Network your computers using mains power

Wireless networking is great, but when you struggle to get a signal in certain rooms or are plagued by slow speeds, it can be frustrating. If this sounds all too familiar, powerline networking could be just what you are after.

As its name suggests, powerline networking uses your home’s existing mains wiring to connect computers and other devices to your network.

It might sound complicated, but it’s incredibly easy to set up and use. Powerline networking also offers a far more reliable network compared to wireless and in many cases it’s faster too.

In this Masterclass you will find out how it works, what it costs and how to set up your own powerline network.

The basics of powerline
Using your mains wiring as a network might sound dangerous, but don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe. In a nutshell, powerline networking sends data signals along the same wires that carry your mains supply.

The big advantage is that every power socket in your home – whether it’s in the loft, the garage or the shed – becomes a potential network point.

In order to use your mains wiring as a network, you need to purchase at least two powerline adapters (we will discuss what is available and how much they are likely to cost in a moment).

About the same size as a timer switch, most powerline adapters plug directly into a standard three-pin wall socket. Situated on the adapter (usually on the left or right side) you will find a network port just like the one on your desktop PC or laptop.

This port lets you connect the adapter to a PC or router using an Ethernet cable; this cable is often included as part of the powerline adapter package.

Although it’s possible to set up a network that consists solely of powerline adapters, the most common use for powerline is to attach a computer to your existing wireless network.

To do this, a powerline adapter will need to be attached to your router – all you need to do is locate a spare power socket, plug in the powerline adapter and then attach it to one of the spare network ports on the router.

Next connect the PC to another powerline adapter in another mains socket. After a short wait (usually no more than a few seconds), the powerline adapters will start communicating with each other.

The end result is that the PC connected to the powerline adapter will gain internet access from the router and will be part of your home network.