Wireless or Powerline Ethernet
 

So i am trying to decide which is the best / cost effective method for wiring up my new home for a home network. I was originally going to use cat6. but due to unforseen construction this is no longer a possibility. I was wondering what my options are. I need internet access on all 3 floors. (basement, main, 2nd floor).

PoE's cool but not necessary for your installation. Add the money you would save on a power injector and put that towards a pair of quality access points.

You can plug one of these into where your internet comes in, the second you can plug in within range and it will boost your wireless coverage zone from the main floor to the third floor.

WNAP210

Sets up faster than the time it takes to remove the AP from the box ;)

you do know that Powerline Ethernet and POE are 2 totally different technologies right.

POE = Providing power over Ethernet
Powerline Ethernet = Providing ethernet network using existing power lines installed in a house.

Wireless is always more cost effective. the question is whether or not you need transfer speeds and/or HD media streaming bandwidth.

Powerline > wireless, you can get a 200mbit kit for $99

powerline is going be faster, wireless is going to be cheaper... all depends on your needs and budget

HAW!!!! I forgot Power line Ethernet even existed, must be why I was thinking PoE when I saw the word "power"

:doh:

any preference on brand (tp-link, trendnet, netgear, etc)

Does anyone know if Powerline is a good idea say in an apartment suite?

I'm using the Linksys PLK300 kit and like it. However, the encryption caused connection issues for me, but works flawlessly when turned off. If you are in a house, then I would say the encryption is not as important...if you were in an apartment, then I would say its more important.

What I really liked about the PLK300 was that it connected to the wall using a regular power cord. Many of the units I looked at were a large adapter-type that seemed to block the second outlet.