networking through electrical outlet.

I heard about this years ago. (i was very skeptical about the existence of such technology, and the fact that the hardware would have cost me 4000 USD I decided not to find out)

a few days ago we were talking about networking and the Pros and Cons of Wifi, when someone mentioned, networking through power outlets.

So i figured id ask the people here what there thoughts about it are and to find out if any one tried it.

 

I believe you're interested in low-voltage powerline data networking, so let's forget the high-voltage metropolitan data networking through the power grid and concentrate on the Ethernet over Powerline, or even more restricted to the HomePlug technology. The latest publicly available information is IEEE P1901 that you may find.

If Wireless N is not available, HomePlug seems giving a fair speed at 85Mbps. But remember that there is only one available channel that is subject to interference from other powerline applications, such as home-based back-to-base security devices and can be easily intercept. Unlike Wireless G or Wireless N that have automatic channel selection features, HomePlug has fixed frequency only. (Update me if there's any new development about it.) And different manufacturers (Netgear, Aztech etc.) are not compatible / inter-operable among their devices. Stability and over-heating are common problems on those hardware devices. Software and firmware maturity and usability are another dimension of disappointment from my research.

But it's interesting to apply it in some ways:
e.g. If you have a garden shed away from the AP at your house, it may be easier for you to lay a power lead or power line extension to the shed and put up a pair of HomePlug Ethernet adaptor, so you could work in the shed without worrying about the weak Wireless G/N signal.

e.g. In a primary school where there is only one computer in the after-school caring room, and Wireless G/N signal couldn't reach, the HomePlug over powerline can be a silent way to give Internet access to that room's computer(s).

Having said the above, it's still a serious consideration for those thinking of this technology but without the technical background to setup and tame the three technologies together (i.e. Wired Ethernet over UTP, WiFi, and HomePlug). If you want to cascade the HomePlug with a hub/switch then a smaller group of computer, you may feel disappointed quickly about the difficulty of trouble-shooting because everything seems alright but you're still unable to share files / configure the firewall properly.

If any expert can tell me the opposite, I'm glad to learn more.

Of course, the last consideration is $$$. How much is needed for a Wireless G, a Wireless N vs the needed HomePlug equipment? Back to the first paragraph above, the bandwidth/channel issue? What if I added AirTunes speakers? Someone can jam my powerline network with a $40 powerline rat-repellant device outside my house (say on the lamp socket of the carport) and I might need days/months by luck to find out where the device locates.

 

i was asking cause most info I was finding about it was referring to PoE, or the actual adapters.

its funny you mention a shed in the garden because, my bed room was added later to the house (its in the garden) and i was thinking of turning it into a home office, and neither UTP or Wifi is an option, so i was wondering if "HomePlug" is something worth looking into.


thank you both for your help.

 

PoE is something opposite to Ethernet over Powerline. PoE is actually Powerline over Ethernet cable. PoE can provide electricity up to 25W (or 20W, please check the spec. E.g. the Cat 5 cable can carry 300mA of 50 DCV ) over a Cat 5 cable. This small amount of electricity can charge / power up devices where the location has no AC powerpoint at all.

 

how is UTP cabling not an option

 

not that cabling is not an option but it would be a major pain.

as i said the room is in the garden only access is through kitchen, then to reach the rest of the house you have to go through the Den or Dinning Room. (PS we have concrete walls unlink North America).

 

what about wifi then put an access point on the wall just below the eves run the cable through the roof space

and concrete schonkcrete get a masonary drill bit and go hard dude