Ethernet over powerline

[Marauder2003]

My PC is in a place that is hard to get a wired ethernet connection to. Right now I run the cable in a grout line depression and have tape over it.

A light bulb went on. What about ethernet over powerline? My concern is how far out of my house grid does the signal go? Is there some kind of filter I could put in the electrical panel to prevent signal escape? Is the signal encrypted? Etc.

[ibanezfoo]

I would use those as a last resort. They work, they are encrypted, but they are flaky. Everything has to be connected to the same sub panel. The further you are from the other boxes the slower it is. You will find yourself unplugging and replugging them often. The throughput is inconsistent.

Something weird I experienced with them years ago was with DirecTV. They had the main box and then the Ethernet connected little remote boxes for other rooms. I tried using Ethernet over power for it and my remote box connected to my neighbors main directv box and I could see all the shows they recorded. So it seems it will go beyond the panel in some cases.

If that’s all ya got that’s all ya got. I would figure out a way to run cable though if I were you. Sometimes it’s a pain, but usually it’s pretty easy.

[ibanezfoo]

[bohoki]

whats wrong with wifi?

[Marauder2003]

I just prefer my PC to be wired. If I could I would use fiber between my router and PC. Just call me paranoid.

whats wrong with wifi?

[Marauder2003]

I would love to run cable in the walls but I need to put the drop in an outside wall. That involves punching holes in drywall and drilling holes through fire blocks then patching it all up again.

[ibanezfoo]

I would love to run cable in the walls but I need to put the drop in an outside wall. That involves punching holes in drywall and drilling holes through fire blocks then patching it all up again.

Sounds like a plan. Go for it.

We just drilled through a 6 or 8" solid concrete wall (tilt wall construction) to run some conduit for fiber. Took a little bit but not super difficult.

I'd just do it if I were you. Suffer once but know its done and done right. I don't think you will be super happy with the ethernet over power unless the planets align and your wiring is such that it allows the devices to work their best.

[Rivers]

Keep in mind that fiber optic can share the same conduit as power, without degrading the bandwidth. Since FO is light and not metal, no interference. That may make routing the cabling easier but you'd probably need to put the connection end on (or have that done by someone with the specialized tools) after running the FO through any conduit.

[LBDamned]

whats wrong with wifi?

I just prefer my PC to be wired. If I could I would use fiber between my router and PC. Just call me paranoid.

I'm curious of the concern.

The effort you're considering for wired connection seems extensive... what's the paranoia about wifi?

I'm sure you're using mobile devices on wifi...

I'm not asking for personal details - just wondering if you've experienced a breach or something?

[sd_shooter]

Go for it OP! We have two such segments of network in our house, never any issues. Waaaaaay easier than running cable and in my experience more reliable than wifi.

The only caveat is that the devices should be plugged into your house wiring if possible. Avoid use of power strips along the network path.

The warts even wake up properly after a power outage. I think they're amazing.

We use TP Link, similar to this

https://www.amazon.com/Powerline-Ethernet-Adapter-Extender-TP-Link/dp/B084CZMYNM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2LHQJLZ5ICYJ3&keywords=powerline+ethernet&qid=1676129078&sprefix=powerline+etherne%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-3

[sd_shooter]

A version with 110v power pass-through

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AV1000-Powerline-Ethernet-Adapter/dp/B08M13B8B6/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2LHQJLZ5ICYJ3&keywords=powerline+ethernet&qid=1676129162&sprefix=powerline+etherne%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc

[Marauder2003]

I'm curious of the concern.

The effort you're considering for wired connection seems extensive... what's the paranoia about wifi?

I'm sure you're using mobile devices on wifi...

I'm not asking for personal details - just wondering if you've experienced a breach or something?

[tommyboy619]

I would use those as a last resort. They work, they are encrypted, but they are flaky. Everything has to be connected to the same sub panel. The further you are from the other boxes the slower it is. You will find yourself unplugging and replugging them often. The throughput is inconsistent.

This is my experience as well. It worked fine for what I needed (including the above mentioned hiccups), but I ended up upgrading to a mesh system during the lockdown because of all the video meetings.

[Striker62]

I used to use the those Ethernet over power line adapters, but found too much throughput loss. I purchased a 100ft thin Ethernet cable and ran that from the switch under the carpet. Could even tuck it under the baseboards.

[B.J.F.]

I’ve used them with no issues. As long as the signal between powerline converters is good.

It’s a decent option for when you don’t want to plug holes in the wall for LAN pass through or have a long run of LAN cable routed around a room.

Would you have an issue with a WiFi repeater with a LAN port or as suggested above a MESH system? You can still plug in to the MESH like a router