Router with 220 socket. What are Homeplug AV and Network PowerLine Adapters? What is a Powerline network

Optimal for:
- use existing electrical power outlets in your home, work, or business to create a new high-speed Internet connection. Add an Ethernet device to your network in just two easy steps. Just insert the adapters into electrical outlets and connect your device to the Gigabit Ethernet port - an ideal network solution if it is not possible to lay a twisted pair cable, for example: they made a renovation, everything is so beautiful, but you really need an Internet outlet in another room.

Operating principle, application diagram.

The use of Powerline adapters will allow the user to connect to the network without laying new wires in any convenient place in the house where there is an electrical outlet. In addition, HomePlug AV Powerline adapters are the optimal solution in situations where you need to connect to your home network or the Internet in areas of the premises where laying new cables is undesirable or impossible, and the Wi-Fi wireless network does not provide the necessary coverage or is ineffective.

PLC technologies for home networks.

It is expected that PLC technology will be able to give a new impetus to the development of data transmission over power lines and will make it possible to directly access the network from almost anywhere in the world at a minimal cost. The technology has not yet become widespread, but in the near future it can be expected that it will seriously displace alternative technologies and lead to significant changes in the provider services market: to lower prices for network access, including prices for connection via dial-up telephone lines and leased lines . If PLC technology becomes widespread, it could significantly change the balance of power in the market for providing Internet access services and will contribute to the development of new principles for designing power electrical networks - taking into account both energy and communication requirements.

There is no need to lay any new communications - electrical wiring is everywhere. It is through this that the data is transmitted.

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In the previous article we talked about and looked at the most popular ones. But sometimes it happens that the usual connection methods (Ethernet network cable or Wi-Fi wireless connection) cannot be used.

The reasons for this may be the recently completed European-quality renovation and the unwillingness to make extra holes in the walls for laying cables; steel reinforcement in the walls and ceilings of monolithic buildings, preventing the penetration of radio waves and much more.

If you find yourself in such a situation, then your choice is. In this case, the role of a computer local network will be performed by the ordinary electrical wiring of the house. The most common technology that provides communication between a 220-volt outlet and an Ethernet port is the HomePlugAV standard.

Providing Internet access over the power network is possible thanks to the development of PLC (Power Line Communication) technology. PLC is no different in its capabilities from other technologies, only it does not require a special cable or a wireless channel with a dedicated frequency. Data is transmitted over the home electrical network.

To create such a network, you will need two adapters: one is inserted into a socket and connected via a twisted pair cable to a computer or router that provides Internet access. To provide other computers Internet via an outlet You must connect an additional HomePlugAV adapter to the same power supply.

The operating principle of such adapters is quite simple. As you know, current is transmitted through the wires of a home electrical network at a frequency of 50 Hz. Adapters convert computer data into an electrical signal with a higher frequency (2 - 32 MHz) and apply it to the alternating current of the mains. On the receiving side, the reverse conversion occurs.

types of HomePlugAV adapters

1. With an Ethernet port. In this case, data transfer between the computer and the adapter is carried out using a regular twisted pair cable.

2. With a WLAN module. Communication with the computer is established via a wireless network. In addition, such adapters are usually additionally equipped with an Ethernet port.

3. With a connector for connecting a satellite dish. This type of adapter includes the latest and newest models that use the home electrical network to transmit a signal from a satellite dish to a computer or TV receiver.

Advantages of “Internet through a wall outlet” technology

• No additional wires. There is no need to lay network cables; just plug the adapter into the socket of the appropriate room.
• Large range of action. Since in modern apartments and houses there are sockets in every room, the Internet is available in every corner of the apartment. The same cannot be said about a Wi-Fi network: the signal already weakens when passing through two walls. If the house is 2-storey, then you cannot do without a signal repeater.
• Possibility of rapid expansion. It is enough to purchase an additional adapter.

