Mesh network versus a simple Wi-Fi extender

@soix-

I can’t speak to the improved sound “quality” of streaming but I had previously suffered continuous dropouts and stuttering (for lack of a better description) which was driven by the router. When changing equipment I had been advised to use extenders (Powerline) as opposed to mesh but it was the router that made the real difference (using Amplifi Alien). The extenders have worked out great.

That’s the case at my place. I needed a network connection for a music server- the powerline was the easiest method of achieving that.

We had internet via cable provider until 2 years ago- 7 Mbps was the max up to my place. Finally a cable modem carrier brought lines up to my area so we went with a 250 Mbps service- which is hit and miss. Even with the old service we could stream to two televisions at once but it was always dropping out. Things are much more consistent now.

Believe it or not this is not Alaska but 15 minutes outside of downtown Los Angeles! I live in the foothills about a mile outside of Angeles National Forest.

@soix 

As I had to resort to using a Powerline extender for the purpose of having a network connection direct to my server I did ran a Speedtest just after reading your last post. Please bear in mind that I don’t have the best service in the area I live in- I believe it’s advertised at 250 Mbps.

When sitting 25 feet from the router- no walls to go through the test rang out at 92 Mbps up and 25 down.

Sitting in the same place but changing to the Powerline extenders Wi-Fi (1 floor down- 6 walls to go through) reads 30 Mbps up and 5 down.

If I go to the room where the extender is installed I get 30 Mbps up and 9 down.

That’s more than enough to stream music/video with and gives me a direct connection between extender/server. I’m sure almost anyone has better internet service than I do! Up until 2 years ago our service was advertised at 7Mbps!

Sorry- the last numbers were reversed for the room with the extender. Should read 30 Mbps download and 9 up. Router is Amplifi Alien with Netgear Powerline.