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Sunday, March 27, 2011

Power over Ethernet networks can replace wireless and be used for streaming media

Rightardia wrote an earlier article on how simple it was to add a Power Over Ethernet (POE) node to our network.

Rather than running another 100 meter cable and crawling around the ceiling, one POE device can to be plugged into the wall near the router and another node plugged anywhere else in a building, as long as both are in the same electrical zone.
D-Link DHP-307AV kit

One Ethernet cable has to be plugged into spare Ethernet port into the router and the other into the remote node to whatever PC or laptop needs the connection.

Be aware that many businesses and homes have more than one electrical zone. If the router-side and remote node is in a different electrical zones, the POE connection will not work.

Our facility is large so we were elated when the first node came up. Once the router side POE connection is working, additional POE nodes can easily be added.

First, we put a third adapter near our Netflix ROKU client and used a 20 foot Ethernet cable for the wired connection. Now the streaming media connects are far faster and we max out on Netflix HD video quality every time with four bars.

We also replaced a Wireless 802.11N connection on a laptop in a conference room with a POE connection. It also is far faster and  been totally reliable--no more time outs and DHCP refreshes. 

Rightardia now has three POE Ethernet remote connections and a fourth connection to a cable modem/router.

POE seems to be the best way to go for ad hoc Ethernet connections. At about $50 per drop, the price is competitive with a cable run from the router to a new location.

POE is faster and more reliable than wireless. It is more suitable for streaming media as well.

See http://rightardia.blogspot.com/2011/03/power-over-etherlnk-is-home-wireless.html

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