Belkin's Gigabit Powerline Adapter ups the ante for electrical outlet networking

We don't know exactly how, but Belkin's claiming its new Gigabit Powerline HD Starter Kit adapters can outpace the current 200Mbps standard speed of most other powerline devices (not all of them, mind you) by five fold. Of course, the caveat here is that the touted 1000Mbps is under ideal settings, and there's no telling what other network traffic, interference, or problematic wiring could lower that figure -- still, assuming all conditions are sound, we're talking some hefty numbers for an HD streaming network run via your home's electrical system. It's available now in North America at a penny under $150 for a pair of adapters, with a European release in early August.

[EskimoPie @ Jun 22nd 2009 7:54PM]

FIRST!

[EskimoPie @ Jun 22nd 2009 7:54PM]

Sorry... everybody gets to do it once though! Right?

[IvanP91 @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:04PM]

ur right. I'll vote ya up cause i might get voted down

[Master Bruce @ Jun 22nd 2009 7:55PM]

Interesting. I was something of an early adopter so the setup I have does about 50-100Mb...even if these only do 500Mb, it might be time for an upgrade.

[IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (BarCODE) @ Jun 23rd 2009 2:55AM]

For the price of a pair of these, you can easily buy 600 feet of CAT5e/Cat6 and RJ45 wall jacks. With 2-3 hours of free time, you can wire your whole house for Gigabit.

[nrb @ Jun 23rd 2009 9:27AM]

Barcode, There's no way you could do my (smallish) house in 2-3 hours. To wire my whole house would require pulling apart plaster walls and ceilings. It'd be weeks worth of work and thousands of dollars (gotta put the walls and ceilings back together).

I'm currently wireless, but would like something more reliable. I'm looking at devices like these, but I hear mixed reviews.

[rordway @ Jun 23rd 2009 3:08PM]

While 2-3 hours isn't exactly correct, it took me about 8 hours to put in 12 cat6 runs to 4 different wall jacks in 4 different rooms. That included the time to drill the holes, run and fish the cable, assemble a makeshift rack for the patch panel, wire to the patch panel and wire to the outlets themselves. Tack on a little more time to put together some patch cables.

As far as price, about 1000' of cat6 and a 12 port patch panel plus all of the wall plates, jacks, etc. ran just over $100. After 12 runs, I still have over 500' of cable leftover that I've been using to make patch cables with.

[nrb @ Jun 23rd 2009 6:02PM]

roadway, while I'm not a splunker, I've run plenty of cable in commercial buildings. I won't run it in my house. It really would require tearing apart plaster walls and ceilings.

I guess a lot of it depends on the design of your house.

[RandyFD @ Jun 22nd 2009 7:55PM]

I apologize for the unforgivable noobness, but what is this thing supposed to do?

[Shenanigans @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:00PM]

Your cable/ DSL modem connects to a router that sends the 'internet' to all outlets in your place. Powerline modem picks up the signal and use an ethernet cable from it to your computer.

[Master Bruce @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:01PM]

It lets you use your power wiring to transmit data. Basically a way of creating a network without running cat-5 or wireless.

[RandyFD @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:13PM]

Hey thanks for the info. I could definitely use something like that. Here's hoping that my Lynksis craps out soon :D

[loosely_coupled @ Jun 22nd 2009 9:05PM]

Don't listen to "shenanigans", he may be trying to help but his post is incomprehensible.

The powerline adapter simply uses the electrical wiring in your house to extend your ethernet computer network.

[Rupan III @ Jun 22nd 2009 9:57PM]

This is awesome stuff. Too many people don't know anything and pan this technology. HomePlug AV/2.0 standard devices. Essentially, they have processors which can detect any kind of patterns of electrical line noise and cancels them out. The nodes transmit network data from regular Ethernet cabling over the Electrical Wiring in your house.
I hear people in stores who work there pan it all of the time. It's called ASSUMED IGNORNACE. You assume you know ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING and you tell people it's all bad. I've installed at least 20 sites with old HomePlug 1.1, and now 2.0 AV devices and NOT run into a problem. I am running a 5 point node right now. 3 Monster PowerNet 200 modules and 2 Netgear Homeplug AV nodes. Monster doesn't provide any software, claim it's their secret sauce, but i use netgear's software to edit settings. Once they are on the same ID, all is great. I am running an HD HomeRun Dual Tuner ATSC/ClearQAM Ethernet box, an HP 7280 network printer with my 266x CF card from my SLR work, 2 notebooks, a windows gaming machine, a linux database server, a PS3, XB360 and Wii all over this network through a Netgear N router. I don't saturate it.
Sometimes i'm editing photos, downloading updates, doing backups, and watching video while someone else is also watching cable on the network.
But, if these are 150 dollars, they look good. Belkin isn't the worlds best, but, they've done lots of great equipment for consumers. I have had great Belkin equipment. I don't believe these are really HomePlug 2.0/AV though, unless there is some extented mode added to the RFC im not up on. I prefer the PowerNet from Monster (get cheap on ebay, no way at retail) because they give me 2 clean power filtered outlets for the 2 i lose.

