this despite running one of them via a surge protector, which it advises against doing.


Just need to switch off " Wireless " on my router now.


Amazing.

[madasahatter]

Just out of interest, which ones did you get In. I've been thinking of going down this route.

[Inactive]

Dynamode from eBuyer @ £43.99 per set of two, since gone out of stock, because someone posted a link to them at HotDeals, they had over 30 in stock when I ordered them on Tuesday.

No doubt they will get more in soon.

[madasahatter]

Cheers In 

[Inactive]

I will post a link if/when I spot then in stock again Mad.

[Rik]

These devices are becoming more popular, and rightly so, imo. As wireless becomes more commonplace, interference issues will become greater and wireless will always have coverage issues compared to a bit of wire.

[Inactive]

Indeed Rik, I live on a country lane, and I was picking up 2 other wireless connections, one with Sky ( no LLU )  ..one BT.

I just cannot believe how easy these things were to install, a real case of plug and play for a change.

[Rik]

When I first had a wireless lappy, 3-4 years ago I suppose, I was the only wireless around. Now I can see six other routers (two totally unsecured). In a block of flats, I'd imagine the problem is quite significant now. Give me ethernet anyday.

[Sebby]

I prefer wired networks over wireless. Wireless is good, when it works...

[LesD]

Give me ethernet anyday.

I have to concur with that Rik.  I have said it before you can't beat a bit of copper wire for connecting things together, which is exactly what In's "Home Plug thingies" do too.

[LesD]

I had another thought overnight  and was wondering what sort of range your "Home Plugs" have.

For example could the signals reach next door or even further away. In that case they would need the same sort of security to be in place as wireless does.  What does the forum know on this score?

[Rik]

The meter is the barrier, Les, the signals don't travel beyond that.

[LesD]

The meter is the barrier, Les, the signals don't travel beyond that.

Intriguing I shall have to explore how that works! 

I found this:

Is HomePlug secure?
Yes it is preset with its own 56bit encryption system to protect your data.

Here:

http://www.homeplugs.co.uk/acatalog/faqs.html

So far though I have not seen anything about meters filtering the "LAN" signal but not knowing at what frequency these devices work I remain in the dark! 

[Rik]

I've always been told that the meter acts as a barrier, Les, but never how. IAC, as you say, the data is encrypted and, unlike wireless, you'd have to have someone using the same units for there to be a risk.

[Sebby]

Indeed. It's highly unlikely that someone will be able to hack in.

[LesD]

This is quite an informative link albeit pertaining to the USA:

http://www.iogear.com/guide/homeplug_guide.pdf

A range of 300 metres is quoted and the possibility of sharing network connections with the folks next door but you have to not mind them spelling "Neighbour" without a "u" or it will upset you! 

This link tells how to keep your Home Plugs speaking to each other and no one else's: 

http://www.kickstartnews.com/reviews/hardware/homeplug_14mbps_ethernet_adapter.html

[Niall]

When I first had a wireless lappy, 3-4 years ago I suppose, I was the only wireless around. Now I can see six other routers (two totally unsecured). In a block of flats, I'd imagine the problem is quite significant now. Give me ethernet anyday.

I noticed the same thing when installing my aunts wireless network. I accidentally connected to one of them thinking it was hers, as it was the same provider

[mrapoc]

Just wondering on how these plug thingies perform. Surely the electrical signals get interference and stuff?

I dunoo 

[Inactive]

None that I have noticed Sam, they just work.

[Sebby]

Indeed, they do just seem to work most of the time. The only time that can be a bit iffy is if you plug them into surge protector extensions.

[Inactive]

Indeed, they do just seem to work most of the time. The only time that can be a bit iffy is if you plug them into surge protector extensions.

Which one of mine is... .. Still works.. 

[Sebby]

Indeed, they do sometimes work. You're obviously a lucky kind of guy, In.

[Rik]

Or maybe he has a rubbish surge protector? 

[Sebby]

 

[Inactive]

Or maybe he has a rubbish surge protector? 

Belkin, and it wasn't cheap, I hasten to add.