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Powerline Ethernet
posted in Hardware
1
#1
0 Frags +

I have recently moved to a new apartment. I am in the basement and using wireless currently. It's Wireless N, but the connection is poor, I get jitter and lag, and I drop a lot of frames when I stream, by the looks of it.

I am looking at my options for improving the connection. One of the options I am currently looking at is Powerline Ethernet, one upstairs connected to the router and one down here. I am looking at newer 500mbps adapters.

Does anyone have experience using this, and preferably streaming to Twitch using it? I know there's a chance I'll improve my speed and connection's stability, but I seem to recall reading that I may have worse ping/jitter or something like that if I use that? Not sure if I'm imagining that.

I understand that it can be hit or miss already, depending on the house's wiring. Anyone who can provide insight though on using these adapters, I appreciate it. Thanks.

I have recently moved to a new apartment. I am in the basement and using wireless currently. It's Wireless N, but the connection is poor, I get jitter and lag, and I drop a lot of frames when I stream, by the looks of it.

I am looking at my options for improving the connection. One of the options I am currently looking at is Powerline Ethernet, one upstairs connected to the router and one down here. I am looking at newer 500mbps adapters.

Does anyone have experience using this, and preferably streaming to Twitch using it? I know there's a chance I'll improve my speed and connection's stability, but I seem to recall reading that I may have worse ping/jitter or something like that if I use that? Not sure if I'm imagining that.

I understand that it can be hit or miss already, depending on the house's wiring. Anyone who can provide insight though on using these adapters, I appreciate it. Thanks.
2
#2
0 Frags +

I have a friend that uses powerline internet (I should look into this too...)

I'll see if I can get him to post here.

I have a friend that uses powerline internet (I should look into this too...)

I'll see if I can get him to post here.
3
#3
0 Frags +

I currently use powerline ethernet. after comcast "upgraded" the speed in our area, the wifi had gone to shit with me getting over 100 ping to servers I had previously received 60 ping. I now get 60 ping once more but for some reason the adapters lose connection to each other once I start playing video games. nothing a good "turn off then back on" can't fix but it does get annoying when it disconnects during scrims or matches. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase but I can't really comment about my house wiring since I have zero clue about this. sorry if this didn't help any :\

I also stream with the connection I have now and it works just fine.

I currently use powerline ethernet. after comcast "upgraded" the speed in our area, the wifi had gone to shit with me getting over 100 ping to servers I had previously received 60 ping. I now get 60 ping once more but for some reason the adapters lose connection to each other once I start playing video games. nothing a good "turn off then back on" can't fix but it does get annoying when it disconnects during scrims or matches. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase but I can't really comment about my house wiring since I have zero clue about this. sorry if this didn't help any :\

I also stream with the connection I have now and it works just fine.
4
#4
1 Frags +

I'm streaming over powerline ethernet, and works pretty well, I usually get the full available bandwidth even on the other side of the house. Occasionally, there's ping issues where it will spike every few seconds, but I'm able to fix it by unplugging and plugging it back in. It's very fast to reconnect, so if you have issues during a match you can easily do this reset during respawn time without missing anything.

I'm streaming over powerline ethernet, and works pretty well, I usually get the full available bandwidth even on the other side of the house. Occasionally, there's ping issues where it will spike every few seconds, but I'm able to fix it by unplugging and plugging it back in. It's very fast to reconnect, so if you have issues during a match you can easily do this reset during respawn time without missing anything.
5
#5
0 Frags +

I don't really have experience with powerline and gaming/streaming, but if you are not going to do any internal networking there is probably no point to invest extra on 500Mbit adapters.

That is assuming your internetspeed will be the bottleneck (I bet it doesnt exceed 100mbit)

EDIT:

Wire would be ideal obviously, you could check if there is some old telephone wire (CAT3) in your room, that should be sufficent to get 100mbit.

I don't really have experience with powerline and gaming/streaming, but if you are not going to do any internal networking there is probably no point to invest extra on 500Mbit adapters.

That is assuming your internetspeed will be the bottleneck (I bet it doesnt exceed 100mbit)

EDIT:

Wire would be ideal obviously, you could check if there is some old telephone wire (CAT3) in your room, that should be sufficent to get 100mbit.
6
#6
4 Frags +

I can't recommend power line home networking enough, easily the best network products I've ever bought. If you can buy them on a try and return basis then it's a no brainer.

I can't recommend power line home networking enough, easily the best network products I've ever bought. If you can buy them on a try and return basis then it's a no brainer.
7
#7
2 Frags +

#5
Most 500MBit adapters will get you about 50MBit, 100Mbit max.

#1
Just a bit of advise: Plug them in a single wall outlet, not into and extension cord, not next to another outlet that's in use to get optimal speed.

I'm not sure about newer models but some suffer from degradation due to heat and dust buildup (->even more heat). The worst I've had went from 25Mbit to 2.5Mbit after 3 years, mostly due to packet loss. Just remember that in a few years if your connection seems to get worse and worse within a few weeks.

