PC Help: Wireless woes

Q I know wireless is regarded as the best way to make a network but for a variety of reasons I am not interested in doing so. I don't want RF pollution in my house.

However, I do have two computers in different rooms and a broadband connection (using a USB modem) that I would like to share between them.

I’m sure this is simple to do but PC magazines seem to only push, review and advise on wireless networks.

A We recommend wireless networking, because for most people it’s the most convenient way of connecting computers together.

That said, it’s not without its flaws. Anyone with a house that is big or has thick stone walls might have connection troubles and wireless devices can be tricky to set up.

We don’t think there’s anything to worry about with regards to RF pollution though. There have been no conclusive studies showing a link between the radiation produced by Wifi and ill effects in humans.

One common theory involves electromagnetic hypersensitivity, where a small minority of people report being very sensitive to radio waves of this kind but again, too little research has been done to substantiate these claims.

Back to the practical question, however. Our favourite way to connect up a house is using powerline networking, commonly known as Homeplug, which is the name of the industry standard.

Instead of stringing network cables across your house, you buy special mains plug adapters that connect to the computer using a network cable. The data is transmitted through your home mains wiring to another Homeplug adapter, which is connected to the router.

We recommend Devolo products, which are simple to set up and use, although other manufacturers make similar devices. Read our review of a Devolo product here.

They’re available from most computer shops and online stores and a two-adapter pack costs about £70. There are no unsightly extra cables, and you avoid the potential hassle of wireless.