HomePlug Powerline networking is based on the concept of “no new wires”.
HomePlug is a standard for using existing electrical power lines in homes
and offices to build computer networks.
Essentially Powerline is the Ethernet using power lines instead of network
cables for data transmission.
Just plug a HomePlug into a plug socket and attach the outgoing cable into
a Ethernet or USB port (depending on the HomePlug option you choose) on your
computer. The HomePlug transmits data from your computer over the power lines
to another HomePlug located within the same internal power grid establishing
a network connection. From the second HomePlug any standard network device
(2nd Computer, ADSL Router, Cable Modem, Switch, Hub etc...)
What can Powerline do?
There's nothing that can't be done on Powerline that can on a normal wired or
WIFI (wireless) network.
See below for examples of HomePlug in use:
Example 1:
Example 1 is a typical set-up for a small home office environment. In Room 1 the
ADSL comes into the home and you connect to it using your ADSL Modem/Router.
At this point you attach a HomePlug device to the Router in order that you can
share the ADSL connection with other users in the home/office.
In Room 2 you plug the HomePlug device into the power socket and depending on how
many computers you need to connect you can either connect one computer direct to
the HomePlug device using an Ethernet cable or if you have more than one computer,
you can attach a Switch/Hub via Ethernet cable to the HomePlug device and attach
your computers to the Switch. You can continue to follow this example in each room
that you require the ADSL/Network.
Example 1a:
This example is ideal if you have your ADSL Router already in place. If you are
new to ADSL and are looking to set-up from scratch it is worth noting that we
supply ADSL modem/routers with the HomePlug capabilities already built-in. This
will save you buying two boxes and having two devices where you can get away with
one (See Example 1a).
Example 2:
This set-up is the same as Scenario 1 in Room 1, the ADSL comes into the home
and you connect to it using your ADSL Modem/Router. At this point you attach
a HomePlug device to the Router in order that you can share the ADSL connection
with other users in the home/office.
In Room two however, you attach a wireless access point to the HomePlug device.
Wireless enable laptops, computers etc can then access the ADSL/Network.
Example 3:
As before, the ADSL comes into the home and you connect to it using your
ADSL Modem/Router. At this point you attach a HomePlug device to the Router in
order that you can share the ADSL connection with other users in the home/office.
In Room 2 you attach your games console via Ethernet cable to the HomePlug device
to allow for on-line gaming using your ADSL line. Consoles which currently support online
gaming are Xbox (you will require an Xbox Live subscription) and Playstation 2 (you will need a PS2 network adapter)
The Benefits
Nearly all homes and offices have multiple power outlets in every room,
and power outlets are all connected together through the electrical wiring
already installed throughout the building. If you were considering, installing
a wired network into your home this could be an easier, cheaper solution to
your needs. Because it requires no new wiring, the network, and the network
adds no additional cost to your electric bill, Powerline networking is the
least expensive method of connecting computer in different rooms. With the
explosion of broadband technology, power line presents a cost-effective,
easy to adopt home networking solution.
Setting up a Powerline Network is as simple as Plug and Play with no need to
install any software from CDs/floppy disks.
Prices
There are a few different types of HomePlugs currently available from our store:
Visit our new online shop, head on over to www.more-shop.co.uk to order or alternatively email
for more information.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
I already have WIFI is Powerline a Viable Alternative?
A recent survey conducted throughout the UK found that 25% of home WIFI users have problems
with connection reliability, however the same survey found that for 99% of HomePlug users
found their network worked first time, straight out of the box. Powerline completely eliminates
poor signal quality through using the power line to obtain a steady data rate compared to
normal wired network.
Not only is Powerline a viable alternative to WIFI it can be used in conjunction with
existing WIFI networks and can eliminate problems such as low signal strength allowing
access points to be moved to more convenient locations in the home, reducing the need for
multiple wireless access points.
Does Powerline Interfere With Other Electrical Appliances?
Powerline was specifically developed to ensure no interference would occur between any
other electrical or network appliance.
What Speeds Will I Get and How Do They Compare To WIFI?
14 Meg HomePlug Adapter: 8Mb/s
85 Meg HomePlug Turbo Adapter: 40Mb/s
200 Meg HomePlug Adapter: 120Mb/s
11g WIFI – 2.8Mb/s
54g WIFI - 14Mb/s
What Operating System do I need?
Powerline has been tested on (Windows 95 / 98 / ME / 2000 / XP Home / XP Professional).
What’s the Estimated Range of HomePlug?
Approximately 300 meters in wall power lines.
Will HomePlug work in any home?
Any home with copper wiring built-in will work, some of the older houses built before 1950 might have older wiring, it may not work in these instances. If you are unsure seek electrician advice.
Will HomePlug signal pass through circuit breakers?
Yes, HomePlug signal will have no problem passing through circuit breakers but not through power transformers.
Can my neighbor receive my HomePlug signal?
It is possible for your neighbor receive your HomePlug signal between two adjacent homes. To prevent this happen, please enable the 56-bit DES security encryption on your HomePlug Device. To do that, you must run the HomePlug Configuration Utility on each HomePlug device in your power line network. This will only allow computers with the same security password to be able to receive information.
How many HomePlug devices do I need to setup a PowerLine network?
You must need two or more HomePlug devices to setup a PowerLine network.
Can I connect my HomePlug device to an extension cord or an UPS?
Yes, HomePlug devices can be plugged onto extension cords, but please note that this will reduce the PowerLine signal strength of the connection. Sometime it may even reduce it to zero! Please plug directly into the wall mains if it’s possible. HomePlug devices do not work with UPS at this time.
