oldson
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Post by oldson on Apr 30, 2017 16:58:48 GMT
i have been using a tp-link pci-e device for a fair while now but have noticed today that my desktop pc broadband connection is up to 50% slower than my wife's old laptop. i am now looking for a better network solution. unfortunately a direct link cable is out of the question due to my pc's position in relation to router. my pc has some usb3 sockets. would i be best ditching the pcie adapter in favour of a usb3 device?
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Javier
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Post by Javier on Apr 30, 2017 17:16:31 GMT
Simon, check whether your router has only 2.4GHz or 2.4GHz + 5GHz and which standards it supports (N, ac, etc.) or simply get an adapter that has it all and future proof. PCIe or USB doesn't make any difference in perfomance, as long as you get one that connects at the router's max speed you'll be fine. I'd get the cheaper one.
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oldson
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Post by oldson on May 24, 2017 18:11:47 GMT
Javier, i have changed my mind regarding wireless networking as it always seems to give me trouble. i have decided running a cat6 cable externally may be the way to go. have also considered "powerline/homeplug" solutions, but not keen on reviews i have read. have found a kit on ebay.............. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111793952278?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITwhich appears to have all i need, but seems too cheap and i worry if the cable is actually good quality. also it doesnt say its screened. i assume i would want screened? another option is to buy a more (reassuringly) expensive cable and buy the wall sockets separately. this cable is 1 i am considering........... www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191209402574?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITany advice you could offer would be appreciated as i would like to get the gear delivered for the weekend? cheers Simon
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Javier
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Post by Javier on May 24, 2017 19:11:31 GMT
Simon,
I've never used any powerline extender so I don't have a personal hands on opinion but I'd be willing to bet it doesn't outperform regular cable in any possible way other than cost. It may be a good enough solution but I can't swear by it. If you can afford to install CATx cable that is the way I'd go.
As to shielded/non shielded, the cables are grounded at the RJ45 connector and unless your router has the required metal contacts in the sockets it'll be rather pointless. Besides, I've haven't found any real life situation where shielded cables made any difference in speed or reliability. I'd go for the cheapest certified CAT6 UTP you can find which is already overkill as even old CAT5 or CAT5e are good enough for HQ Gigabit Ethernet.
Hope this helps
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Post by tupisac on May 24, 2017 20:22:21 GMT
Yup, shielded cables could be problematic without proper grounding, and CAT5e UTP is sufficient. And it's better to pay extra for good CAT5e than go for cheap CAT6. Another story is for permanent installation (like in-wall), when you should go as far as CAT7 to be future-proof. CAT7 cables are shielded by default. Also, wifi is a strange beast. Changing angle of the antenna a bit or moving a router like few cm could give you very different results. Here is an interesting video, where guy mapped and visualized his wifi signal: I'm not saying you shouldn't bother with a cable, because it is a must for desktop connection. But sometimes for laptop connections on a certain point on a couch it can help to know where to poke Also, I highly recommend Ubiquity access points, like this one: www.ubnt.com/unifi/unifi-ap/
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juke
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Post by juke on May 24, 2017 22:14:00 GMT
I have a Sky router but the only option to me as I won't have the unsightly Virgin exterior cabled alternative.
The wifi on the Sky router is poor so I ran a (hidden) cable direct to the TV from the router but I have 8 or more powerline devices, TP-LINK TL AV1200 for 4 of them, the rest are Solwise which I phase out when they fail (they're not very relaiable).
The TPs do all I need and my Sky fibre-to-box (40 max available, but the box is just maybe 40 metres away) and I get 38-39 upstairs at my PC constantly. I run a little Odroid to supply my music into the TP and it even reaches to the garage which is detached and the Squeezebox is at the back of the garage and reaches it despite going throuigh a 4-way adapter as well.
I'm very happy with it but don't buy Solwise!
My two sons both use them in their homes and both are happy with them as well.
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Post by tupisac on May 24, 2017 23:05:46 GMT
Powerline devices are generally considered a no-no, unless you have a proper and professionally made electrical installation (basically from my experience this means being in Germany and having quite modern house). Experience may vary, but it's very random from house to house. Those Ubiquity puppies blast wifi like no other. You put two of them in a problematic home and the signal blows the wallpapers from the walls Also, they are relatively easy to almost auto-configure for a transparent bridge mode, giving one SSID wifi network with seamless transitions between APs. And when you have your wifi sorted out, you can get this if the physical port is needed: www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Universal-Ethernet-Adapter-WNCE2001/dp/B003KPBRRW
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Javier
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Post by Javier on May 25, 2017 11:58:00 GMT
Personally I wouldn't bother with higher than "decent but affordable" certified CAT6 (unshielded) which handles 10GbE fine and should be more than future proof enouhg. I don't think 40GbE or faster will reach the homes anytime soon and even if it did it is quite pointless IMO TBH. But... horses for courses. The Wifi bridge, if it works, is much simpler though. If you could get the the gear on loan to test it'll be worth investigating.
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Post by tupisac on May 25, 2017 15:26:08 GMT
In terms of future proofing I was thinking more about the HDMI extensions, where you need CAT6 today for decent 4K experience.
But yes, recommended only for real gadget-heads and early adopters.
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Post by Mr Trev on May 25, 2017 15:33:08 GMT
I wouldn't recommend powerline adapters either. I tried a setup. The speeds weren't much faster than my wifi, and they generate a considerable amount of RF interference. I could clearly hear it with FM radio, and I'd imagine it'll affect any tube gear (if you have any. tried the adapters before I got my amps, so I can't confirm that)
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oldson
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Post by oldson on May 26, 2017 16:47:21 GMT
i went with th £20 kit off ebay in the end. will hopefully install it over the weekend.
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Javier
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Post by Javier on May 26, 2017 18:35:56 GMT
Simon, it looks as it comes without the RJ45 connectors at each end. If so you'll need two FTP ones and a crimping tool.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using proboards
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oldson
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Post by oldson on May 26, 2017 18:48:36 GMT
Simon, it looks as it comes without the RJ45 connectors at each end. If so you'll need two FTP ones and a crimping tool. Sent from my GT-I9505 using proboards it came with 2 wall sockets , mate. so i will use patch leads. or, if there is enough spare, i will do what you say and make them myself as it looks fairly easy. cheers Javier
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oldson
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Post by oldson on May 27, 2017 18:12:14 GMT
installed the cable today. hardest bit is getting good connection on the wall plates with those stupid plastic push-in tools. not the most reliable form of connection. if there is a wall plate with screw or sprung terminals i will change them. but at least its working and according to my speed tests i am now getting my max available speed.
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