#5
Most 500MBit adapters will get you about 50MBit, 100Mbit max.

#1
Just a bit of advise: Plug them in a single wall outlet, not into and extension cord, not next to another outlet that's in use to get optimal speed.

I'm not sure about newer models but some suffer from degradation due to heat and dust buildup (->even more heat). The worst I've had went from 25Mbit to 2.5Mbit after 3 years, mostly due to packet loss. Just remember that in a few years if your connection seems to get worse and worse within a few weeks.
8
#8
2 Frags +

I had to use them for a while and I thought it worked just fine. way better than wifi for sure.

I had to use them for a while and I thought it worked just fine. way better than wifi for sure.
9
#9
3 Frags +

Ethernet > powerline > wifi

Powerline will solve all your problems in 99% of cases. You could also look into getting one of those long flat ethernet cables that go through windows and running it up the outside wall to your router.

Ethernet > powerline > wifi

Powerline will solve all your problems in 99% of cases. You could also look into getting one of those long flat ethernet cables that go through windows and running it up the outside wall to your router.
10
#10
1 Frags +

Powerline will stop the jittering, however it will be slower than Ethernet if you are downloading or moving large files across the network.

A comparison video and more detailed overview.

Powerline will stop the jittering, however it will be slower than Ethernet if you are downloading or moving large files across the network.

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sue1Zvmh8JA]A comparison video and more detailed overview.[/url]
11
#11
1 Frags +

I currently use a power line adapter and it is really the best solution if you don't want to run a long cable through the house. However be careful when switching you setup to different places one time I switched my setup upstairs and put my computer sleep and it short circuit one my adapters. I think the strength of your connection is based on the wiring in your home so consider that when you are experiencing slow connections.

I currently use a power line adapter and it is really the best solution if you don't want to run a long cable through the house. However be careful when switching you setup to different places one time I switched my setup upstairs and put my computer sleep and it short circuit one my adapters. I think the strength of your connection is based on the wiring in your home so consider that when you are experiencing slow connections.
12
#12
0 Frags +
SuyoI'm streaming over powerline ethernet, and works pretty well, I usually get the full available bandwidth even on the other side of the house. Occasionally, there's ping issues where it will spike every few seconds, but I'm able to fix it by unplugging and plugging it back in.

Do you have to unplug both adapters? Just one end?

slateWire would be ideal obviously, you could check if there is some old telephone wire (CAT3) in your room, that should be sufficent to get 100mbit.

This is interesting. I will have to look into this.

[quote=Suyo]I'm streaming over powerline ethernet, and works pretty well, I usually get the full available bandwidth even on the other side of the house. Occasionally, there's ping issues where it will spike every few seconds, but I'm able to fix it by unplugging and plugging it back in.[/quote]

Do you have to unplug both adapters? Just one end?

[quote=slate]Wire would be ideal obviously, you could check if there is some old telephone wire (CAT3) in your room, that should be sufficent to get 100mbit.[/quote]

This is interesting. I will have to look into this.
13
#13
0 Frags +

friend of mine bought one after he got a new computer and wireless wasn't working. they're amazing! picking one up later this week after my dog chewed up my ethernet cable :[

friend of mine bought one after he got a new computer and wireless wasn't working. they're amazing! picking one up later this week after my dog chewed up my ethernet cable :[
14
#14
1 Frags +

I use powerline right now and streaming works fine, ping as far as I can tell is the same as if I were using ethernet. The only difference is that my bandwidth is significantly reduced, although I am unsure of the exact reason why. On my home's network ethernet gets 110 Mbps down or so, but when I am powerline it drops to about 30 (this doesn't really matter though, since 30 is still plenty). I am guessing it is some combination of a bottleneck caused by the connector itself/the powerlines in my house.

But in my experience it is preferable to wifi considerably. I have no lag/ping issues, feels like I am on ethernet.

I use powerline right now and streaming works fine, ping as far as I can tell is the same as if I were using ethernet. The only difference is that my bandwidth is significantly reduced, although I am unsure of the exact reason why. On my home's network ethernet gets 110 Mbps down or so, but when I am powerline it drops to about 30 (this doesn't really matter though, since 30 is still plenty). I am guessing it is some combination of a bottleneck caused by the connector itself/the powerlines in my house.

But in my experience it is preferable to wifi considerably. I have no lag/ping issues, feels like I am on ethernet.
15
#15
0 Frags +
CJ-I use powerline right now and streaming works fine, ping as far as I can tell is the same as if I were using ethernet. The only difference is that my bandwidth is significantly reduced, although I am unsure of the exact reason why. On my home's network ethernet gets 110 Mbps down or so, but when I am powerline it drops to about 30 (this doesn't really matter though, since 30 is still plenty). I am guessing it is some combination of a bottleneck caused by the connector itself/the powerlines in my house.

