Powerline: the next big thing?

Helpful downloads

View network traffic

CommView is a network monitor that provides a picture of traffic flowing through a PC or LAN segment. It captures every packet on the wire to display important information such as connections, vital statistics and protocol distribution charts. An evaluation version is available.

Control things from afar

An investment of US$35 buys you a secure remote-access program called Remote Administrator. The interface is spartan, but offers an easy method of accessing a remote computer through a simple but secure IP connection. Check out the 30-day free trial.

Pinpoint problems

As well as displaying response times and the number of lost packets, PingPlotter can alert you to server shutdowns by email. You can scale the time graph to 48 hours for long-term monitoring and add comments. The program also gives an overview of the packet route. A freeware version is available.

RegToy, a pretty little freebie tool, tweaks your Registry to optimize computer performance, but the implications of making a change aren't explained. Changes are immediate in most cases, and users will need to know the consequences of altering each setting. Note that the program needs .Net Framework 2.0.

Tips & tricks

Change HomePlus default password

All HomePlug 1.0-compliant devices secure transmissions by default using 56bit DES (Data Encryption Standard). However, it's a good idea to change the default security password to stop other nearby HomePlug devices joining your network.

Changing the password requires you to enter a unique 16-character code, found on the underside of each unit, into a web- or Windows-based utility.

You need to enter the security codes only once and you can apply changes to all the devices on the network simultaneously.

Troubleshoot your Powerline network

To test whether a house's electrical wiring is contributing to Powerline problems, connect units in the same room. Examples of potential problems include old fuse boxes and wiring that doesn't meet modern building codes.

If you've moved a Powerline unit or disconnected the cables, your other network devices may need about five minutes to refresh their information about the Powerline's current status. If you changed the default network password, make sure all the Powerline products use the same network password.

Useful products

Devolo Duo LAN

A Powerline mains socket device with the novelty of two sockets on each unit, one ethernet port and one USB port, so it's a bit more flexible than the standard Powerline device.

Cost: £45 inc VAT

Web: www.devolo.co.uk

USR 9620 USB VOIP adapter

Connect a normal phone to the 9620 and you can make either normal calls or VOIP (voice over IP) calls via Skype, giving you the best of both worlds.

Cost: £60 inc VAT

Web: www.usr-emea.com