This was posted 11 years 8 months 12 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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WD Livewire $78.45 (Inc Delivery)

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Hey guys,

This device will allow you to share an ethernet connection using your existing power lines.

I currently use this to extend my wireless network between floors. I find the connection is much faster and more stable than wireless. Streaming HD videos is no problem.

I've been watching this item for awhile because I wanted to add it to my existing network.

According to http://camelcamelcamel.com/Western-Digital-Livewire-Powerlin… it is at its cheapest price ever.

If this post has helped you in anyway please order it using my affiliate link http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VWY0VY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_…

UPDATE: This device is compatible with 240V, but you'll need a 'US to AUD' wall plug or a '2 pin cable' like this one.
http://www.auspcmarket.com.au/assets/200/products/6b7f18f1f9…

Enjoy it !

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

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  • +1

    Looks like a good deal EoP + Switches. Too bad I've got 4x Netgear XAVB5501 which I bought for $150 a pair about a year ago. Regardless, it's a good deal for those who do not want to rewire your house. I would certainly prefer rewiring if I own my on hut ;)

  • Is this 120-240V?

    • +1

      If you look at one of the picture carefully,you will see the 100-240V mark on power plug part.

      You can grab an AU Standard Cable for $5 locally, this small unit has internal power converter, so just need a simple cable change it will solve the "NON-AU" Standard issue.

  • Nice find, only problem is will this work with the Australian power supply? As the voltages are different?

    • This device is compatible with 100v-240v so you can use it in Australia. However, you'll need to get an adapter that changes that shape of the plug. In my case, I had some 2pin cables from unused electronic devices so I substituted the cable, instead of buying an adapter.

      http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5m-AU-2-Pin-Figure-8-Plug-240V-Ma…

      These are the cables I'm talking about. They are really common, check if you have spares before purchasing them.

  • It doesn't specify if these are multi voltage on amazon. A lot of stuff is these days but given the nature of these devices they may not be.

    • Bought it last time, it is compatible with 240v.

  • +2

    I did find this though:

    "The adapters automatically support the voltage ranging from 100V to 240V, meaning they can be used anywhere in the world."

    @ http://reviews.cnet.com/bridges/western-digital-wd-livewire/…

  • +1

    I bought (and posted here http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/64875) this device 6months ago.

    It's dual voltage so no problem in Australia. Just find the figure-8 cable or use a plug adapter.
    Being a cheapass, I just used a pair of pliers to bend the plugs to fit into the power point.

    It's works excellent out of box. Stream video between 2 floors without problem.

    Recommend if you want a more stable network than wifi.

    • +1
      > I just used a pair of pliers to bend the plugs to fit into the power point
      

      You bent US plug prongs to fit an AU socket?

    • +1

      Bending the US plug. It had never occured to me to do such a thing. You Sir, are a true OzBargainer.

      • He he, thanks, but I only followed that suggestion from one of a members here.

        I wouldn't recommend do it on something that you may plug/unplug regularly though. 2 of my Livewire stay permanently same place (one in living room, one next to the router) so it fine.

  • I don't know anything about this techonology and I'm sure I'll sound stupid but here it goes anyway.
    Does it interfere with electricity supply in any way that could cause a fire?
    My house also has solar panels

    *Eidt: And how does this WD compare to the TP_link one that's #1 in its category at the moment?

    • Fair questions IMO.

    • Hi goofy456852 It should definitely not affect you electricity supply to cause a fire, all this unit does is it uses the electricity supply as a carrier signal and then modulates the data signal over this carrier signal. Its quite ingenious however I think you can only get like 200M bandwidth out of it. Also your solar panels won't be a factor in this as they should be separated from the circuit by the Inverter which should have protection in place to remove all noise.

      • Thanks Lv1pro! That was very helpful :)

  • +1

    Weird, WD list this item is capable of 200 mbps, but on the CNET reviewed they said it reached a max of 40 Megabits p/s? That's a HUGE difference aint it?

    Also, it said it struggled to stream 1080p content smoothly. Great…just wasted $80 AUD :S

    Should've just wired some CAT6 instead…arrgh!

    CHOICE also gave it a not so good review…doh

    • Thats about what my dLan 200 AVdesk would do, well about 45mbit… in most cases however it was enough to stream typical 1080p downloads, but not enough for raw bluray rips. This was a good 6 years ago, I would have thought things would be faster by now!

      I only put Cat5e in, but it certainly far better than the powerline ethernet system, in particular when several devices need to use it at once.

  • I got this from JB (A$99) last month and it runs between 100 - 135 mbps (only using one port, unsure about using multiple ports)
    It's dead easy to set up
    Just got one more from this deal. No comment on full HD streaming as I did not use it for that.

  • Do you need two of these for it to work (ie one at both ends)? Or just one?

    • I was wondering this as well? is this for one device only, if so shouldn't this be priced as a double unit?

      • you need two. One for connection to your router/modem and one for the receiving end, ie your pc, media player,smart tv etc

        • +5

          The package has 2 units included. You only have to buy 1 pack.

  • Does it come in two units? A sender and receiver?

    Just only 1 receiver?

    • +1

      Comes with 2 units…there's no "sender and receiver" per say.

      Both units can send and receive packets across your power lines…

  • +1

    Just purchased….Thanks OP

  • -1

    For australian plug Get this for $1

    http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/160853411340

  • For power lead, this one seems the cheapest (@US $2.99) but I could be wrong. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251086828221

  • +1

    This may interest some - was USD40 a day or so ago…appeared on slickdeals.net

    http://camelcamelcamel.com/TP-Link-Powerline-TL-PA211-STARTE…

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