Power-line networking (PLN) or power-line communications (PLC), are terms describing several different systems for using power distribution wires for the simultaneous distribution of data. The carrier can communicate voice and data by superimposing a signal over the standard 50 or 60 Hz alternating current (AC).
Panasonic HD-PLC Ethernet Adapter
Dividing walls and multiple floors can make it difficult to employ IEE802.11b/g wireless networking, particularly if you want to move big files or employ media streaming. Power-line networking is not a new concept but interest in media streaming has given it a new impetus. Mains wiring is relatively robust and is neatly integrated making power-line networking an attractive option. As the use of continues to grow, many appliances will come equipped with HD-PLC (High Definition Power Line Communication).
How Does it Work?
Each HD-PLC adaptor has an AC mains cord that plugs into a wall outlet. This connection not only powers the adaptor, but also allows the adaptor to send data to and from the other adaptors over your existing mains wiring. Each adaptor also has a LAN jack, which connects to an Ethernet network device (broadband router, hub, computer, network printer, network camera, etc).
An HD-PLC network contains at least 2 adaptors. One, and only one, adaptor must be configured as the master. All other adaptors are configured as terminals. A maximum of 15 terminals per network is recommended. An adaptor is configured as either a master or a terminal during registration.
The Panasonic HD-PLC Ethernet Adaptor can achieve file-transfer rates of over 2MB/sec. [See Panasonic HD-PLC - Ethernet Adaptor]
Panasonic HD-PLC Ethernet Adapter - Features
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Connect Through Any AC Outlet in Your Home (See Notes 1,2,3)
The HD-PLC Ethernet adaptor makes it possible for your home electrical wiring to serve as a link between your PC and modem. Getting online access is as easy as plugging into a power outlet. You can move your PC and connect to the Internet anywhere there is a power outlet in your home!
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HD-PLC as the Core of a Home Network
Home networks will soon provide IP "triple play" services - IP phone, audio/video distribution, and data communications - using advanced infrastructure. This requires networks that offer large capacity and high speed, while preventing any information leaks from the network and offering both easy use and reliability. The solution is the Panasonic HD-PLC, which permits easy, convenient Internet connection through ordinary AC outlets. The technology provides outstanding speed, capacity and security, while eliminating the need to route new cables throughout the home.
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Easy Set-up - No PC Required
There's no tricky installation or complicated settings. Just take the BL-PA100A out of the box and plug it into the power outlet (See Note 4). Set up the other equipment on the network, such as routers and PCs, as described in their respective instructions.
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Economy – No Wiring needed
No need to drill holes in the wall or use unsightly cables. Because you can use your existing electrical wiring and power outlets, you save the expense of wiring. You also don't need to extend any cable modem or router cables to your PC, so there is no need to drill holes or run cables along the floor or wall.
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Fast
With speeds up to 190 Mbps (see Note 5).
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High Reliability
The HD-PLC Ethernet Adaptor comes standard with AES (see Note 6) 128-bit encryption, and the security settings are made automatically without the need for a PC.
Notes
1
This product may not function normally in certain electrical environments. Certain electrical devices such as hair dryers or vacuum cleaners emit electrical noise, and may interfere with the performance of this product. Additionally, the electrical conditions in your home (wiring, breaker, etc.) may prevent this product from functioning normally.
2
This product may interfere with short wave radios, lights or lamps which have a dimmer switch or a touch-sensitive on/off feature, or other PLC adaptors which do not use the HD-PLC standard.
3
Connecting this product to a power strip which has a noise filter or surge protector may interfere with the performace of this product. For best results, please connect this product directly to a wall outlet.
4
When connecting this product to other network devices (router, modem, etc.), refer to the operating instructions included with the network device for set up and configuration information.
5
This is the theoretical maximum data transmission speed.
6
AES stands for Advanced Encryption Standard. It is a next-generation encryption standard approved in 2001 by the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), an organization under the U.S. Department of Commerce, as a standard encryption technique to be adopted by the U.S. government. Vulnerabilities discovered in the previous DES (Data Encryption Standard) were eliminated in AES.
Potential Problems
Power-line networking has a number of complex issues, the primary one being that power lines are inherently a very noisy environment. Every time a device turns on or off, it introduces noise into the line. Energy-saving devices often introduce noisy harmonics into the line. The system must be designed to deal with these natural signaling disruptions and work around them.
The second major issue is signal strength and operating frequency. The system is expected to use frequencies in the 10 to 30 MHz range, which has been used for decades by amateur radio operators, as well as international short-wave broadcasters and a variety of communications systems (military, aeronautical, etc.). Power lines are unshielded and will act as transmitters for the signals they carry, and have the potential to completely wipe out the usefulness of the 10 to 30 MHz range for short-wave communications purposes.
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Power Line Communication HD-PLC Ethernet Adaptor, 2.27 MB pdf file.