Blog

What is Powerline Networking?
The tech savvy will tell you that it’s a wired network connection using an Ethernet cable – like the one that connects to your router or PC. But if you’re not all that technical, that may not mean much to you. So in simple terms, powerline networking turns the electrical wiring in your house into a network that can provide you with better connectivity than your Wi-Fi.

It’s important to note that powerline networking doesn’t replace your network, however, rather it extends it. You do still need a router, because the powerline adaptor doesn’t replace your router for things like assigning IP addresses.

So… what’re the benefits of using Powerline Networking?
In the right setup, there’s lots to benefit from:

• It’s simple to set up – not quite plug and play, but heading that way.
• It can be much faster than home Wi-Fi.
• Your Wi-fi can sometimes lose signal for a moment, or dip in strength, especially the further away you are from your router. Powerline networking can significantly overcome this issue.
• Wi-Fi hates going through walls – powerline networking thrives on it!
• Powerline networking saves you the hassle and cost (!) of having to run lines through your house. I.e no drilling through walls etc. is required.
• You don’t need a phone connection in a room, just a power socket.

Things to be aware of about powerline networking…

Of course, with any technology there are things one needs to watch out for and mitigate. Here are a few aspects to consider when you’re deciding whether to install it or not:

• The adaptors don’t work well with surge protectors (and they may not even work at all).
• The adaptors can be quite large. That’s not to say that they’re intrusive, just that if you have a small gap in which to fit plugs, it’s worth checking how far they stick out.
• The quality of the data signal does depend on the quality of your wiring!
• Noise from domestic appliances can degrade an adaptor’s performance – e.g. fans and hoovers.

A couple of extra features to consider…

As with many technology solutions, there are little extras worth being aware of before you decide which actual hardware to buy. Additional features include:

• Powerline Wi-Fi hotspots – some adaptors can create new hotspots in your home so you no longer lose strength by being further away from your router.
• Pass-through sockets – these can ensure you don’t lose power to other devices in the socket in which they are plugged.

Top tips when using powerline networking

It’s best to disconnect your phone and tablet chargers because they can cause interference, regardless of which room they’re in. This will help to maintain the faster connectivity speeds you’re looking for.

We’ve been told, though haven’t actually tested it ourselves, that using the microwave at the same time as downloading files can really slow things down…
At Blue Sky Computer Solutions, we’ve set up and installed powerline networking for many home workers, home-based businesses and SMEs across Northamptonshire and beyond. We’ve seen the benefits it brings and really appreciate the power it can bring to a small business.

If you’re looking for advice and guidance on whether powerline networking could work for you, please talk to us. We can knowledgably advise you on the best route to take!