home network backup solutions

[eFestivals]

PS: the fastest transfer speed my linux server reported was 10.4MB/s (bytes, not bits).

That equates to over 80Mbps.

That gets to prove that the software utility that came with the powerlines is reporting a pretty accurate transfer speed.

[Paul ™]

I've been looking into powerline adaptors and updating my network to 1Gbps.

I am currently on VM 60MB service just now, but will be upgrading it to 100MB (then 120) once I have completed the trialling of their new Superhub in a month or so. So therefore I want my network up to speed as best/cheapest as possible.

So currently downstairs I have my VM Superhub (Wireless N), connected to the 4 ethernet ports on that I have my PC, NAS, TiVo and Bluray player.

The NIC in my PC is only 100Mbps along with the TiVo but unsure on the Bluray player (used for streaming from NAS). The NAS is a 10/1000.

Upstairs I have a Linksys WRT54GS (Wireless G) using flashed dd-wrt firmware and configured to work as a wireless repeater of my VM Network.

Into that router I have ethernet cables from another TiVo and another Bluray player.

Am aware that the router upstairs is only 10/100, but the TiVo is only that, am unsure about the Bluray Player (used for streaming by DLNA from my NAS)

Along with those wired devices into the router, we also have 2 Laptops, 2 tablets and 3 phones as well as a Wii and PS3 that can connect wirelessly.

Would I be better using decent powerline adaptors to get a better connection to the upstairs router, or would I just be better upgrading it to a Wireless N router?

Edited March 5, 2013 by Paul ™

[eFestivals]

I am currently on VM 60MB service just now, but will be upgrading it to 100MB (then 120) once I have completed the trialling of their new Superhub in a month or so. So therefore I want my network up to speed as best/cheapest as possible.

unless your VM router is 1Gbps, you'd be wasting your time.

[Paul ™]

unless your VM router is 1Gbps, you'd be wasting your time.

[eFestivals]

Would I be better using decent powerline adaptors to get a better connection to the upstairs router, or would I just be better upgrading it to a Wireless N router?

I'd go for powerline adapters if it's fixed equipment.

I say that based on my own heavy wireless use (PC and server backups), which tends to render any other use of wireless connections as pretty much useless.

If I do the same backups over the wired network then I don't get the same issues.

BUT ... this might be happening purely as a result of my BT router (wireless g), and your router might cope better with heavy wireless traffic.

I guess the way to find out would be to do some big file transfers (one big file, rather than lots of small ones; it makes a difference, cos traffic gets thru each time the file changes) over wireless and see what effect that has on wireless access out to the 'net from other devices.

[eFestivals]

I wasn't saying raw distance was an issue. But it's logical to suggest that the further it goes the more obstacles in the way of a perfect signal at the other end. It isn't one piece of 100 meter cable. It will be a series of joins, going through breakers, interference etc...

Yeah, I said as much above - and the physical connections will make a difference. Any loose screws in any wall sockets stands a good chance of slowing down your transfer speeds.

Your basically talking out your arse. You get about 85mbps usally from 500 Mbps. Simples.

Eh? That makes no sense whatsoever.

But I'm not talking out of my arse about how mbps equates to mega BYTES per second, if that's what you're meaning. Google, and find yourself a converter.

[eFestivals]

I have the virgin super hub which support gigabit speeds by the way...

then other parts of your network do not, and that's why you're getting the slow speeds you are over your powerlines.

Here's betting that your powerline adapters have 10/100 sockets, and not gigabit ones. Most of the powerline adapters have 10/100, and not 10/1000.

Edited March 5, 2013 by eFestivals

[Paul ™]

I guess the way to find out would be to do some big file transfers (one big file, rather than lots of small ones; it makes a difference, cos traffic gets thru each time the file changes) over wireless and see what effect that has on wireless access out to the 'net from other devices.

[Paul ™]

Here's betting that your powerline adapters have 10/100 sockets, and not gigabit ones. Most of the powerline adapters have 10/100, and not 10/1000.

[eFestivals]

I never mentioned bytes,,,

no, you just mentioned something that made no sense whatsoever.

Anyway, what speed are your powerline adapter sockets? 100mbps, or 1Gbps?

I bet you a hundred quid that they're 100Mbps, and that's the reason why your transfer rates are so slow.

