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.

[Rik]

Belkin

'Nuff said. 

[Inactive]

  None of us really know if they work, until they don't, then it's all to late anyway.

It came with a £50,000 equipment guarantee, not sure if it would pay out tho'.

[Rik]

I agree, In. I've got Belkin units too, and we hope they do the job, but we'll only know after the event. You also have to be careful about the small print on the attached equipment warranty...

[Inactive]

You also have to be careful about the small print on the attached equipment warranty...

No surprise there Rik, I've had mine about 5 years now, all that I know with any certainty is the " earthed " and the " protected " lights still show as working.

[Rik]

Blind faith - just like insurance policies and backup software.

[Dangerjunkie]

Homeplug works by adding shortwave radio signals to power, like ADSL does by adding medium wave signals to the phoneline. I've not tried it but I see no real reason why homeplug shouldn't get across the meter onto your neighbours' houses that are on the same phase of the power supply as long as it's within range of the adaprot (which Devolo say is 200m for theirs.) That could be your neighbour but often multiples of 3 doors down.

I would make sure I read the manual and changed the code or sods law says your neighbour will get one and you'll end up with 2 routers and 2 dhcp servers and it will all go to poo or he'll get a virus that will end up inside your firewall.

Cheers,
Paul.

[Inactive]

OK, I have now installed the utility that came with these HomePlug Adapters, speed is showing at 83.2 Mbps, Oh and I have also password protected them, although I am sure none of my neighbours would even know what a Home Plug Adapter was.

[Sebby]

That sounds like a pretty good speed, In, certainly compared with wireless, and probably not that different to a 100Mbps wired network.

[Inactive]

I thought so as well Seb, they are listed as 85 Mbps, so not far short.

[Sebby]

Do you actually get that throughput, though?

[Rik]

I thought so as well Seb, they are listed as 85 Mbps, so not far short.

Significantly faster than wireless too.

[Inactive]

Do you actually get that throughput, though?

Not sure Seb, that is what the utility is telling me.

On the second computer it is showing 100Mbps, tho' I suspect that is wrong.

[Rik]

That's probably the speed of the LAN connection to the router, In.

[Inactive]

That's what I thought Rik, I have no other way of finding the exact speed at the second computer.

[Rik]

All you could do is transfer a 1MB file, say, and time the process.

[Steve]

Throughput for the 85's is said to be around  25mb/s, which is probably twice as fast as 54g

[Inactive]

Throughput for the 85's is said to be around  25mb/s, which is probably twice as fast as 54g

Certainly much faster than the previous wireless connection.

[Simon]

Is it true that surge protectors are only good for one surge?  Particularly Belkin ones?   

[Sebby]

I would have said that's quite likely, Simon. I think the Belkin ones are fairly decent (good enough for the average home), plus they're not overly expensive. Given the likelihood of there being a major surge, I wouldn't be that upset if I had to replace one or two of them.

[Inactive]

Is it true that surge protectors are only good for one surge?  Particularly Belkin ones?   

It is true of all Surge Protectors I believe Simon, however if it should fail at any time, it is just a matter of cutting off the plug and returning it to Belkin for a like for like replacement, this is covered by their lifetime guarantee.

[Gary]

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

I use Belkin Surge protecters and a belkin 1200va UPS, all are excellent, I have a Netgear wireless extender as its wifi city round here, they really are a god send for having a clear signal around the home 

[Rik]

Is it true that surge protectors are only good for one surge?  Particularly Belkin ones?   

All surge protectors, excluding inline UPS, are sacrificial, Simon, a bit like a fuse which blows to protect the wiring.

[madasahatter]

Well - got some of these today (Devolo 200 ones), and it really is so simple - even for hoobs. SO much better 

Edit: Forgot to say that mine are on extensions both ends - the PC end being a surge protector - which, as In said, you are not supposed to use them with. Absolutely great 

[Inactive]

Great Mad....keep us updated, mine are still working 100%, no problems to report.

Now back in stock as well at ebuyer.

[Steve]

Just to remind you that homeplug 1.0 (14 Mbps and 85 Mbps) can coexist on the same mains circuit with the 200 AV but cant communicate with each other, however you can link them together with an ethernet cable in adjacent sockets

[Inactive]

Thanks for that Steve.. 

[Steve]

Thanks.I have both types 85 and 200AV . The 200,s I use for video streaming to PS3 and the 85's for the local intranet including router, I then use an EnGenius Gigabit switch 8808 to sort it all out.

[Inactive]

Thanks.I have both types 85 and 200AV . The 200,s I use for video streaming to PS3 and the 85's for the local intranet including router, I then use an EnGenius Gigabit switch 8808 to sort it all out.

Way above my minimal expertise Steve.. ..but thanks.

[Steve]

Just use the ports on the Gigabit switch like any of the ports on the router. Its very useful if you need more than the usual four a router has or like me your router/mastersocket is a long way from your main pc area. It requires no setup it's all automatic and the router sorts all the addresses out.

[Sebby]

Indeed, switches are very simple beasts.

[Rik]

Who are you calling a switch?

[Sebby]

Just you.

[Rik]

In that case, I'm off. 

[Sebby]