What is HomePlug?

Plugging into a 240V standard electrical socket for internet may seem uncharacteristic for many of us, but powerline networking is a convenient and efficient form of reaching the web.

Ethernet over power works by merging the technology of wireless routers, modems and radio. The ease of using existing power lines for both electricity and internet is particularly appealing for those who can't or won't use wireless networks. Powerline networking, unlike wireless, is not affected by radio-frequency interference from cordless phones, microwaves or fish tank filters, and can supply internet in very large homes where a wireless router may not reach.

HomePlug beats WiFi

A typical home wireless router can only extend signal for about 115 feet, but a powerline device can reach 650 feet, while matching - and with HomePlug AV exceeding - the router's speed of 54Mbps. For buildings that are unable to be hardwired for networking, powerline networking is a promising alternative.

Considering that most homes and workplaces have several electrical socket in each room, the network infrastructure is already in place - the power sockets become the internet jack. Powerline internet means any room can provide internet access, and there are no added costs to the electric bill from delivering dual signals.

The sciency bit

Lines already installed are able to support both electrical and broadband signal because each has a different frequency.

An electrical signal is very low frequency, typically in the 50Hz range, while broadband internet travels on a much higher frequency, in the 1.6 to 30Mhz.

One could imagine that one signal travels on top of the other, in different channels, in the same cable. At the outlet, a device with an internet receiver decodes the signal, rendering it useable by computers. The receiver filters out the low frequency signal leaving only broadband signal.

The HomePlug Alliance

Made up of members from over 70 industry companies such as Intel, Cisco, Texas Instruments and Duke Energy, the HomePlug Alliance (HPPA) was started in 2000 to create standards and evaluate devices which would enable users to receive internet through in-place electrical wiring.

In July 2010, the HPPA announced that the latest IEEE P1901 specifications will support delivery speeds up to 5 times faster than current specs, allowing internet providers to expand services while decreasing support costs. The new specifications will call for compatibility between internet providers, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), modems and TV set control boxes.

Powerline ethernet allows for multiple streaming of internet, IPTV, TV, gaming, digital video recorders, electricity, security video, and permits computer peripherals such as printers, game consoles and external hard drives, to be networked.

Globally, millions of HPPA certified devices are already in use around, providing internet and supporting multimedia and HDTV. You may not yet be aware that HomePlug certified devices are manufactured by the same makers of routers and modems and are available online and in electronics stores. Prices are comparable to ethernet and wireless devices.

Setting up HomePlug adaptors

Setting up your powerline network will not be a difficult task. For starters, do a little research online and decide on your needs. It's also best to stick with one vendor for all components, to maximize compatibility.

Next, visit your electronics store and look for a starter kit. Depending on your network, you'll need a bridge and adapters for each device. All systems utilize either advanced 128 bit AES security or 3-DES, with 3-DES being a bit less secure than 128 bit AES.

More on setting up your HomePlug network

With electric companies entering the internet provider arena, consumers have an added choice from which to select their service. Powerline ethernet is also called power line broadband, BPL (broadband over power lines), HomePlug, and power line telecommunications. Whatever label is applied in your area, powerline ethernet is a forthcoming form of internet access, particularly in some areas of the world.

Great deals on HomePlug adaptors