Wireless vs Powerline

[UFN]

So currently I use Linksys WAG200G router with Sky Broadband ("Up to 20mb") that Is sent to my computer via a Netgear WG111 Wireless 54Mbps USB Adapter. According to speed test I have a DL speed of 3.6mb, and an upload speed of 0.6mb.

Would upgrading any hardware part of my current internet set up help with internet speeds/connectivity (the router or the way I connect to my router)? Or is it just a matter of having a slow-ass ISP?

 

[SparkleDJackson]

we had netgear powerlines the highest spec they had. i returned them the same day

 

[S_I_N]

what are ur speeds supposed to be??? In other words what do you get from a hardline straight from the modem??

 

[UFN]

we had netgear powerlines the highest spec they had. i returned them the same day

So...Is that a "No; upgrading hardware makes no difference"?

 

[SparkleDJackson]

personally id stay wireless but thats from my own exp. im sure there are some people that have awesome experiences with powerline networking. maybe my house was just build crap

 

[mrapoc]

Definitely powerline if u cannot hard wire it!

You lose so much speed to wireless

test it - go hard wired and see wot u get

 

[ionicle]

lay a ethernet cable, go under carpets, under floorboards if you have to, the speed difference is just so much its unbelieveable.

 

[JezEngland]

For high demand internet wireless has been terrible for me, gaming ruined many times by lag and disconnects, problems with other wireless devices interfearing and the many config setup options tried to correct problems stole many hours. I got it wired!

 

[ionicle]

everything for me that can be wired is wired.

 

[sheroo]

Devolo make really good powerline stuff.

 

[UFN]

Sorry for the delay

what are ur speeds supposed to be??? In other words what do you get from a hardline straight from the modem??

I get 3.8DL straight out of the modem but, weirdly, when connected to the modem my upload speed is halved. So, as it turns out, not much is being lost in the airwaves, it's just slow and unreliable to begin with!

BUT I think that the whole point may be moot as it turns out I might be getting Virgin's fiber optic broadband soonish, at which point I should have a direct wire to the modem

Thank you for everyone's input though

 

[fcb]

Powerline offers a much more stable and consistent connection between your computer and the network. It's definitely faster as well, but I think it all depends on what you're using it for and if your home is compatible with powerline ethernet products. Some houses will have a lot of interference while others may have an enjoyable experience with powerline. Powerline kits have a bandwidth limitation as well. There are powerline kits that come in ranges between 85 - 500Mbps. The range of the powerline unit comes into play. Some are limited to only 100 - 200m distance apart. It's best to have the powerline adapters directly plugged into the wall due to less interference between other electrical devices. It's also dependent on how well the power cables are installed behind the walls in the house. Usually, powerline kits will work. It's probably more important to sync the adapters correctly so that you get a good signal between the units. I think it's pretty cool that powerline products are starting to show up more.

 

[8bitbreed]

Its the wireless look in my sig, this is on wireless with a 98% signal. with ethernet i get 8mb in the day and 12mb at night. Lay some ethernet cable.

As said above powerline adapters are very good, but nothing compeets with direct conect.

 

[fcb]

Yup, a direct line from the PC to the router/modem is always best. There are situations where the PC is too far apart and sometimes require drilling through walls/ceilings if needed, to pass through network cables from one end to the other. The only problem with that is making sure you don't drill through piping/power cables behind the wall/ceiling if there is need for any sort of modifications. It also saves the hassle of purchasing many different lengths of network cable and having to route them around the house. In most ways, powerline ethernet is more pleasing to the eyes.

 

[mrapoc]

I recently got 30m of cat6 cable off ebay for £4.

komdirect or something like that