Routing a server into a homeplug network.

[Lonerider]

I'm currently using a pair of AV200 homeplugs to link my main desktop to the internet. I just got the house plugged into a fiber plan (100Mbs). I'm in the midst of building a WHS and wondering the order the server should be plugged into my LAN.

Ideally I'd do CAT5e but it's a no go... the missus won't have trunking running all over the house. Routing is a major pain as the house was built to be "bombproof" (if there is such a thing). Most of the walls are 2 feet thick reinforced concrete and the server will be placed in the bomb shelter which has even thicker walls and a 400lbs steel door.

 

[Lonerider]

Currently configuration is as follows...

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt107/SG_Knife_Collector/Capture1.png

Total of 2 homeplugs and 2 clients. I'm planning to add a WHS and an HTPC into the network.

Questions...

1. I'm going to add another 2 homeplugs; 1 for the server (in the bomb shelter) and another in our bedroom for the HTPC. I know homeplug AV200 can handle the extra pair but how should I pair them up? Should I pair all 4 together?
2. Will moving to AV500 improve transfer rates? Currently this is the speed I am getting off client 2.

http://www.speedtest.net/result/1745835194.png

As you can see I'm hitting 70Mbs and upload of 30Mbs. Client 1 which is connected direct to the RG is hitting max bandwidth consistenly at 90+Mbs download and 40+Mbs upload. Will upgrading to AV500 improve access speed to the internet? The thing is so far the speed is consistent. It's not blazing fast but it's rock solid.

Occasionally I have noticed some judder watching 1080p clips on client 1 (file stored on client 2). This sometimes occur when I skip to different parts of the clip.

Will upgrading to AV500 solve the judders?
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[Lonerider]

Just noticed I can't insert photos into the thread unless I insert it as an attachment.

 

[thiggins]

Moving to 500 Mbps powerline will provide more throughput. Check the Powerline Charts and reviews. 500 Mbps will provide both higher per-link and total throughput. You can put all the adapters on the same network.

Get a pair of 500 Mbps adapters and try them out. If you like them, I'd move all the adapters to 500 Mbps. 500 and 200Mbps HomePlug AV adapters will interoperate. But if both kinds of adapters are active simultaneously, the 200 Mbps pair will slow down the 500 Mbps pair.