Ethernet connection via mains wiring

[puternut]

I have a Sky/Netgear modem installed at present with a desktop connected via an ethernet cable. 99% reliable since installing 3 yrs ago

A second desktop has a high-power wireless aerial linked to the modem but this is constantly dropping and often does not connect at all. When online, speed is agonisingly slow in page refresh, new web address etc.

Do you feel a mains network such as Solwise would improve the connection speed for desktop #2? If yes what speed would I need for simple internet connection - at present I wont be using it to stream to TV or games consoles. (85, 200 or 500mbps?)

As always - Thanks for your advice in advance peeps

[puternut]

Sorry meant to add this link

http://www.solwise.co.uk/net-powerline.htm

[ChuckFickens]

Yes the powerplug stuff would improve the connection over a bad wireless connection.

Is you will regularly be copying large files between the two computers get as fast as you can afford, otherwise you only have to make sure it's faster than your internet connection by at least a factor of 2.

[AlBags]

...
although you could connect another ethernet to the other PC if you can run it somewhere and have a spare connection on the router. That would be the cheapest.
You could swap out the router too for another .. so long as you enter details into it. It's a misconception that you need a suppliers own router and their disc to install it.
I recently swapped a cheapo Orange router for a bought Livebox without software. Works a treat.

[puternut]

Thx Chuck

Albags
If I did connect another router wouldnt that mean a hard wire connection from router1 to router2 and then to PC2?

I already have 2 ethernet connections on existing Netgear. I am trying to do this without a wire between 2 rooms or 50 metres long round the outside of the house

[AlBags]

I was assuming you had a spare ethernet connection on router. Don't use another router .. a booster or a homeplug .. if you can't run the cable. Personally I'd run the cable if I had a spare socket.
Al.

[chrissa1]

I thought I had my connection sortyed for my PC upstairs using Netgear but have just spent half an hour trying to get on line. I am thinking about a Solwise too. Do you have to buy two?

[AlBags]

I think you buy an initial starter kit first.
Then add extra stuff later if you need further additions.
Main PC is always better hard-wired for internet .. ethernet (not wireless)

[chrissa1]

So Albags, if I moved my router upstairs and wired it to the PC would it be better and could I then use my laptop downstairs alright? I use the laptop more.

[puternut]

chrissa1

If you intend to use the set up as you describe you will need 1 plug upstairs to connect router to system and then another downstairs too.

If you want to connect via ethernet wire to laptop then a second solwise plug is needed or alternatively they do a plug which does either ethernet or wireless (but this works out double the price for the one plug)

They do 4 different speeds and two do a starter pack of 2 but 2 only available singly (weird) .

[AlBags]

Chrissa .. Yes .. if you have a good phone line unstairs to connect to router.
Use wireless for laptop (providing it has wireless networking available)
It will be fast enough.
If you're in a big and (especially) old building .. beware more than two solid walls or too far across building.