Digital Home Thoughts - News & Reviews for the Digital Home

Be sure to register in our forums and post your comments - we want to hear from you!


Zune Thoughts

Loading feed...

Apple Thoughts

Loading feed...

Laptop Thoughts

Loading feed...





All posts tagged "powerline"


Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Basics Of Home Networking Explained

Posted by Richard Chao in "Digital Home Talk" @ 10:30 PM

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105...he-url-for-you/

"As the guy who reviews networking products, I generally receive a couple of e-mails from readers a day, and most of them, in one way or another, are asking about the basics of networking (as in computer to computer, I am not talking about social networks here.)"

This primer may not be new information for readers of this site but it could be a good way to get your relatives up to speed when they ask you to go over and help them set up their internet network. This article explains in an easy to understand manner the various types of networking, components, set up, security and all things home network.

It starts with wired networking and all of the components. Next up are wireless networking, wireless networking security and finally powerline networking. Within each section are concise explains of components, setup and a quick explanation of how each item works.

If you know of anyone who has a question regarding home networking, this is a good place to start.


Monday, September 12, 2011

Creating A Home Network Using Your Existing A/C Power Lines

Posted by Brad Wasson in "Digital Home Talk" @ 05:00 PM

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4695/...vices-working/1

"I've been daily using as well as periodically evaluating various powerline networking technologies since the early portion of the last decade, back in the '14 Mbps' HomePlug 1.0 days (say hi if you ever see me at a show, and I'll show you my scars ;-) ). Given recent trends, I figured it was high time for an evaluation revisit. How well do latest generation adapters fulfill their marketing promises? Is it finally time to dispense with burrowing through dirty, spider- and snake-infested crawlspaces and drilling holes in walls and floors in order to route Cat5e cable around?"

If you've ever read about and considered powerline networking technology, then you are familiar with the feeling "wow, if that works it would be fantastic". The potential benefits are very enticing. Connect your home PCs and laptops to a wired network using the power cables you already have throughout your house. In fact, these sorts of networks are indeed possible, although users have had a mixed bag of success with them. Vendors and manufacturers have been pursuing the technology for some time, and recent developments (and market offerings) suggest that nebulous "potential" we have hoped for is getting closer to being realized. AnandTech has done a very thorough job looking at the state of this technology, and determining how well it works. Our Read link takes you the source article, which is well worth reviewing if you think powerline networking might have a place in your home.


Monday, March 7, 2011

A Viable Alternative To WiFi

Posted by Hooch Tan in "Digital Home News" @ 10:00 AM

http://gigaom.com/2011/03/04/is-201...ine-networking/

"But while Wi-Fi continues to be required on any connected entertainment device, that doesn’t mean the experience of Wi-Fi is always optimal. Anyone whose streamed Netflix over a significant range or a few walls knows the quality of the stream falls off pretty quickly, and sometimes will not work at all."

WiFi seems like the darling of the network industry. It is fairly easy to use and requires minimal set up for most homes. While handy, WiFi does not fit all situations. In homes that are large, have many walls (especially concrete apartments!) or are densely populated, WiFi can be an experiment in patience and colourful phrases. Running your own cable network is an option for some, but that option can also be expensive, messy, or problematic.

Powerline options use the existing wiring in your home and seems like a good compromise, however I have found that it also has its own challenges. While the theory is sound, and it can work great, it may not be a solution for all homes. Situations like how your hosue is wired, the quality of the wiring, or what is connected can greatly affect the transfer speed you see. Then there is the cost compared to WiFi other traditional Ethernet solutions. Powerline-type adapters are not cheap.

I have yet to personally see anyone successfuly use Powerline, but that is purely annecdotal evidence. Has anyone used Powerline equipment? What was your experience with it? A saviour or frustration?


Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Netgear Announces New Kit At CeBIT 2010

Posted by Andy Dixon in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 02:00 PM

http://www.wegotserved.com/2010/03/...ducts-at-cebit/

"CeBIT 2010 kicks off today over in Germany, and despite the fact that CES was held less than 8 weeks ago, you can expect the world's leading manufacturers to announce yet more kit to tempt you this year. Quick out of the blocks is Netgear, who have announced adaptors for faster powerline networking in the form of the Powerline AV 500 Adapter Kit (XAVB5001), a new high performance wireless networking kit for home theatres, in the shape of the High-Performance HD Home Theater Kit (WNHDB3004) and finally in the small business arena, two new ReadyNAS rack-mounted network storage devices."

It's hard to believe that 8 weeks ago manufacturers were announcing new kit and technologies at CES 2010, and now 8 weeks later in Germany at CeBIT 2010 they have even more new kit to announce. We Got Served has the news that Netgear have announced new Powerline devices and HD Home Theatre kit as well as new NAS devices. It will be interesting to see what else comes out this week from Germany.


Tuesday, December 1, 2009

These Technologies Tread Where Network Cables Cannot

Posted by Hooch Tan in "Digital Home News" @ 02:00 PM

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews...rking,2470.html

"When it comes to home networks, one size does not fit all. I had my home built five years ago and spread Gigabit Ethernet-ready CAT5e drops all over the house. I was lucky (or perhaps foolish, considering the present housing market). Most people don’t have this sort of structured wiring in their homes. But most have coax cabling in the walls, and just about everyone who doesn’t live in a tent has power to every room. If all else fails and you’re just not within reach of any plug, there’s WiFi (usually)."

While home networking has become as common-place as stimulus packages, most homes just are not wired to handle the increasing amount of traffic that is fluttering amongst our electronic minions. Sure, you could spend hundreds, likely thousands of dollars outfitting each room with a Gigabit jack, or you could try out some alternatives. Tom's Hardware has done all the hard work for you though, trying out what each technology is generally capable of, including the less frequented Powerline and Coaxial options. Overall, it looks like you get what you pay for, though all options deserve consideration. When it comes down to it though, I am quite certain most people will just end up using a combination of Ethernet where possible, and WiFi everywhere else.


Featured Product

The Canon PowerShot S100 - The incredibly fun and small camera that offers you 12.1 megapixels with a bright f/2.0 lens and full 1080p video recording . MORE INFO

News Tip or Feedback?

Contact us

Thoughts Media Sites

Windows Phone Thoughts

Digital Home Thoughts

Zune Thoughts

Apple Thoughts

Laptop Thoughts

Android Thoughts

Reviews & Articles

Loading feed...

News

Loading feed...

Reviews & Articles

Loading feed...

News

Loading feed...

Reviews & Articles

Loading feed...

News

Loading feed...

Reviews & Articles

Loading feed...

News

Loading feed...

Reviews & Articles

Loading feed...

News

Loading feed...