Question 1

Can I set this device up without Microsoft Windows (TM)?

I only use Linux.

Accepted Answer

This device does not require a computer to interface to, so I'm not quite sure what you're asking. This essentially treats your power wires (copper) in the walls of your home as a data cable. Unfortunately data seems to cap depending on the quality of copper used, and in most homes that results in data speeds of no more than 20-25Mbps.

That said, you don't even have to interface this to a computer per se'. You could simply use it to connect an AP to a router in a different part of your home. So in short, yes it will work on Linux and any other device with an ethernet female port on it.

Question 2

what is the purpose of this device?

Accepted Answer

This allows you to use the electrical wires in a household to send data/internet. It's suppose to be better than WiFi since it's a hardline, but not necessarily better than Ethernet.

One end will be plugged and connected to the router/modem. The other end will be in a separate room in the house and connected to a router or device that needs internet through Ethernet cable. This will thus allow you to have internet without having a Ethernet cable routed through the house and is a substitute if WiFi is unreliable.

Question 3

I have a  home WD livewire power line network but would like to add additional connection sites and was wondering if these were compatible with the WD livewire system?

Accepted Answer

I would say Yes but do some research online. trendnet does say they support other brand adapters. but you never know unless you either do it your self or search online.

Question 4

If I purchase 2 of these, does each est have to have a wired connection to the router, or can i have one connected to the router and the other three connected to devices?....i know it sounds confusing..

Accepted Answer

Only one has to be connected to your router if you want them all on the same network. The one connected to the router is the "host" for lack of a better word. The rest will connect as "clients."

Question 5

Do I have to have direct access to the router to use this?

Accepted Answer

generally yes.  if you want internet access then one of these should be wired (ethernet) to the router, then the other to the remote computer.  the remote computer should then have access to your internet connection and also any other computers on your home network.  you 'might' be able to just connect 2 computers together using this, but i haven't tried it.

Questions & Answers