newby needing help

[Stumpy]

I have these - they're excellent and mean that you don't have to "lose" a socket.

Comtrend Powerline ethernet adapter with Filter: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

They are easy to set up and haven't caused any problems for me since I bought them about six months ago.

I bought two pair ... one is plugged next to my router, one is plugged into a bedroom socket upstairs for a computer, another is plugged behind the TV for the Sony HD DVD player we have (which also connects to the likes of bbc iplayer), and the final one is for Sky Anytime+, if it ever arrives.

The only thing you need to be aware of is that these are just slightly wider than normal plugs ... you can fit two side by side on a normal double socket, but if you are plugging it in next to a power adapter, say, you may have to move things around a bit to accommodate it.

[Scubbie]

@Stumpy: Do yourself a favour. Rather than plug another behind the TV, dig out an old router or a switch. This would allow you to have 3 LAN ports beside your TV.

One port will be used by the HomePlug, the remaining 3 can then connect to the Sony HD DVD player, Sky+ HD STB & one spare.

For the router, you will need to do a little tinkering. See this thread:

http://www.skyuser.co.uk/forum/askin...-together.html

[Stumpy]

Haha .. yes I realised that. It isn't a problem really, as both are passthrough homeplugs so I don't lose the socket, and they were the bought in pairs ... so I would simply end up with one unused.

Other than saving socket space (which I wouldn't be), or saving the cost of an extra homeplug (came in pairs, cheap, already have them), is there any benefit to having a hub set up there alongside one homeplug, instead of just two homeplugs? (other than the extra port, that currently i do not need).

I do have one lying around somewhere .. a little diddy thing, but it will just be one more thing lying around - the homeplugs are neat and out of the way.

[Scubbie]

If the spare hub/router is WiFi, then you can also effectively extend the WiFi coverage in your home.

With today's integration of everything, many TVs and games machines can also connect to the final port. So it may be handy having a spare port.

The last HomePlug is then free to be used elsewhere.

[Stumpy]

So actually, then, I'm doing myself no favours at all really

I don't need to extend the wifi coverage, the hub isn't wifi anyway, and I don't need a spare homeplug hanging around doing nothing. I did consider all this at the time I put the whole system together - but I currently have no need.

I am aware that, if I have a future need, I have the ability to create more connections/release a homeplug - but currently there is no point.

Thank you for the advice anyway

[Scubbie]

The only three remaining items that might influence how you wire it all up are:

* electric consumption

* heat build up

* bulk of the two HomePlugs hanging out of one socket

At the end of the day, each layout will work, so it is a matter of personal preference.

[Isitme]

If you don't need WiFi, connect a 5 port switch to the homeplug to give you 4 usable ports. They don't get much cheaper than this
TP-Link 5-Port 10/100 Unmanaged Mini Desktop Switch (TL-SF1005D) Plastic Case: Mcab: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

[weeksy]

Hi thanks for the replies. Reason I can't run ethernet cable is because i live in a council property and I cannot drill walls, well thats what the sky engineer told me. As I am disabled I cannot get into the loft to run cable either . The sky engineers could not go into loft either due to insurance. Was hoping I could do the link from skyHD box to router as cheaply and easily as possible. Sky will not give me an adaptor for free even though their engineers could not do the job I paid them to do .
My only concern with homeplugs is are they a simple plug and play or will I need to do software updates etc?
Cheers all.

Weeksy

[Isitme]

My only concern with homeplugs is are they a simple plug and play or will I need to do software updates etc?
Cheers all.

Normally you just have to plug them in and away you go. Some need to have a button pressed to pair them, but that is about all.

[weeksy]

well eventually i said sod it and went for the hard wired option. 20m ehternet cable £2.43 on ebay. works a treat.