http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=533
Direct connection to ethernet switch on 3rd floor (I have a Netgear 802.11b/Ethernet switch)
- 92mbps
Connection from 2nd floor
- Using 802.11b = 4.8mbps
- Using DHP-301 = 41mbps
Connection from the 1st floor
- Using 802.11b = 3.6mbps
- Using DHP-301 = 27mbps
As you can see from the tests, the powerline network devices yielded much better performance than 802.11b. Would newer wireless technologies equal or beat powerline networking? Perhaps, but I don't have the equipment to test them.
The advantages of powerline networking are that you can easily connect devices such as video game consoles and DVRs that only have an ethernet jack. It's also useful for government laptops that don't allow wireless. The performance will also beat wireless if there are alot of obstructions like reinforced concrete between floors.
The disadvantages are that powerline networking creates annoying interference for analog devices like baby monitors. It's also sometimes hard to find a free outlet near your devices. (You need an empty outlet, powerstrips won't work)