Disadvantages of “Internet through a wall outlet” technology

• HomePlugAV adapters may cause interference with radio devices and short-wave radio transmitters. The reason is that adapters convert computer data into a short wave signal and transmit it along with the electrical signal from the power grid. Because Electrical wiring, unlike coaxial wiring, is not shielded; it, like a transmitting antenna, emits a short-wave radio signal. Many manufacturers equip their adapters with special filters to eliminate radio interference.
• Other electrical appliances (washing machines, power supplies for computers or TV) can also interfere with the data transmission channel. As a result of the influence of such devices, the speed of data transfer over the network drops very sharply.
• Modern apartments, as a rule, are equipped with a three-phase power line, i.e. There is not just one electrical network running into the apartment, but three. In this case, in order to transmit data via the electrical network, it is necessary to install a phase coupling device in the electrical panel (on the landing).

data security in PLC networks

Because Since the electrical network is not limited to one apartment or even one building, the probability of connecting to your network is very high. However, the HomePlugAV standard has not only a high data transfer speed (about 200 Mbit/s), but also a high reliability of data transfer (AES encryption algorithm with a 128-bit key is used). And if we take into account that digital devices are not universally equipped with this technology (as is the case with Wi-Fi), then we can say that “Internet through a wall outlet” has sufficient security and reliability.

technology development prospects

Despite the widespread development of the wireless network, PLC technology (in particular the HomePlugAV standard) will still gain popularity. Long distances, the need for high bandwidth, radio-absorbing obstacles - all this makes “Internet through an outlet” popular among users.

This technology has its drawbacks, like any other technology. But progress does not stand still, the standard is being improved, the speed and noise immunity of the channel is increasing.

Among other things, the spread of PLC networks is facilitated by another technology of the near future that is gaining popularity - intelligent home networks (“Smart” home). No one will argue that the future lies in unified monitoring and control of all household appliances and all life support systems - from a light bulb to a door lock. And PLC data transmission technology is ideal for this.

Due to the rapid development of home automation and the rising cost of installing additional communication lines, data transfer between various devices via existing 220-380V lines is of great interest. "From socket to socket."

The control and controlled device or devices are connected using standard network cables to a home electrical outlet and receive power and control signals from it.

This way local networks between computers, “smart home” systems and similar ones can be built. The complexity of organizing such networks lies in the fact that this was not initially provided for, there are no uniform standards, the networks are very noisy, and their parameters change greatly when the load changes. When transmitting data over 220/380V networks, the high-frequency signal quickly fades. Electromagnetic compatibility and decoupling of data transmission from power consumption must be ensured.

The most widely known technologies for data transmission over 220/380V networks are:

X-10 of the same company (http://www.x10.com);

Intellon's CEBus (http://www.intellon.com);

Echelon Corporation's LonWorks (http://www.echelon.com);

Adaptive Networks, offered by a company of the same name (http://www.adaptivenetworks.com);

DPL 1000 produced by NOR.WEB (http://www.nor.webdpl.com).

PLC Universal Powerline Association, (http://electrointernet.ru)

X10- the oldest technology (1978) is focused on controlling household appliances.

Intellon CEBus(Intellon SSC) made by Intellon for the CEBus home network. The CEBus standard (EIA-600) makes it possible to interact between home automation devices based on various transmission networks: power lines, radio channels, wired channels, etc.

It uses noise-like signal technology that transmits every bit of data in the 100-400 kHz frequency band. The transmission speed is at least an order of magnitude higher compared to the X-10. Intellon sells a Power Line Evaluation Kit. A kit for designing and building such a network. Its cost is $245.

development by the American corporation Echelon for distributed control networks. The basis of LonWorks technology is the LonTalk information exchange protocol. Each network node contains a microprocessor that implements the functions of this protocol.

LonTalk is a seven-layer communication protocol that allows reliable data transmission across various physical media. Transceivers have been developed for each type of environment to support network operation across a variety of channel lengths, transmission rates, and network topologies. LonWorks price: $42 for a transceiver, from $2000 for a programming system.

produces a number of devices that support data transmission over any type of electrical wiring. The effective transmission speed is 115 kbit/s. Its distinctive features are exceptional reliability and adaptability (error probability 10-9), noise-like signal, the ability to use twisted pair software, and a very high price.

DPL 1000, allows you to transfer data over power networks at speeds of up to 1 Mbit/s, developed by NOR.WEB. DPL 1000 is a revolution in data transmission over electrical lines. Technical implementation details are not available in available sources. In Europe, trial connections using DPL 1000 technology are currently being tested. If everything goes well, then this technology is a chance for the Russian Federation to make the Internet fast and accessible to EVERYONE.

, data transmission technology over 220/380 V, 6/10 kV and coaxial networks. A noise-like signal of 1536 subcarriers is used in the range from 2 to 34 MHz. Moreover, you can cut out some of the subcarriers if they interfere with other networks. The system itself adapts to the noise level and load of the power grid. Transmission speed up to 200 Mbit/s with a distance between devices up to 300 m. The cost of a subscriber modem starts from $120.

