Wireless N vs Powerline

[YellowStain]

I recently upgraded my internet speed from an abysmal 6 Mb down to 25 Mb down. It is going to take effect 3 days from now. Currently I am using a wireless N USB adapter for my computer as it is located quite a ways  away from my modem and router. I was wondering, would upgrading to a powerline connection make a significant difference over Wireless N on a 25Mb down connection? Or  should I just stick with my wireless N adapter? Thanks for any input.  

[PBaines]

The wireless N adapter will be fine imo. How far away is your adapter from the router?

[YellowStain]

The wireless N adapter will be fine imo. How far away is your adapter from the router?

I'd say within about 25 feet, separated by 2 walls.  

[Str_Mape]

Try transferring a file or two to another computer that is wired if possible via the router, that should let you know.

[PBaines]

I'd say within about 25 feet, separated by 2 walls.  

 

At that range you will be fine. You do not need powerline as the max your internet will be will be 3.1MB. I get around 6MB to my server over Wireless N from about 15 meters away separated by 3 walls so you should get around a constant  8

 

But as above, try send something over the network to a wired computer to see what your transfer rate is

[greg2126]

I would recommend powerline over wireless, its (usually) will have less interference from the environment/other devices. Also depending on the type of powerline adapter you can get a higher bandwidth connection for your internal network.

When you are transferring files between computers, a wired connection will also usually outperform wireless connections especially on multiply smaller files.

 

It really depends on your use case. If you are just using the internet and maybe the odd file transfer a month go wifi and don't worry about spending the money. If you do a lot of file transfers between computers on your network. You will probably benefit more from a wire connection.

 

That being said, ensure that your router and computer are connected to the same power circuit in your house, otherwise a powerline adapter will not work.

[jchan94]

I would recommend powerline over wireless, its (usually) will have less interference from the environment/other devices. Also depending on the type of powerline adapter you can get a higher bandwidth connection for your internal network.

When you are transferring files between computers, a wired connection will also usually outperform wireless connections especially on multiply smaller files.

 

It really depends on your use case. If you are just using the internet and maybe the odd file transfer a month go wifi and don't worry about spending the money. If you do a lot of file transfers between computers on your network. You will probably benefit more from a wire connection.

 

That being said, ensure that your router and computer are connected to the same power circuit in your house, otherwise a powerline adapter will not work.

 

Sounds like someone watched the Linus video , aha.

[middleclasspoor]

FWIW.....after I switched to powerline networking I experienced a lot fewer disconnects during my online gaming. In addition, You tube video was much smoother and quit having to buffer all the time! Good luck whichever you decide.

[YellowStain]

Thanks for the input. My new modem will arrive tomorrow, I'll test out the speeds over wifi first and then go from there!