Power Line Networking

[♥ COVID-19♥]

Does anyone here have any experience with this technology? What I'm referring to is here or there.

I'm going to be moving soon and wish to set up a home network in the new place, which is an old building that has recently experienced a gut renovation, including the electrical wiring. In the place I've been living the past few years, the building has old wiring, so I've been reluctant to make the switch.

I have also avoided going wireless at home, partly because of security concerns (even if I set up a router with a Firewall) and partly because of concerns about connectivity and bandwidth.

So, here's what I'm wondering:

1. If you're using it, are there any known security issues to be aware of?

2. Any other "gotchas" regarding either setup or post-setup usage?

3. Are there any noticeable bandwidth issues? Do you take a performance hit because it's not a direct hard-wire connect to your cable modem?

[innit Geezer]

I noticed a long delay from a wireless printer set-up over a hardwired unit. It was long enough to suspect if the printer was going to function or not.

[Ardbeg... innit]

Cant help you there Beeb. Power Line Networking has been an "on again, off again" technology over the years, and early efforts seemed to be very balky. I have not followed it since. I assume you have to be plugged in to take advantage of it, I dont believe your laptop can be running on batteries and be able to access the network.

[♥ COVID-19♥]

Hmmm, hadn't considered that -- not that this might be a "deal-breaker" though ...

If the technology is still a little "balky", as you described it, then maybe I'm better off not using it in the first place. It would've been one of those "nice to have" features, but certainly not essential by any means.

Thanks ...

[Chicago Jake]

I'm just curious: what advantages were you hoping for over Wi-Fi? Does PLN claim better speed or security?

[Ardbeg... innit]

Here is some more info Link

[♥ COVID-19♥]

Jake, I was looking into PLN because not every room in the new place would be set up for cable. I was looking into PLN because it's easier to set up, as I understand it -- about as close to plug-and-play as you can get.

Gordon, that was a good article -- thanks for the link.

[Chicago Jake]

I remember setting up a Wi-Fi network at home about six years ago, and it was Hell to get it to work. When the router went south a year ago and I had to replace it, I dreaded the process. But it was easy as pie that time. They seem to have streamlined the process so it's about as difficult as plugging in a toaster. Maybe using Netgear (vs. Linksys the first time) made a difference, too.

Either way, good luck!.......Jake

[Ardbeg... innit]

To me the big drawback of the power line system is having to carry around another thing to plug into the wall, or buying multiple outlet adapters to leave scattered around the place. To me it seems to have the potential for another "Where the fuck is the remote?" written all over it.