HomePlug AV

[Chris Gohlke]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/1281/homeplug_av_specification' target='_blank'>http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/1281/homeplug_av_specification</a><br /><br /></div><i>"The HomePlug Powerline Alliance announces that its specification for HomePlug AV, the highly-anticipated, easy-to-use global powerline communications technology for creating an instant connected home ecosystem, has been finalized and approved unanimously by the Board of Directors of the Alliance."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/plug.jpg" /> <br /><br />Looks like this technology should allow for complete home networking for data, video, and audio. Interestingly, they say there is enough bandwidth for multiple HD streams, which is something wireless can't do. One question I had that was not covered in the specs concerned security. Could this traffic be captured by your neighbors or would there be interference if two neighbors were both using this technology.

[jeffd]

Your mis understanding what the product is. This...is your cable modem, but instead of cable, it connects using power lines. That is... the providers are using power lines to pump in internet, VoiceIP, and cable signals into your home using this technology. I guess they are hinting at the possability that network providers no longer need to fight over cable lines (something not really possible.. usualy one network company owns the cable lines in an area), they can use power lines to provide TV services.. and HDTV at that.

[Chris Gohlke]

I reread the article and I still think this is for home networking using the wiring of your home rather than for internet/cable over powerlines..

"For example, with HomePlug AV capability designed into consumer products (such as TVs, audio equipment, computers, and networking gear), a high-definition television show or movie from a PC, PVR or set top box can be viewed on any television in a home – all without running new wiring. This is because HomePlug AV uses the power lines already installed in a home as a path to transmit digital data between devices."

[jeffd]

ahh, yea that definetly puts it in the consumer home networking catagory.

[Jon Childs]

Seems pretty good, although multiple HDTV streams seems like a bit of marketing fluff. Their site claims 100mb throughput at the MAC layer after overhead. It is definitely made for home networking. Also, currenty it supports DES encryption with 1.0 supporting AES as well so the neighbors cant see whats going on.

Although at around 99 bucks per node it will probably have to come down a little before I start using it instead of wifi.

http://www.homeplug.org/en/faq/index.asp

[Philip Colmer]

Something that doesn't seem to be mentioned very much is interference caused by this equipment. The BBC did some extensive testing and found potentially big problems:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/4080566.stm

--Philip