Using HomePlug or HomePNA to extend ethernet

[dcx693]

I'm pretty sure this is possible based on my research, but is it possible to use either HomePlug or HomePNA to extend an ethernet network so that I can attach a wireless access point away from my existing wireless router?

I would run a patch cable from the router to a HomePlug device, plug it into a power plug, then in another room plug a HomePlug device into a power plug, then finally attach a wireless access point to it.

[cszeto]

You are correct.

[dcx693]

Thanks for the reply.

After looking at all my alternatives, I think it might be more cost effective to buy a new router and a compatible repeater. The D-Link DI-624 and the DWL-G800AP will cost about $135 (after rebates). The power line alternative will cost at least that much.

I could just go with the DWL800AP (the 802.11.b version of the repeater), but I do not have a compatible D-Link router. It's a shot in the dark if it will work with my SMC router or not. For a little more, I can upgrade my equipment to 802.11g.

[cszeto]

Just keep in mind that the wireless repeaters can reduce the throughput of the extended connection in half and also add additional delays, which may not be acceptable for certain applications. Media bridging also adds some delays, but it is typically far less.

I am also finding the throughput of the Broadcom 802.11g chipset to not be any faster than my existing 802.11b products. It might be the wireless router/access point that I am using, I am still in the process of getting to the bottom of my situation.

[dcx693]

Yes, good points. For now, all I'm doing is net surfing. Perhaps later, if I start streaming media, it will be more of a concern. Thanks.

[Phoenix]

I know this is a little late, but Netgear now has a HomePlug product that does exactly what you are trying to do here. http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WGXB102.php

[dcx693]

Thanks for the reply Phoenix. My D-link set up is working great so far. I get coverage everywhere, though the signal is weak out at the very edges. The Netgear range extender does look interesting though.

[cszeto]

Be aware that the Homeplug 1.0 standard is limited to 14 mbps.

http://practicallynetworked.com/review.asp?pid=607

[Phoenix]

HomePlug 1.0 Turbo boosts the data rate to 85Mbps. Chips are just now shipping to the OEMs, so hopefully you will see products in the stores later this year. There is also HomePlug AV coming in 2006 (chips should be sampling by the end of this year). Homeplug AV will have a data rate of 200Mbps and have built in QOS, so you will be able to deliver flicker-free HDTV and DTS sound around the home.

Intellon is the leader in powerline networking chips and they have info on their web site. http://www.intellon.com

[cszeto]

They have made announcements like this in the past, let's see if they are actually able to follow through this time around...

[Phoenix]

The Turbo chips are out now. It's just a matter of Netgear, Linksys, etc. to get products built and on the store shelves.

[cszeto]

That may have been the challenge the last time around too, in which none of the manufacturers moved the standard forward. Let's see what happens this time... The HomePlug standard has been in a "time warp" for at least two, if not more, years now.

[Phoenix]

The goal this time is to get the service providers (DSL, cable, satellite, etc.) on board first. Their techs spending 15 minutes getting a HomePlug network up and running is a lot more cost effective than hours getting a Wi-Fi network running in a user's home. That'll drive the consumer market.

[cszeto]

You seem to represent them as someone with a vested interested. Hopefully it pans out this time around. How about some trade-up credits for the 1.0 stuff?

[cszeto]

So Phoenix, what's the real deal between you and the HomePlug folks???

http://forums.practicallynetworked.com/showthread.php?p=19794

[Phoenix]

I am working on the chips for one of the HomePlug members.

[keewaa]

Is it possible to use the Netgear wireless range extended kit to add wireless capability to a non-wireless router ..... if so how is the wireless security managed ? I'm thinking of a wireless link at the other end of a house.

[cszeto]

It may be, if the "extender" is actually a wireless access point coupled with a HomePlug unit. You may find your answer by going through the manual, most are available from the manufacturer's web site.

[Phoenix]

You don't need to have wireless to use this kit. It includes WEP, WPA-PSK and MAC address filtering as security measures. The manual explains in great detail how to login to the device's setup menu and set all of this stuff up.

By the way CompUSA has the Netgear XE102 Powerline to Ethernet bridge for $25 after rebates this week.

[keewaa]

Excellent ... sounds great for wired and then being able to place the wireless transceiver all around the house. Only problem is ... I don't think they are made for the UK, any idea if they plan to in the future ?

[Phoenix]

I don't know if they have any plans to ship these to the UK. There are several other brands that make HomePlug to Wi-Fi bridges like this so you might want to check into those. Devolo, Siemens, and Packard Bell are a few that I can think of off the top of my head.

[Phoenix]

FYI, the new 85Mbps HomePlug adaptors are shipping from a couple of vendors: devolo in Europe http://www.devolo.com/co_EN/produkte/dlan/mldlanhsethernet.html and Aztech in Asia http://www.aztech.com/HomePlugHL105E.htm.
I predict you will see them from Netgear in the U.S. soon as well ;)

[cszeto]

Phoenix, please take careful note of the 11th bullet in the following terms governing the use of these forums:

http://www.jupitermedia.com/corporate/privacy/aup.html

You have posted multiple messages on the subject of HomePlug which violate the spirit of not advertising. Unless you or your company is looking to involve the users of these forums with actual product evaluations or troubleshooting assistance, please refrain from further posts of similar nature.

Granted, you do have postings offering assistance, but the ratio of those postings appear to be considerably fewer.

[Phoenix]

My posts are meant to assist people in setting up a home network. Too many believe that the only alternative to dropping cat5 in their walls is wi-fi. I'm trying to end that myth and help people by providing information on a better and easier to setup solution. Since this site is on networking and this forum topic deals with alternative topologies, I don't see how my posts violate the terms of use.

[cszeto]

As you are providing information (as you put it) across your posts, you do not openly disclose the fact that you actually work for/within that technology and stand to benefit from its adoption. Which actually is worse than openly advertising, since it can be construed as not providing honest advice, while potentially misleading others to misinterpret it as such.

You also do not state that you actually use the technology itself across any user context, which is the crux of the advertising situation at hand. If you review your posts, there seems to be a lack of any reference of you actually using the technology yourself. You are basically advertising the marketing merits of the Powerline/HPA, without offering any actually real world experiences and not disclosing that missing gap (if that is the case).