Network through the home 13amp ring main

[Shonky]

Anyone done this? how successful is it and what kit did you use.

I want to have two rooms networked cabling is not an option and wireless in one is very poor apart from that I want to connect TV etc to the 'net

[Scubbie]

Essentially you need a pair of HomePlugs.

One HomePlug will be connected directly to your Sky router, the other is connected to your TV. Job done.

If you require more connections in one location, then you could purchase a Network Switch. These come with different numbers of ports (5, 8, 16 or more) and are either 10/100Mb (same as the Sky router) or 10/100/1000Mb for those who want a little more speed. Alternatively you could setup an old router to act as new WiFi point and plug this in.

As for the HomePlugs, these come in a variety of different specifications. Some have a built-in WiFi adaptor, some have 'pass-through' sockets (essential if you are short of electrical sockets), some have multiple ports for plugging in devices (avoiding the Switch or 2nd router options).

As for connections, typically they have transfer speeds of 85Mb, 100Mb or 200Mb between each other. Gradually 1000Mb (or 1Gbit) HomePlugs are now coming out too.

Security has been an issue for some people. You do need to be careful about pairing two together. Some come paired already, others you need to pair. One member has commented that his was accidentally connected to a neighbours LAN, which confused him for a while. This also shows that you can add additional HomePlugs to an existing set up and they do not have to be the same brand.

In terms of reliability, generally HomePlugs are a simple plug-in & go device, with very little intervention after that. BT did issue a recall over some specific models of PowerLine Adapters that they supplied with their BT Vision boxes.

Your mains wiring does need a to be of a reasonable quality. One member I recall had problems because a previous owner had run a lot of sockets of the existing sockets and this ruined his connection speed. Another couldn't connect a pair to an extension he was moving into.

They generally do not work on Surge Protected Extensions but a surge protected extension can plug into the pass-through socket.

HomePlugs are often recommended in this forum by various members as they are easy to setup and don't require people to run long lengths of cable between different points.

Some can generate a lot of heat, so you do need to prevent things from covering them up.

In terms of prices, a pair costs from around £33.

[Shonky]

Thank you for your very comprehensive reply.

[Medicuk]

My answer would have been yes they do the job well.

[Scubbie]

No problem. It was a little slow earlier.

Essentially they are very useful and reliable.

Security can be an issue in some cases, but not too serious. WiFi is far less secure than HomePlugs IMHO.

In many cases it is as simple as plugging them into a socket and connecting the leads.

[dms05]

I've found these people to be reliable suppliers with a massive range at good prices 85mbps Homeplugs for powerline networking