Powerline Networking?

[TysonTY1]

Anyone use powerline networking? If so what kinds of experiences have you had?

[Byte 2.0]

do you mean getting the internet signal coming in to your home over the power lines or using the electric lines in your home for networking your computers?

[TysonTY1]

.....using electrical lines in your home for networking.

I am looking at options for extenting my wireless (access point)range and this came up. I have not heard of too many people using this method however it sounds practical.

[Byte 2.0]

I had heard of Internet travelling over high tension power lines before and even the ability to goto peoples homes like that so I would image it is possible to use the power lines in your home with the correct equipment for that.

Kinda like the idea of using HPNA to use phone lines in your home has networking cables. Personally I don't care for that but I would be willing to give electric HPNA a shot, i bet it would be better then phone line ones, however I can image it would cost more.

[TysonTY1]

Here is an example of one topology from Seamans.

I have heard of cases where the signal will actually travel to houses near you and they too can be seen on your network. That is if they have the compatible hardware. Of course you can password protect this from happening through the power line utilities.

[Byte 2.0]

I like the looks of that. Do you have any cost Ideas and speeds of the network.

I just wonder if it is 10tb or 10/100

[gunrunnerjohn]

I'd forget about power line networking. Look into the higher speed wireless, you'll find it's going to be a lot more reliable. I've been tinkering with various wireless devices on the power line, and every house presents it's own issues. Also, lots of devices inject all sorts of noise that screws up power line transmissions. I still use X-10 switches extensively, but they're not 100% reliable.

[Byte 2.0]

I could compare what gunrunnerjohn said with phone line networking. every house is different, it either works perfect or you have issues

[gunrunnerjohn]

I had to install special caps to couple the power legs in my house to get the X-10 stuff to run decently, I'm sure that networking would give me fits! :)