[Rupan III @ Jun 22nd 2009 10:56PM]

Okay all, Click the link.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/homeplug-alliance-hits-some-milestones-rallies-the-troops-at-ce/

600MB. I will consider it later.
Can someone make me one with two outlets? I'll upgrade then.
Where the Monster PowerNets are, i really need that.

[Shenanigans @ Jun 22nd 2009 7:56PM]

These powerline adapters are a good idea but I am having to unplug it every half an hour to an hour of surfing because the connection dies.

[lens42 @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:25PM]

That was exactly my experience. I had to replug them about every other day. These things are not worth the trouble. Either use wireless, and if that doesn't work, bite the bullet and run CAT5. The units I had also ran pretty warm, which means they used quite a bit of power 24-7. Get this if you have NO OTHER choice, but consider stringing CAT5 under a carpet before you waste money on power-line networking.

[Jlivengo @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:32PM]

I've been using these since 2004 and they've worked flawlessly for me. I've been in newer homes granted. I use this for my xbox live account where wireless is sometimes unreliable or laggy.

[Shenanigans @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:42PM]

Yeah, these run hot. One died on me already. My landlord has them running through the building. Most are connected to a wireless router connected so everyone shares a connection. I have my own modem that I have connected to my own wireless g router to connect my Mac and PS3.

Good idea but I'd never use them if I had a choice. But at $15 a month for 10Mbps cable, I cannot complain.

[Rupan III @ Jun 22nd 2009 10:19PM]

which ones are you using?
Please give me the specific models.
Just trying to help. AS you'll hear, alot of professionals who are also very familiar with them set them and forget them. Ofcourse, by SET, we mean run this and that make sure all is good and move on knowing were golden.
Alot of them are 'kind of ' compatible or have shipped with different firmwares and you will never know if you never run the software for them and check them. Without the Layer 2/PHY (Layer 1) software (not the company, referencing the IP stack level) to edit and verify hardware firmware, sometimes it can get all wonky for lack of a scientific term.

[chispito @ Jun 22nd 2009 7:57PM]

How secure are these? I mean, how far along the lines does the network signal go, exactly?

[andres @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:10PM]

the lines have filters before they get to your house. it wont go beyond your home's wiring.

[schtum @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:14PM]

What if you live in a condo/apartment building?

[go seki @ Jun 22nd 2009 9:54PM]

They do have encryption (at least the older devices I've seen/used do) and you usually have to peer-connect them via some app
.. they work ok in situations where you have heavy concrete/steel issues.
.. I use them to extend an otherwise un-peerable wifi mesh with Wireless N routers on each end they do multi-floored buildings nicely.

[Rupan III @ Jun 23rd 2009 1:44AM]

If your router has MAC address filtering for the wired network, use that in addition to other encryptions.
The devices are invisible to the network, which is why you need to use Layer2/PHY software (i still find Netgears to be tops, Linksys' will only find Linksys's devices, even if HomePlugAV, thanks for nothing Cisco).
You can really make people mad using MAC Address Filtering on the router. In general, unless someone can get one into your power system and guess it's encryption passcode (which is why you hear me saying USE THE SOFTWARE TO CONFIGURE IT) it's as safe as Wired ONLY.

I don't call anyone having trouble Liars, i'd just like them to take the time to recheck things. The most common issues are mismatched firmwares and rate issues among different brands. I use the Netgear software after using the included software to do any firmware updates. I set everything to default after getting the id's to match up.
The use of common software insures the timing/settings that they might swap up to make their stuff work better with their stuff gets wiped out.
Then establish your good password. Set and forget.
No, it's not true you will never ever have trouble.
I just laugh that some people pretend they've never snagged a wire good and had to re run one or crimp their way out of it. Not as common but i've seen homeowners snag it good.
I like these, they work for people. I get a call 'I want to rearrange my place, is there any problem? " Answer: 'No, just remember to plug the PLE devices (they are marked) DIRECTLY into your wall socket, just like it is now, no filtered outlets or surge protectors."
If you don't mind the wire running to the notebook, it certainly reminds you that your notebook isn't really that sluggish, it's just the wireless. Its invaluable if you use a networked all in one with a card reader and you often shoot in RAW, those files are large and that format needs better than wireless' 55% packet loss rate.

[nrb @ Jun 23rd 2009 9:33AM]

I'm pretty sure the signal doesn't get past the transformer, so you're safe in a house. As others have said, many of these devices also have encryption.

[Murc @ Jun 22nd 2009 7:59PM]

I'll stick with 802.11N

[NUstar @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:00PM]

This isn't recommended for apartments I assume?

