Discussion Forums > Technology
Need help extending my wireless network
datora:
.
--- Quote from: kitamesume on October 03, 2012, 01:52:31 AM ---^ he did mention that the powerlines were isolated on each floors.
--- End quote ---
OKay, I did miss that.
However.
Powerline networking often does work across circuit breakers. It gets stopped when it hits transformers. There are a lot of factors, including the type of circuit breaker and if there are ground-interrupt plugs on the circuit. Microwaves, refrigerator/large appliance motors, surge protection, halogen lighting, age & condition of wiring, and small gauge bottlenecks ... a good number of things can all degrade or stop a powerline network connection.
It takes a bit of research to be sure. And, you will need to carefully evaluate the circuit(s) the network would operate on. It's also unsecure, so anybody not blocked by a transformer can potentially access your network if you don't have encryption in place.
It's worth looking into because, if it's possible in your situation, it is a very simple solution. The old theoretical limit was 200 Mb/s speed, with practical speeds in the 65-90 Mb/s usually expected, under minor, normal problems that you would expect to encounter. Thing is, each house/apartment, etc. is such a unique environment that you have to study the tech and evaluate the specific location carefully.
There are also three or five competing technologies ... so one might work where another fails. Try to find a way to 'borrow' or return different vendor technologies for practical field testing.
But, short answer: circuit breaker technology don't usually stop the signal ... some other problem or condition needs to be present to cut it. Electric meters & transformers do put up a roadblock.
Aggressive google and studying would be necessary to truly discount the tech.
[ EDIT: Speaking of Shell Shocker deals. If you can use newegg in the U.S., this just went live a few minutes ago & will be available for about 24 hours:
Combo deal for $59.99 delivered:
• D-Link Powerline Router (DHP-1320) Wireless N300, Hybrid
bundled with:
• 1x D-Link PowerLine AV Mini Adapter (DHP-310AV) ]
Pentium100:
Powerline networking seems useful and the devices I have (Zyxel PLA-401) support encryption. I managed to create conditions where speed is only about 10mbps (the signal goes trough 3 circuit breakers, pretty much does a loop around the house and ends up in a room next to the one with the first device) but otherwise the connection is quite good (for example to the basement from 1st* floor). I use them because wireless is much less reliable and also difficult to use, because my house is made of bricks, and the walls are quite thick.
However, for some reason the powerline networking signal does not want to go trough one extension cord I have (with a switch), the cord probably has some filtering or something. Obviously you cannot connect the powerline adapter to the output of a UPS (as UPSs, at least the good ones, filter the signal out).
Saras:
You basically have the options of a powerline or a drill and a long cable. If your wifi needs just a little bit more juice, then you can look into directional antennae instead of omnidirectional ones.
I choose the cable in my case. As maintaining speed was a priority for me and setting down the cable is also the cheapest, fastest and the most secure option. But it will require a bit of handiwork.
SirSkyRider:
--- Quote from: Freedom Kira on October 03, 2012, 03:30:53 AM ---1. I would first try it without running the antenna to the ceiling. That can easily double the amount of work you would have to do if you didn't have to do that (not to mention glue is generally an ugly thing). And if your ceiling is less than 20 feet high, it'd hardly be of any benefit.
2. By bridging device, you mean repeater? Sounds like it should work.
3. Anyway, you should try getting two of the N4PS and setting one up as a router and the other as a repeater on the first or second floor. It's a pretty cheap router and should run you less than $100 shipped for two.
--- End quote ---
1. OK. I'll probably get it anyway and send it back if it isn't needed.
2. More or less. It is a sort of router that receives the wireless signals and then is connected through the devices via an ethernet cable. It is like using a different device for a wireless antenna instead of using the built-in wireless antennae.
3. Can't get Rosewill over here in Germany. I'll probably get an Assmann, a friend owns them and he is very happy with them.
@Saras: Like I stated before, using a cable is more or less out of the question. The only way I'd use a cable is to have it run inside the house for two reasons: First, I don't need a connection up there permanently – during lecture times I am living in a dormitory and only go home during the weekends. Second, I'll be moving out in about a year and a half – thus, I need a setup that can be easily removed when that time comes. Drilling a cable up there isn't exactly something that can be easily removed.
Freedom Kira:
--- Quote from: SirSkyRider on October 03, 2012, 07:50:17 AM ---2. More or less. It is a sort of router that receives the wireless signals and then is connected through the devices via an ethernet cable. It is like using a different device for a wireless antenna instead of using the built-in wireless antennae.
--- End quote ---
Ah, those. I haven't personally ever tried one, but I don't see why it wouldn't work.
I think that a simple repeater would probably be good enough, though, especially if you are already able to get some signal.
--- Quote from: SirSkyRider on October 03, 2012, 07:50:17 AM ---3. Can't get Rosewill over here in Germany. I'll probably get an Assmann, a friend owns them and he is very happy with them.
--- End quote ---
Ah, yeah. Newegg's home brand is pretty much exclusive to North America.
Do you get ASUS stuff over there? I personally use the ASUS RT-N16 at home, with a Tomato USB flash. It works very well. Originally, the main reason why I got it was for the gigabit router capabilities, but I soon got too many devices with wireless capability, so I turned the wireless on with hidden SSID. I don't think I've ever had a single disappointment over the past 2-3 years that I've had it for, even with 24/7 torrenting from two machines.
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