Powerline LAN Connection question?

[rezaktp]

Can the APEX firmware be updates via a powerline connection, or do you need to still have it plugged in directly to the router?

[bazineta]

It might work.

The problem with wireless updates in general is that the consumer is typically looking to spend the absolute minimum amount of money possible on a wireless adapter, and with technology you get what you pay for. In the case of 'this is the absolute cheapest wireless adapter I could find anywhere', that often means something that drops packets somewhat frequently.

In general usage, that's often ok, since the connected network stations will note the drop and retransmit the packet.

In the case of a firmware update, you are in essence replacing the Apex's brain on the fly, and that's somewhat traumatic for it. It can deal with some drops, but enough of them will hopelessly confuse the process and you end up with a bricked Apex.

In contrast, a cable doesn't arbitrarily drop packets in order to meet a price point, so that's why it's recommended to always do the update hardwired. Bottom line, it depends on the quality of the power line bridge in use.

[aquamanic]

Yup. What he said.


Alan