Using Bridge Mode to Connect Devices That Have Ethernet, but No Wi-Fi

darkmattersunB6c0MV on 10/09/2020 - 21:59

Since there is no separate Networking Section, posting it here.
Ok, have an old Linksys that I flashed DDWRT firmware on, and used in bridge mode to connect my TV, BluRay, Receiver etc, that did not have WiFi, but Ethernet port.
Sometime back, got NBN and use a Netgear Router R7000- the network changed including the name and password. Didn't need to connect the TV etc, as was using Chromecast to stream. Now with the smart devices at home, decided to put them on a separate network, so used a Telstra Sagemcom F@ST 5355 as the primary router, and paired it with the Netgear R7000 tonight so I don't have to change the setting for all IOT devices. Easier to change the wifi for laptops and mobiles. All works fine. But then, decided to update the firmware of the TV, BluRay, Receiver etc- atleast connect them to the internet. I know that the easiest way probably is to get a powerline adapter, and move the R7000 closer to the devices ( all are together, next to the TV). Alternatively, get a powerline adapter and a switch. Third (non desirable) is to create a bridge mode to connect the two devices wirelessly. That leads to degraded quality of service is what I have heard. And Linksys with DDWRT is another option, but that is the LAST option, as it has a very old firmware that I flashed several years back, and it only did 2.4GHz.
Does the powerline adapter work in flats/ apartments? How is the performance.

Any suggestions on what are my best options?
Thanks in advance,
kind regards,
VP

Internet

Comments

  • randomusername2017 on 10/09/2020 - 23:06

    What do you mean by…

    All works fine. But then, decided to update the firmware of the TV, BluRay, Receiver etc- atleast connect them to the internet.

    Have you considered one of the many mesh options with a switch attached to connect your ethernet only devices?

    • darkmattersunB6c0MV on 10/09/2020 - 23:11

      What I mean is both the network work done, and IOT on one network, while the personal devices on another.
      Mesh would be a tad expensive (?) and lower performance as compared to powerline adapter, wouldn't it? Since I already have the routers, and need the two networks. Could potentially have just one router and two networks ( guest networks), but already have two routers that work fine.
      Thanks for the advice.
      Cheers.

      • TimeWaster on 10/09/2020 - 23:38

        Have you considered cheaper mesh systems like this? The Tenda has been on sale for a bit cheaper, but its current price is not that much more expensive. You’d be looking at a similar price for 500Mbs+ power line adapters, but you have the benefit of an expanded wifi coverage and each mesh point has 2x LAN ports for you LAN devices.

        • darkmattersunB6c0MV on 11/09/2020 - 06:33

          Thanks. Seems very tempting, and priced well.
          Is the reliability of signal good?
          Thanks again.

  • XeSSiV on 11/09/2020 - 01:38

    To answer your question, I'd think that because you're in an apartment, the chances are higher that the Powerline would work fine in your situation, due to less circuits in smaller dwellings. See if you can borrow a Powerline and give it a go, then make your decision after that. For testing I guess you could flip the circuit breaker and if the TV and router both turn off on the same breaker then you're in luck.

    PS: your story is quite confusing. I'd add a TL;DR if I was you

  • geek001 on 11/09/2020 - 08:39

    I am using powerline adapters. My experience so far has been not bad, the latency is obviously much better than on wifi so much so that you can feel it a little. Clicking on options on the remote just feels a bit more responsive when streaming from the internet.

    However, every 6 months or so, I needed to reset the powerline adapters. The procedure is pretty simple to resync all the adapters, but I had one behind a fridge, so if I needed to resync it, I need to pull out the fridge to do it. Also, sometimes for some unknown reason, the "network" can get congested and slows to a crawl for a little while, this is intermittent and I am not sure if it is my ISP or the wiring or someone turning on the microwave. Also, you will probably not get anywhere near the advertised speeds for powerline adapters.I would say maybe on average you only get about 25% of the advertised speed depending on how long/good your electrical wiring is.

  • darkmattersunB6c0MV on 30/09/2020 - 11:47

    Got powerline adapters a couple of weeks back and they have worked quite satisfactorily. Now have two routers running different networks- one for the personal devices and one for the IOT devices / Google Homes.
    Thanks for the suggestions.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join