Compare Wi-Fi and powerline technology for handling big data moves.
Compare Wi-Fi and powerline technology for handling big data moves.
I need to consider how Wi-Fi or powerline would perform for this task. Right now, a wired connection isn't possible in my bedroom, so I'm evaluating wireless options. The bridge I have provides fast speeds, but I'm curious if Wi-Fi could actually lag during large transfers despite its good quality. Powerline offers higher bandwidth but only with two units and requires plugging into the main breaker.
I rely on powerline connections, though they support gigabit speeds. In practice, I only achieve around 5 megabytes per second. For frequent large file transfers, it’s best to have your home fully wired.
I've had positive results with powerline speed, and the wiring in my old home was still in good shape. As long as you're using just a few adapters and not linking the basement office to the second-floor bedroom, it should work fine.
The issue is probably with the Ethernet port on your motherboard, especially if it's a Gigabit port using AC1300 WiFi. Combining both channels and controlling the power line can help maintain the desired speed.
That's the full picture. You can only choose between 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, not both simultaneously. It's not just about the AP's capabilities; you must also consider the device itself. For instance, many laptop AC cards reach around 867 Mbps on 5 GHz, whereas desktop PCIe cards are often advertised for faster speeds.
Also the router's location and the number of objects between you and it affect the speed. For instance (these aren't actual values, just for showing), if I'm 20 feet away, on AC I'd get 800 Mbps but with two walls in between at the same distance my speed drops to 400 Mbps because of signal loss.