Need to add a computer upstairs in our house, but the router is downstairs.

Looking at Wifi, but I found this Powerline network system which seems cheaper and seems more stable

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Actiontec---500-Mbps-Powerline-Home-Theater-Network-Adapter-Kit/5215483.p?id=1218625358741&skuId=5215483

or

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Tp-Link+-+TL-PA211+AV200+Mini+Powerline+Starter+Kit/4359873.p?id=1218475570165&skuId=4359873&st=powerline&cp=4&lp=5

These looks really good, no new wires, just plug one powerline adapter into a power plug near the router (correct?) and the other on plug in a socket near the computer.

Seems like a simple set up, and they say 500 Mbps which seems fast, good enough for gaming (right?)

Look like there is a LOT of adapters to choose from, but some are HomePlug certified, and some are not (the above are).

These both have HomePlug certification, is it important? Is HomePlug certified faster?

Anyone using Powerline, and how do they like it so far?I used a similar setup for a set of so-called Radio Shack wireless intercoms that used outlets as a transmission for voice. Worked ok if on the same breaker for both of them, but didnt work when one was on an outlet connected to 1 breaker and another was connected to another. Might have been transmission on the HOT poles and the 2 outlets could have been different phases. Not sure if same limitations for transmission apply to these where they have to be on same phase to work.

Update: You can run into issues with different circuits on different phases, but generally it’s totally plug and play.

Confirmation that these are same as the Radio Shack intercoms I had and have to be on same phase.
http://apcmag.com/power-me-up-tp-link-tl-pa211-powerline-adapter-review.htmMy general understanding of PowerLine adapters is that they are mediocre at best. On rare occasions they work great, but the vast majority of the time you're not going to approach near ethernet speeds. If you're on a slow INTERNET connection (like the lowest level that the cable/DSL company offers) you're probably not going to see a giant speed difference vs regular ethernet but you will always see increased lag. If you want to try out a system like this, just make sure you buy from a source that allows returns if the system doesn't perform to expectations.Something else you may wish to CONSIDER is a WI=FI extender.
http://wi-fi-booster-review.toptenreviews.com/
This site should only be used as a provider of knowledge and information. I feel certain a Google search can produce better prices. For instance yesterday's offering from Tiger Direct was promoting one for $29.95 on-line. truenorthTouching on what Ninjatex was getting at, but not stated. The ethernet adapter and other hardware also 'could' limit it to not be 500mbps, such as if it were a 10 mbps or 100mbps device connected to it. So if you have a 100mbps switch or router 'switch' tap to one of these the maximum would be 100mbps to the router or switch, and then bottlenecked further by your ISP connection. As well as if the device connected at the far end is 10mbps, then 10mbps is max bandwidth.

I also agree with Truenorth on the wifi wireless ( radio ) type extender vs using house wiring. But distance and obstructions between point A and B have to be taken into consideration. If you have a strong signal wireless G for example it may be 54mbps, while if you have 1 bar signal the sync rate might be like 2mbps to maintain the handshake.

As far as extenders go I have only used Copperlink ( private dsl type bridges ) for site to site over copper pair between buildings 2 miles APPART as well a Linksys Wireless BRIDGE to tap into existing Wifi from router etc and convert that to Cat5 connection to device such as an NHOST inspection computer at a service center which I made mobile bu use of a UPS at the base of it to unplug power and wheel it to a vehicle and run off UPS power to perform diagnostic and used wifi to report Pass or Fail for inspection back to the state of New Hampshire. These were kiosks, so I couldnt just install a wifi NIC.