Testing:
Testing was done using a laptop and desktop and various methods of networking (direct connected without a switch and then with a switch). Both the switch and the computers were equipped with gigabit ports. When plugged into the computers, the network connection is seen as a 10/100 connection. We then proceeded to transfer a 2 GB file and measure the transfer rate.
63.69% network saturation is a respectable amount. This result was under optimal conditions where the two machines were directly wired together and were in the same room. Network quality is going to be largely dependent on the amount of noise in your electrical grid. The instructions for the XAV101 specifically say not to plug the unit into an extension cord or a surge protector/battery backup as it can filter out the high frequency ranges that the adapter uses to transfer data.
The three LEDs indicate the unit’s power, powerline network status, and network traffic. The color of the powerline network status light changes depending on how good of a connection the unit has with other adapters in the network. This allows you to get a rough idea of potential transfer speeds without using the control program.
Conclusion:
The Netgear XAVB101 should not be thought of as a replacement for traditional in-wall ethernet cabling. It should be seen as a means of reaching “the last mile.” What I mean is that it works well for getting ethernet out to areas of the house where you may not always need ethernet or where it would be impractical to run cabling. One such instance would be in a living room where you may have network enabled gaming consoles (PS3, Xbox 360, etc.). The powerline ethernet solution would allow you the freedom to move around furniture and not have the need to run a super long ethernet cable from one room to the other.
Obviously this adapter wouldn’t be for everyone, namely people who consistently transfer large files across their network. For them, they really need in-wall ethernet, and probably a gigabit switch as well. All in all, this product does its job quite well and solves a problem in an innovative new way. At a price of $130 for a two unit pack, it shouldn’t break the bank if you need to run a network connection out to “the last mile.”
Thank you so much for the post, i have started reading that and just after couple of min, i found it very interesting. Just want to say thanks…
Presently, PLC Adapter is not booming as is should have been projected; this may be due to some reason. Most PLC advertised that their theoretical speed limit, up to 200Mbps, but in actual usage it may not even reach close to 100Mbps. This company that I came across, Cal-Lab would have the answer for most of the PLC performance issue, and with their add-on Friendly PLC booster, these devices will work very well in conjunction with others PLC Adapters to boost up the signal (throughput) over the powerline at 150Mbps! throughput. They even tested these devices with vacuum cleaner, hair drier and power drill turn on at the same time and amazingly the throughput reading is still at around150Mbps!!! Unfortunately, this company is looking for global business partners, like PLC adapters players to work with. I think they would certainly with their new innovation, the PLC adapters players in the market would flourish worldwide.
Best wishes “Merry Christmas!”
I tried looking for information of how to connect several devices. I have 4 PC, 2 Lan enabled TVs and 2 XBOSs. I would like to be able to link them all up. Currently I am going WIFI, and for the TV a stright cable.
Is there a product that can support 6 devices from a single Router Port ?
Raviv
I purchased this item in November and it works as promised – plug one into one outlet, and another into another outlet, wait a few seconds, and then connect your ethernet cable to each one and you’re up and running in no time. No software to install, no crazy configurations, it’s as easy as pie.
Just moved into a new appartment and my PC will be far away from the network socket so am considering going via the electrical socket. I am a hardcore gamer and am worried that it will cause lag or simply not be sutable for lets say Battlefield 2142. Do you think this will work fine?
is this compatible with all routers
Yes. The only limitation is speed depending upon interference which is directly proportional to the distance between the 2 devices.
The only problem with powerline networking is that they create a tremendous amount of interference for two-way radio devices. The deployment of the broad band equivalent was halted in Australia due to this interference impeding emergency services radios.
What is latency like with these? Considering a set for my PC so I can get into online gaming again, wi-fi is a bit temperamental sometimes so if it can offer CAT5-like latencies, that’d definitely help.
The latency is comparable to CAT 5, but your results will vary depending on the noise in your electrical grid. It should still have better latency than WIFI overall.
I think i’ve seen this somewhere before…but it’s not bad at all
a resource to read: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/power-network1.htm
Still your question about outlet circuits is good question. 1 or more are acceptable, not sure!
ron
You beat me to the answer. This site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_line_communication and this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomePlug_Powerline_Alliance also have very good information if you’re interested in the nitty gritty technical aspects of power line communication.
In our testing we found that you can use it across different circuit breakers, but the further you get from the other adapter, the more noise in the channel and the less bandwidth you have. This is one of the reasons why they still use CAT 5. You can run it for long lengths and not have an individual connection affected by other traffic (providing the CAT 5 cable is properly shielded).
So does this work if you have it on a separate circuit within your house or does it have to be tied into the same one? Can you tell me a bit more about how this manages to transmit data across a powerline? We are talking positive and negative here, two wires. If they can do this across power lines why does the PC industry still use CAT 45?