Go Wireless -- Without WiFi (Think Power Lines)
Want to network your home office or business? Your first thought is wireless, and it's definitely an option. On the other hand, if you have the courage, you can crawl under the floorboards and drag wires from room to room, or pull the cable through the ceiling.
There's a third alternative: Use your electrical wiring. The idea, known as HomePlug AV, is that you use power lines to move anything you'd normally transfer through a network -- data files, movies, TV and HDTV, music -- whatever. (You can learn about networks over power lines at the HomePlug Powerline Alliance.)
Actiontec's MegaPlug AV 200 Ethernet
What's Cool About HomePlug AV
The advantage over traditional Ethernet cabling is, of course, that HomePlug AV is easier to install (well, duh), and with a throughput speed of the 200 Mega bits per second, faster than Ethernet's 100 Mbps. The other problems you can avoid are the inherent WiFi hassles of range and dead spots.
I tried Actiontec's recently released MegaPlug AV 200 Mbps Ethernet Adapter Kit. Each PC, notebook, or other device you're planning to network needs a single adapter. The adapter is 2.25 inches wide, 3.25 inches tall, and about 2 inches thick. You can add up to 16 devices, way more than I'd ever need at Bass World headquarters. The kit comes with two MegaPlug Ethernet adapters, two Ethernet cables, and CDs with drivers. It costs a little over $130 on PC World's Product Finder.
The adapters plug right into an electric outlet
I Have a Concern
The first thing I worried about was if it'd work with my existing network. The answer is yes -- you can add an adapter to any wired or wireless broadband router on a system using Windows 2000, XP, or Vista. By the way, the HomePlug standard has a 128-bit AES security to prevent neighbors (not you, Harry) from plugging into your bandwidth.
The other concern I had was how the MegaPlug gear would work in my office that's loaded with uninterruptible power supplies and filtered power strips. I worried that these devices -- or any device emitting an RF signal -- would have an impact on the MegaPlug units. It turns out that nothing seemed to bother the MegaPlug device. However, according to the Actiontec engineers, it's best if the MegaPlug devices are connected to wall outlets. Nonetheless, they can be plugged into a heavy-duty extension cord that's connected to the wall outlet; essentially, they'll work everywhere except in isolated, filtered, or suppressed outlets.
Overall, I was able to add two MegaPlug adapters to my existing wired network in about 20 minutes and it worked as expected.
Talkback
I'm curious -- if you don't already have a network, would you consider a HomePlug device -- or add one to a wired or wireless setup? You can use Comments below or if you'd prefer, fire an e-mail right into my inbox.
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Hey Steve, you really hit the spot with this one!
This is exactly what I want. We are grandparents who have avoided wireless because we wanted to have the grandsons we were raising to have to be "out in the open" while using their computers (same room as ours are in), and because I simply don't want my data "out in the air" and possibly susceptible to infringement.
The boys are now recently gone, but neither of us is about to crawl through the attic or under the house to string cables. I would like to move one of our four router networked computers to a newly aquired 'home office' room and still have internet access on it. This may be just the ticket!
Thank you so much for keeping us on top of so many useful programs and innovations. We also thoroughly enjoy your weekend 'time wasters'.
Sincerely.
Shirley
Happiness is a choice.
Shirley9 hits the nail on the head, Steve (note that,Harry) ! Cudos to ya. I usually don't comment because everybody, everywhere wants you to sign in...it's such a drag & I was I knew how to type.
BTW, your bit on "Free Disposable Phone Number was great,as well. Where do you garner all you tidbits and why isn't your blog more like your column, which I sorely miss.
_____________________
My column's still on the site, but it's sometimes hard to locate. Poke around here:
http://snipurl.com/tweaks.
If you still can't locate it, drop me a line and I'll give you a list of URLs.
--steve
BassBlog@pcworld.com
Had a bad experience with the phoneline-based network product, probably from using antique computers. Wi-fi works but is still funky from time to time due to gremlins. I've had better luck with the intial version (only about 11Meg) of homeplug, but will this be like early wi-fi where the network slows down to the slowest element attached, or will I be able to use 200M for streaming without changing out slower units that just surf? What real speed (not "box cover speed") do I need to stream video effectively?
Steve,
I had to thank you for introducing me to the ActionTec MegaPlug. I had previously struggled attempting to set up a wireless network in my home, but these devices are extremely easy to setup and they WORK! I've just ordered a second set.
Kay in Illinois