Patent ID: 8489344

Claim:
A method of locating a noise producer or signal attenuator and recommending installation of an isolating filter to reduce noise or attenuation at a wall socket that is used to connect a powerline adapter (PLA) to a power line comprising: plugging a first PLA into a power line at a first location in a building, wherein the first PLA to communicate with other PLAs at data rates adapted to noise and attenuation and to forward performance data for diagnostic purposes; plugging a plurality of additional PLAs into power lines at additional locations that are coupled by the power lines to the first PLA, the first PLA collecting effective data rates data for communication with the plurality of additional PLAs, and forwarding the effective data rates data to a diagnostic center; and generating a report at the diagnostic center recommending installation of an isolating filter to reduce noise or attenuation at a wall socket that is used to connect the first PLA to a power line responsive to the forwarded performance data and communications among the first PLA and the plurality of additional PLAs.