Powerline Networking Is a Winner

By John Yacono, CRN
January 30, 2004 4:07 PM ET

In my last column I discussed the strengths and limitations of using electrical power lines as network backbones. But the big question is: Does powerline networking gear actually work? According to tests I've done with products from Corinex, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Gateway, Sioux Falls, N.D., my answer is, yes, they do,surprisingly well and with great ease.

JOHN YACONO Can be reached via e-mail at jyacono@cmp.com.

I looked at Gateway's Power Line 310 Ethernet adapter for RJ45 connections and its Power Line 300 USB device, both $50. Testing was done using a Toshiba Satellite P15-S479 and the CRN Test Center's broadband connection.

Both units look like simple wall-outlet transformers. Installation was pretty much a plug-and-play experience, but the Power Line 300 USB needed to be pulled out from the power outlet in order to coax it into acquiring an IP address. Software that comes with the devices lets you change the default encryption key, check connection status and determine the negotiated connection speed.

The Corinex Powerline Router offers schedule-based Ip filtering.

The Corinex Powernet Ethernet Wallmount adapter, priced at $88, worked without the need for drivers, and its useful setup wizard checks connection quality. The Wireless Powerline Access Point, priced at $158, was easy to set up and worked well. Its Web interface allows for configuration of encryption keys. It also can be configured to act as a wireless client to bridge powerline networks running off of different legs of a power-distribution network.

The Powerline Router was as easy to set up via a Web interface as most cable/DSL routers. The product, priced at $137, offers typical features such as virtual-server and DMZ support. It also includes internal MAC-address filtering and schedule-based IP filtering. Up to six Web sites can be blocked on a schedule as well.

What's more, and in contrast to many wireless solutions we've tested, the Gateway and Corinex equipment was compatible. Mixing and matching devices from the vendors on the same powerline network produced good results.

What do you think of powerline networking? Let me know via e-mail at jyacono@cmp.com.

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