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Question

Powerline Internet Connection Problem

Jul 19, 2013 11:00PM PDT

I am using a D-Link EBR 2310 wired router with two Plaster Networks power-line modules. They are about five years old.

An Ethernet cable is connected to the router and then to a PLN3 module that's plugged in to an AC outlet near the router. Another PLN3 module is plugged in to an AC outlet right behind my LG 55" LED/LCD HDTV, with an Ethernet cable connected from the module directly to the TV.

I've had fantastic connections since using the power-line setup, but in the last month since we returned from a vacation, it keeps getting disconnected from the TV. I also have an Ethernet cable from that module to my PS3 with the same problem.

I tried re-setting the router with a paper clip as instructed but couldn't do that. In desperation, I unplugged the module that is connected to the router, and the network is once again working. But, it is a PIA to keep doing this.

Is it possible these modules go "bad" after a while? I've noticed how warm they get so I wondered about the constant heat effect on the electronics.

Comments and suggestions are most welcome!

Bob

Discussion is locked

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Answer
At 5 years? Yup.
Jul 19, 2013 11:10PM PDT

You also may notice (we did at the radar range) that there are more RF sources each year so combine that with age they can fail over time.

Since you are a seasoned user/owner you know these require to be on the same side of the power line and that is well discussed so I'm going with "try a new set."
Bob

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Hmmmm
Jul 19, 2013 11:55PM PDT

I've seen the reference to being "on the same side" of the house circuits and plugged the first module into a different outlet after posting my question. Result: it connected to Netflix almost immediately.

I could understand if I had switched outlets recently, but that's not the case. As I mentioned, it had been working flawlessly until a couple of weeks ago, so I assumed that it was on the same side circuit.

I'm inferring that your comment that the age could present a problem. But could it be an intermittent one whereby I unplug and replug the module to retrieve the connection?

I've looked at replacement modules and their reviews. That was going to be my last step if this whole issue was more than a simple solution. LOL I'll see if the new outlet connection maintains the power-line network.

Thanks much for your reply!

Bob

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Yup. It could confuse folk.
Jul 20, 2013 12:02AM PDT

I've found these to work across "sides" then stop working. The owners exclaim and keep repeating it worked before and all you can do is nod. Not one person seems to want to learn the technology or well, I don't want to upset you but your test tells me it's the old same side mains issue.

-> Since this fixed it I withdraw the idea of new modules.
Bob