Warning - using HomePlug Mains network adapters wi...

Question

Thanks to working with the kind mods from BT I've now figured out the cause of my Infinity "go slow".
Been using Homeplug Turbo 85Mbps network adaptors to connect from the Hub to the PC in my Study (upstairs, when the hub is downstairs).
Despite initial tests showing around 30Mbps download on the laptop (wireless), I typically got 7-15Mpbs download on the PC. The wireless laptop also slowed down to similar speeds, although this improved to around 15-20Mbps after the mods had looked at the line, although the PC stayed slow. 
However connecting direct to the hub and disconnecting the Homeplugs gave over 30Mbps again.
With the old Adsl I only got around 2.5Mbps and the Homeplugs were fine.
The Homeplugs are the 85Mbps Turbo model and the monitor app says they are connected at 70Mbps, hence you might reasonably expect them to handle around 30Mbps of traffic.
So be warned, the Homeplugs (or I expect other Mains-borne network devices) don't give the throughput they claim on the box, or on the monitor app !
Reading around on the internet since, it looks like you can only expect around 10-15Mbps in reasonable conditions, hence why the speeds were slow. The variation in speeds seen is probably due to the amount of electrical devices in use in the house/nearby - the performance was better in the morning (daytime, less lights, less TVs etc.) than evenings (lights, TVs etc.)
Hope this might help someone else wondering why their Infinity is slow when using these devices.
Now, got to go, I've got to run some Cat5 through the house to downstairs...

Answer 1

seab20 wrote:
cat5e is fine for gigabit, cat 6 is made for upto 10gbps. Basically its just better shielded, higher quality cable. There is no downside its preparing for future upgrades and it doesnt cost much more than cat5e
[Q] What is the difference between CAT 6 and CAT 5e cable?
[A] Currently there is a great deal of confusion among Ethernet cable buyers concerning whether to purchase Cat5e, or to use Cat6. Most of this confusion comes from a misunderstanding by the buyer that buying Cat6 cable will give them an "all gigabit" network. This is not the case. Unless every single component in the network is gigabit rated, then you will never have a gigabit network, because your network will always run at the speed of your slowest device. Cat5e cable of good quality can run near or at gigabit speeds, it just cannot be "certified" for this use. By comparison, Cat6 is designed especially for gigabit use, and is certified to operate at said speed. It becomes a matter of whether or not you want to pay all that extra money, for little or no noticeable improvement in the performance of you network. In most cases, it makes more sense to go with Cat5e. It is for this reason that most of your new installations in the private sector are going with Cat5e. It is more economical, performs well, and is readily available in many colors. Many IT professionals when asked about why they specified Cat6 for a specific job, often responded stated that they "wanted the best they could get." This is the line of thought behind many purchases of cable. The average consumer often is not aware that there is no real benefit to them to use Cat6, so they let someone talk them in to buying it.
Q. There is smoke coming out of my open reach box... so can I have a new one.
A. Sorry sir, The fault is showing at the exchange so your box should be ok.
BRING BACK UK CALL CENTRES!!!!!