'Homeplugs' and mains-circuit networks

One upstairs with your router and two downstairs will do fine.

I am interested to read about this Homeplug networking thread and also advice on the NAS aspects of a networked music setup.  It's not all that long ago that I learned about the option to use the home electrical wiring and am thinking that I will dip my toe in the water.  From what I understand, Chudleighpaul is correct. I've been browsing the following for information and potential purchases: http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/default_Shop.asp?ShopID=1

I use homeplugs (Belkin) with very good results.

An SB Touch is fed via one - used to have dropuots with wireless, works well with home plugs.

A pc is fed via another and a third one is for the router.

There was no impact on sound in any of my two systems.

MajorFubar, if it helps I had a very similar situation: living in a street with busy wi-fi networks from other houses all around me, my AirPlay system was struggling, suffering constant dropouts due to interference and performance issues with my wi-fi network.

So I installed one Homeplug connected directly via ethernet to the broadband router in my loft room, then added a second Homeplug in the living room and connected that via ethernet directly to a Sonos Play:3 set-up (stereo pair). Problem solved. Now I can stream internet radio, my music library and Spotify without any issues.

I'm also experimenting at the moment with a new Simple Audio multiroom system which uses Homeplug/mains to transmit audio around the house, rather than wi-fi. I'll be reporting more on that soon in a dedicated blog.

Built-in ethernet over power is great! There are several products with it - Simple Audio, NetGear has routers with built-in homeplug and you can get power outlet sockets with homeplug ethernet sockets built in.

makes it neat.

Thanks guys this is all I wanted to hear

Though it may have to wait til I've put an aerial in the front bedroom (currently it has a 37" LCD TV just connected to a DVD player).  For some reason SWMBO sees the aerial as a priority.  Quite why she feels she'll be more likely to watch the programmes upstairs which she constantly complains about downstairs is anyone's guess.

Another vote for Homeplugs here, been using them for a couple of years with no real problems. They get hot under heavy usage but seem to cope OK and are yet to fail. Background hiss on my Aego M plugged in next to one seems a little louder but it's fairly minor and I've noticed no other side-effects.

As an aside if you are having WiFi problems, which will continue with mobile devices regardless, you can use a program such as inSSIDer to scan all nearby networks and their strengths. You can then set your network to the quietest channel to avoid interference as much as possible.

I see 5 local networks, all on channel 13.

I am on channel 1.

Mind you, I haven't had dropouts or any other problems in the 5 years I have used our AirPort Extreme. I wonder how our neighbouring networks get on (all being on the same channel).

What is more odd is that they all use WEP instead of WPA2.

I suppose it's possible they just leave everything at the default settings because they aren't technically-minded enough to change it or even know what the various acronyms mean.

I just started the process of taking the plunge: bought a 3-plug starter pack, a 5-port hub and some cables. Now for a 'toe-in-the-water' NAS device...

Wish me luck.

Good luck

Good luck. Don't forget to report back after you've set it up.
Feel free to use this thread.
NAS...probably a future purchase for me, though I'm a bit timid about it. I already had an old 40GB IDE drive in a cheap 'LAN Drive' case I bought off eBay, and while Windows was fine with it for years, my Macs won't recognise it.

I know what you mean - as with anything nowadays, there is so much choice and so many conflicting opinions - where to start?   I had thought to use an old tower PC as the basis of a NAS, but now think it wiser(?) to get a dedicated, purpose-built model. Of course, that's not going to be cheap.

I have just bought some Devolo dlan 500+, these replaced some old comtrend plugs that had died thanks to a careless electrician.

The increase in spead is very noticeable, very easy to set up and create a secure network, just plug in and press a button on each.

I was also attracted by the plugs that have three LAN ports, one is plugged into the router with a nas, the other plugged in next to the tv. I also have a p,ug with a single LAN port for the PC.

This is a large house with three ring mains circuits for sockets, the plugs are on two of these and work fine.

I do plan to start ripping cd's soon but not really made my mind up what kit to use. 

Will a homeplug make any difference with regards to a better download from my router to my TV & Blu Ray? I receive approx. 4-6 mb on average. I live 20 miles outside Peterborough.

I have a Belkin Play Max attched by wire to my imac , in my upstairs room. It goes wireless to my downstairs TV and Blu Ray.

Thanks