More detailed information about the specified equipment and standards can be found on the following websites. Electrical lines carry not only commands, but also voice. For example, you can implement a mini PBX or intercom. Technologies for transmitting information over power grids have been undeservedly forgotten. As world experience shows, this is a very promising direction.

The technology for transmitting data over electrical wiring is based on the same principles as ADSL, which is used to transmit data over the telephone network. It consists of superimposing a high frequency signal (from 1 to 30 MHz) with weak energy (less than 0.5 V) on a traditional electric current (50 Hz). The signal travels through electrical wires and equipment and can be received and decoded over a considerable distance. In Europe, this technology has been used for more than ten years to switch lighting computers to day or night mode.

As with WiFi, the standard was developed by a consortium. The HomePlug Standards Alliance has three groups of members. The first are the founders who work in the world of networks and telecommunications. These include, for example, Conexant, Cogency, Comcast, Earthlink, as well as Panasonic and Sharp. The next group are companies that want to contribute to the development of technology. This is, for example, France Telecom. Technology and electronics companies have also joined the standard: Sony, Samsung, Motorola, Mitsubishi, MSI, Netgear and Belkin. Finally, the third group is manufacturers who want to implement the technologies proposed by the HomePlug consortium. This list is open and will certainly be replenished with new members over time. If a product carries the HomePlug logo and certification, it is guaranteed to be compatible with the specifications developed by the alliance. Therefore, all HomePlug products can work with each other, and you can buy devices from different manufacturers.

As with WiFi, there are several versions of the standard. As you might guess, they operate at different speeds. The first HomePlug standard provided speeds of 14 Mbps. The standard then evolved to 85 Mbit/s. Today the speed is 200 MB/s, and this standard is called HomePlug AV. Please note that while 14 and 85 Mbps products could communicate with each other, this is no longer the case with 200 Mbps. You can use 85 and 200 Mbps equipment on your network without problems, but they will not work with each other.

Similar to WiFi, these numbers are only theoretical maximum values, and in practice the speed will depend on the distance and the quality of the wiring. A bandwidth of 200 Mbps is enough for online games, sharing large files, distributing an Internet connection and broadcasting media streams, including high definition. The comfort that a speed of 200 Mbit/s provides is so great that we do not recommend buying equipment of slow standards, even if the price is lower. The experience of operating a 200 Mbps network is the same as with a LAN.

The range of wired data transmission technology is 200 meters over wires under normal conditions. In fact, the quality of your connection depends on the quality of your wiring. Let's say a house with an area of ​​200 square meters. meters can be covered without problems. It should be remembered that the distribution of the network through electrical wiring is limited by the electrical fuse panel. Therefore, you will not be able to create a network, for example, with a neighbor. For this it is better to use WiFi.

The wiring network is very easy to install. Indeed, all you need to do is plug the adapter into a power outlet, and then connect it with an Ethernet cable (included in the package) to your computer. The information will then be transmitted through the electrical wiring. Another computer with the same adapter, connected to a different outlet, will also be visible on the network. Everything works as if two computers are connected by one cable.

Moreover, if you have a router with Internet access, then you can also connect it to the electrical wiring, after which you can connect up to seven computers on the same network. You will be able to share an Internet connection and exchange files. Setup takes much less than the fifteen minutes it takes to create a WiFi network (15 minutes is assuming you know what to do). Let us remind you that 200 Mbit/s devices with the HomePlug AV logo are compatible with each other, even from different manufacturers. But remember that the available speed (bandwidth) is shared among all devices connected to the electrical wiring. Basically, with a HomePlug adapter, you can make any product with a LAN socket compatible with a wired network. For example, a game console with a HomePlug adapter will also be able to participate in the home network.

Of course, a wired network has its drawbacks. To work on such a network, you need an outlet, so, for example, you can’t go out into the garden, and you can’t sit anywhere with a laptop in your apartment or house. But the biggest disadvantage at the moment is the high price compared to WiFi. For a pair of adapters for 200 Mbit/s you will have to pay about 150 euros. Therefore, it seems to us that it is better to choose a combination of WiFi and a network via electrical wiring, which is what we mean already wrote. Then all computers can be connected to the router with WLAN via electrical wiring, and laptops - via a wireless network. At the time of writing, four manufacturers offered sets of two adapters, which is the minimum required. And Olitec and Netgear sold adapters separately, so their price can be safely doubled, since you can’t do without a pair.