Larry,
As for Powerline modems, I like using the Sunnyboy ones, as I know they will work at the frequency needed. There are regulated frequencies for Powerlines, so that for example, baby monitor Powerlines use a slightly different spectrum, so other devices don't interfere. In fact, while we can't legally use Powerlines in the UK on government funded housing projects, they would not really bother the baby monitors, but regs are regs.
What you can use instead of buying a SB controller, though, is an SMA SWA-comm device, which allows you to use your laptop to communicate using Sunny Data.
Works great!
Good luck,
Robert Warren
robert.warren@solarcentury.co.uk