You linked to a review page where they claimed to have all 1Gb kit, and they got 30% lower transfer speed than I'm getting with 100Mbps kit - and you think that review is a good one that informs you of the speed of these adapters.

Get the right kit and test them, and you'll find that your belief that 60Mbps is about what you get from 500Mbps devices is exceedingly wrong.

[Paul ™]

So if I was to go for something like this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-PA511KIT-Gigabit-Powerline-Adapter/dp/B005FVOKM8#productDetails

How would I set that up if am using all 4 ports on my VM Superhub?

I guess I would need to buy a Gigabit switch/hub to give me enough ports, which might be an idea anyway as then I could connect the PS3 too as it's a Gigabit device and am sure 6 port switches ain't too expensive.

Then another switch upstairs and just ditch the old G Router and connect the powerline into the switch along with the devices I guess?

So 2 powerline adaptors and 2 switches would these do?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-SG1005D-Gigabit-Unmanaged-Desktop/dp/B000N99BBC/ref=pd_sim_computers_4

[Paul ™]

I bet you a hundred quid that they're 100Mbps, and that's the reason why your transfer rates are so slow.

[eFestivals]

So if I was to go for something like this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-TL-PA511KIT-Gigabit-Powerline-Adapter/dp/B005FVOKM8#productDetails

that's pretty much what I've got, but 1Gb versions - they'll do the job.

How would I set that up if am using all 4 ports on my VM Superhub?

I guess I would need to buy a Gigabit switch/hub to give me enough ports, which might be an idea anyway as then I could connect the PS3 too as it's a Gigabit device and am sure 6 port switches ain't too expensive.

a gigabit hub should be all you need. For optimal config/speed, try to plug the devices the use the most net data into the router, and the devices that mostly send traffic around the house into the hub.

Then another switch upstairs and just ditch the old G Router and connect the powerline into the switch along with the devices I guess?

So 2 powerline adaptors and 2 switches would these do?

yup.

[eFestivals]

The link he posted as the ones he has were only 10/100

then he's been a twat. Yet again.

[Paul ™]

that's pretty much what I've got, but 1Gb versions - they'll do the job. :)a gigabit hub should be all you need. For optimal config/speed, try to plug the devices the use the most net data into the router, and the devices that mostly send traffic around the house into the hub.yup.

[Paul ™]

then he's been a twat. Yet again.

[eFestivals]

Wrong again.... You just can't help brng wrong with all this can you.

then something with your net work config is very very VERY wrong.

[Paul ™]

The other 10/1000 ports won't slow down if you use a device that can only support 10/100 in one of the other ports.

[eFestivals]

The other 10/1000 ports won't slow down if you use a device that can only support 10/100 in one of the other ports.

it depends which ports.

[eFestivals]

Cheers, didn't think they would affect it.

Do you guys know in simple terms what the fuss is with 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies. I know my current VM Superhub has the option to switch, but the new one will run both at once.

How do I know what one to use and what devices use which?

they're simply the transmission frequency for digital signals. It makes no difference which of the two you use as far as I know.

2.4GHz is the original, I guess 5GHz is a new frequency that's been freed up for public use by changes to the radio spectrum.

[Paul ™]

Nope... They have 10/1000

http://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/xavb5001_ds_25feb1018-6002.pdf

[windy_miller]

Its likely that not all your devices will support 5Ghz (hardly any of mine do), so you are probably better off using 2.4Ghz.

If you can use 5Ghz, then you are less likely to get a channel clash with your neighbours.

[eFestivals]

If you can use 5Ghz, then you are less likely to get a channel clash with your neighbours.

I thought channel clashes with these digital signals was an impossibility? I thought the sender and receiver are 'locked' together by some method?

When I was flying model 'copters, they'd be loads of us in a field all with 2.4GHz transmitters/receivers, with no cross-interference. The same couldn't happen if using analogue transmitters/receivers.

[eFestivals]

PS ... my Pi has just arrived, so i've got all the bits ready now for my kid to put it all together over the next few days. I'm quite looking forwards to seeing him tackle a decent technical task for the first time.

[windy_miller]

I thought channel clashes with these digital signals was an impossibility? I thought the sender and receiver are 'locked' together by some method?

When I was flying model 'copters, they'd be loads of us in a field all with 2.4GHz transmitters/receivers, with no cross-interference. The same couldn't happen if using analogue transmitters/receivers.