But in my experience it is preferable to wifi considerably. I have no lag/ping issues, feels like I am on ethernet.

How about upload? That plus connection reliability/consistency is mostly what I am worried about for Twitch/OBS.

[quote=CJ-]I use powerline right now and streaming works fine, ping as far as I can tell is the same as if I were using ethernet. The only difference is that my bandwidth is significantly reduced, although I am unsure of the exact reason why. On my home's network ethernet gets 110 Mbps down or so, but when I am powerline it drops to about 30 (this doesn't really matter though, since 30 is still plenty). I am guessing it is some combination of a bottleneck caused by the connector itself/the powerlines in my house.

But in my experience it is preferable to wifi considerably. I have no lag/ping issues, feels like I am on ethernet.[/quote]

How about upload? That plus connection reliability/consistency is mostly what I am worried about for Twitch/OBS.
16
#16
1 Frags +
GetawhaleHow about upload? That plus connection reliability/consistency is mostly what I am worried about for Twitch/OBS.

The upload dropped but not as drastically (I think it was maybe 25 or 20 Mbps up on ethernet, and I get 15 or so on the powerline). The connection is certainly reliable and consistent (in my experience).

[quote=Getawhale]How about upload? That plus connection reliability/consistency is mostly what I am worried about for Twitch/OBS.[/quote]
The upload dropped but not as drastically (I think it was maybe 25 or 20 Mbps up on ethernet, and I get 15 or so on the powerline). The connection is certainly reliable and consistent (in my experience).
17
#17
0 Frags +
GetawhaleSuyoI'm streaming over powerline ethernet, and works pretty well, I usually get the full available bandwidth even on the other side of the house. Occasionally, there's ping issues where it will spike every few seconds, but I'm able to fix it by unplugging and plugging it back in.
Do you have to unplug both adapters? Just one end?

Just my end. Never tried unplugging the end at the router, dunno whether that will fix it.

[quote=Getawhale][quote=Suyo]I'm streaming over powerline ethernet, and works pretty well, I usually get the full available bandwidth even on the other side of the house. Occasionally, there's ping issues where it will spike every few seconds, but I'm able to fix it by unplugging and plugging it back in.[/quote]

Do you have to unplug both adapters? Just one end?[/quote]

Just my end. Never tried unplugging the end at the router, dunno whether that will fix it.
18
#18
-4 Frags +

by new apartment and playing in basement...dont you mean you moved back into your moms apartment and she is making you live in the basement? Kappa

by new apartment and playing in basement...dont you mean you moved back into your moms apartment and she is making you live in the basement? Kappa
19
#19
0 Frags +

1:31 AM - [redacted]: The answer is yes.
1:31 AM - [redacted]: It's fine.
1:31 AM - [redacted]: Works like a dream.
1:32 AM - [redacted]: Caveat: I have new wiring.
1:32 AM - [redacted]: I d'nno how many embups I have, but you've seen me stream and it's fine.

Not much to go off of, but it seems quality of the connection is tied to quality of the wiring, but it's good enough to stream with (60FPS + no skipping)

1:31 AM - [redacted]: The answer is yes.
1:31 AM - [redacted]: It's fine.
1:31 AM - [redacted]: Works like a dream.
1:32 AM - [redacted]: Caveat: I have new wiring.
1:32 AM - [redacted]: I d'nno how many embups I have, but you've seen me stream and it's fine.

Not much to go off of, but it seems quality of the connection is tied to quality of the wiring, but it's good enough to stream with (60FPS + no skipping)
20
#20
1 Frags +
mrtf2guyby new apartment and playing in basement...dont you mean you moved back into your moms apartment and she is making you live in the basement? Kappa

No.

Kaeyel1:31 AM - [redacted]: The answer is yes.
1:31 AM - [redacted]: It's fine.
1:31 AM - [redacted]: Works like a dream.
1:32 AM - [redacted]: Caveat: I have new wiring.
1:32 AM - [redacted]: I d'nno how many embups I have, but you've seen me stream and it's fine.

Not much to go off of, but it seems quality of the connection is tied to quality of the wiring, but it's good enough to stream with (60FPS + no skipping)

That's encouraging - have never done 60 myself but that's a good sign for sure. Love the term embups.

[quote=mrtf2guy]by new apartment and playing in basement...dont you mean you moved back into your moms apartment and she is making you live in the basement? Kappa[/quote]

No.

[quote=Kaeyel]1:31 AM - [redacted]: The answer is yes.
1:31 AM - [redacted]: It's fine.
1:31 AM - [redacted]: Works like a dream.
1:32 AM - [redacted]: Caveat: I have new wiring.
1:32 AM - [redacted]: I d'nno how many embups I have, but you've seen me stream and it's fine.

Not much to go off of, but it seems quality of the connection is tied to quality of the wiring, but it's good enough to stream with (60FPS + no skipping)[/quote]

That's encouraging - have never done 60 myself but that's a good sign for sure. Love the term embups.
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