[smak @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:01PM]

http://www.buy.com/prod/belkin-powerline-av-starter-kit/q/loc/101/209890763.html

I have a pair of those... they work quite well. If you have a house with 2 power circuit breakers, then you'll have to do a bit of research to see what circuits are connected to what... otherwise, they work just fine. Gigabit would be even nicer though....

[bighap @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:03PM]

I still rock a 100' cat 5 line from my router. Now that is network stability my friends.

[IvanP91 @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:06PM]

i agree with ya. Cable is the only stable way of connecting.

Although for one reason or another all my cables are Cat-6 dont know why but meh.

[Jay @ Jun 23rd 2009 11:22AM]

That does however lack walking to the bathroom at night in the dark stability. Another possible side effect is not being able to keep the wife/ girlfriend stability. Sorry, stringing a 100' lan cort through your house is just sloppy. Get your game tight player.

[rordway @ Jun 23rd 2009 2:50PM]

FWIW, I ran 12 ports worth of cat6 through my walls for about the same price, and I get guaranteed gigabit speeds for every port. And I still have about 500' of cable leftover! Granted, it took quite a bit of work and that doesn't count the price of the switch.

[darkmax @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:24PM]

this Belkin actually looks cool....

[MaX PL @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:25PM]

how effective are these things? my wireless network kinda sucks for gaming so i wouldnt mind something like this; better than having to drag a 50 foot ethernet cable across the house like i did 5 years ago.

[lens42 @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:28PM]

Drag the wire, unless you don't mind replugging them every day or so to reboot the dropped connection. They also waste power compared to CAT5, and not a small amount when you consider they are on 24-7.

[Wwhat @ Jun 22nd 2009 10:01PM]

So what brand are the once that you have to un/replug all the time? And in what kind of setting do people with issue live? is the power stable in the area? do you live next to an AM station and do you have wiring that edison himself put in? Seems that is quite peculiar and specific to a few people and not how it is for the rest.

[Crazy J @ Jun 22nd 2009 11:36PM]

@Wwhat

The one that I have are the Netgear. It's the one that looks similar to this Belkin but it's white. (Don't get the cheaper grey ones) (There are models with single ports or has 4 ethernet ports, which allows for multiple connections)
Mine are incredibly reliable. I've never had a dropped connection. They also do NOT run hot. Barely warm to the touch.
Definitely much more convenient than running cable throughout the house and more reliable than wireless.
There is no lag as well. My house was built around the early 90s so it's not that old but it's not that new either.

What's great about the Netgear is that it is "true" plug and play. All those other devices that falsely claim to be plug and play, you gotta install some software then configure, then maybe it will work.

Now, if only Bellsouth/ATT will fix their crappy DSL connections...

[Wwhat @ Jun 23rd 2009 12:58PM]

Thanks you for the reply

:)

[thomas Leo @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:35PM]

but if your internet speed is only 10 mps, how does this make it faster?

[yunixx @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:43PM]

This does not help in increasing the speed of internet into your home. This is primarily for 2 purposes:

1. increases speed between devices within your home
2. Reduce the latency/delay introduced by other networking mechansims liks Wireless etc.

But as others pointed out, it is never going to be as good or as reliable as the good old wire.

[amnes @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:35PM]

I was thinking of getting this.

[Jake @ Jun 23rd 2009 12:10PM]

Good information, dude. Thanks. :-|

-jp

PS: My cat's breath smells like cat food.

[Jlivengo @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:37PM]

I've used them in an apartment. If you have your own electric bill then you have your own circuit. Works great.

[Bokiaia @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:38PM]

i'm still using wireless B lol...

[Hamish @ Jun 22nd 2009 8:52PM]

I have 4 Linksys AV powerline adapters in my house and regularly stream HD video, transfer GB's of data through them with no issues for a couple of years now. I don't remember having to unplug any of them due to dropped connection ... ever. You can secure access to your network with passwords you enter into the adapters themselves.

[Wwhat @ Jun 22nd 2009 10:04PM]

How are they regarding any lag? I mean the signal has to be converted twice, does that cause any ping points at all? I don't imagine it would but it can't harm to ask, so what's your experience?

[Hamish @ Jun 23rd 2009 11:29AM]

I've not noticed any lag at all, These things behave just like another switch in your network. Nobody worries about lag caused by their switches, do they? As far as cost goes, I've got high, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors and 3,100 square feet of house. If anyone can get that invisibly cabled with Cat 6 for less than $300, I want to hear from them.

[Wwhat @ Jun 23rd 2009 1:03PM]

Well there's a reason why there are hubs and switches, one (switches) are using 'intelligence' and use packet/MAC storage to prevent speedloss, so there's somebody that worries about lag in switches: the inventors, they do do an effort to prevent it showing it was in their mind as a concern.
But thanks for reporting on the absence of lag in these babies too, just thought I'd check and it's nice to get userfeedback.

[ebayaholic @ Jun 22nd 2009 9:41PM]

Wonder how hot these babies get. I know older ones can get quite hot.