To test the performance of the WD Livewire Powerline AV network kit, I used Ixia's Qcheck software. Built using IxChariot technology, Qcheck is capable of testing a network's throughput and response time as well as the packet loss of data streamed between two endpoints.
For this test, I set up two endpoints. The first was a Dell Optiplex GX620 running Windows 7 Enterprise. This computer was located in my office and, depending on the test, was connected to either a 100Mbit switch or one of the Livewire adapters. The second endpoint was my Asus Eee PC 1201N netbook. This computer also runs Windows 7 Enterprise and was the one where the tests were controlled from. For the wireless tests, a Linksys WRT54GS 802.11g router was used.
The wireless and powerline network tests were run from two different locations. The first location was my downstairs bathroom. While only about 30' away from my office, there are concrete walls and metal ducts in between the two. The second location was the master bathroom. This room is located on the opposite side of the house. However, its a straight shot with only the ceiling and a few plaster walls separating the two.
First we'll take a look at the TCP and UDP throughput of the WD Livewire kit. For this test, I set the data size in Qcheck to 1000 kBytes.
As you'd expect, the Livewire's TCP throughput fell somewhere in between Ethernet and wireless. In the first location, I saw speeds as high as 52 Mbps. Farther away though, the throughput dropped down to about 39 Mbps. The Livewire's UDP throughput was not nearly as fast though. It peaked at 11 Mbps which was about 7 Mbs slower than wireless.
If you've ever played an online game, you know that response time is just as important as throughput. Using Qcheck, I tested the average and maximum TCP response times of the WD Livewire kit.
The Livewire's response times were slightly higher than what I saw with Ethernet or wireless. The performance was still quite good though, considering the difference was only a couple of milliseconds.
I also ran Qcheck's UDP streaming test to see if there was any data loss across the various networks. The test was run for 30 seconds with the data rate set to 1000kbps. While my wireless connection would occasionally lose some of the data, the WD Livewire kit passed this test with flying colors.
Lastly, I streamed a few high-def videos from my TVersity Media Server to my PS3. When done over wireless, there are normally a few sections where the video would be choppy or pause during playback. However, with the PS3 plugged into one of the Livewire adapters, everything played back smoothly from start to finish.
Final Thoughts:
The WD Livewire Powerline AV network kit is a great solution for anyone looking for a hassle free way to expand their home network. With no holes to drill or cables to be run, setup can be done in a matter of minutes. Simply plug the powerline adapters into your electrical outlets to create a network connection anywhere in your home. The Livewire's performance was also surprisingly good. While it didn't come close to reaching its maximum transfer speed in my tests, the throughput was more than enough to stream 1080p HD video. The Livewire adapters also feature 128-bit encryption and come equipped with four Ethernet ports which allow you to plug in multiple devices without the need for an additional switch.
The WD Livewire Powerline AV network kit is available now and can be purchased for around $100 through Amazon as well as some of the vendors on PriceGrabber.
Highs:
- Very easy to setup
- Four Ethernet ports on each adapter
- Fast enough for 1080p HD video streaming
- Data transfer protected by 128-bit encryption
- Works with other HomePlug AV devices
- Reasonably priced
Lows:
- WD Livewire Utility is Windows only
- Does not work with power strips or surge protectors
- Only a 1 year warranty in North America
