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General discussion

Question about powerline adapters

Jan 14, 2010 4:02AM PST

I know that powerline adapters are normally used to bring a wired internet connection to an online device such as a computer or console located on the opposite end of the house from the modem. However, I was wondering if the powerline adapter could be used to connect a modem on one end of my house to a router on the other side of the house.

My home office is located on one side of my house, and I have a cable modem connected to my desktop and wireless G router in this room. I recently bought my wife a netbook, which she is probably going to be using more often on the other side of the house. The problem is that my wireless signal isn't consistently good on the other side of the house, and it's not really an option to have my router located more centrally. Also, the truth is that I don't really need to have a wireless signal on the side of the house where my office is.

Anyway, here is what I was thinking of doing. I would have a powerline adapter in my home office where the modem is and another on the opposite end of the house where I want the wireless signal. I would plug the modem into an ethernet switch in order to split the signal between the desktop computer and powerline adapter. I would then connect my router to the powerline adapter on the other end of the house. Would this set-up allow me connect the modem on one end of the house to the router on the other end of the house?

I know this isn't usually how powerline adapters are used, but I really want to have my wireless signal in an area of my house where it would be more useful. I know there are other options out there such as using a repeater or buying/making directional antennas. However, the powerline adapter solution seems like it would be the best solution if it actually worked. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Yes it does that too.
Jan 14, 2010 5:13AM PST
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Need clarification...
Jan 14, 2010 5:26AM PST

So let me get this straight. I put the powerline ethernet bridge in my office where the modem and wireless router are connected and put the range extender on the opposite of my house. I then connect my cable modem to my router and then my router to the powerline ethernet bridge. Doing so will allow me to have a wireless signal coming from my router in the office and a wireless signal at the opposite end of my house coming from the range extender, correct? If so, then that's pretty awesome.

Is the product you linked me to the best one out there?

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About best.
Jan 14, 2010 5:42AM PST

Sorry but best is something I've never found.

I like this setup because you get 2 wifi zones and likely the best house coverage.

Of course your first idea works too.
Bob

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Sounds great
Jan 14, 2010 5:45AM PST

I'll definitely keep this solution in mind.

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Signal degradation on powerline adapters
Jan 14, 2010 6:34AM PST

I have one more question. I've heard that there can be signal degradation when using powerline adapters. My cable modem has transfer speeds up up to 100 mbps. If I use a 85 mbps powerline adapter, would I need to worry about signal degradation on a wireless G router since transfer speeds are 54 mbps max? Also, I'm assuming that if I used a 200 mbps powerline adapter signal degradration wouldn't be an issue, correct?

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You bet.
Jan 14, 2010 9:44AM PST

It sounds like you figured it out. I wouldn't call it degradation given the smallest, lowest speed sets the pace.