Build a SOHO Network with Ethernet over Powerlines

With the advent of wireless networking and pre-wired new homes, SOHO networking is growing by leaps and bounds. Yet while both movements have made networking nearly plug-and-play simple for many computer users, there are still a significant amount of structures where wireless networking or pre-wiring won't fit the bill. This spells opportunity for system builders and integrators looking to bring networking to their customers.

Integrators can now offer networking services without delving into the complexities of pulling cable or configuring wireless products. What's more, newer technologies allow integrators to bundle simple networking components with other hardware, bringing additional value to the sale.

The big problem with retrofitting an existing structure such as an older home or small business—or say, an older school or apartment building—can be summed up in one word: cost. Typically, an integrator or system builder would need to pay an electrician or certified cable installer to pull and terminate Ethernet cable; it's a service that lines the electrician's pockets, but not the system builder's. Some integrators may choose to pull the cable themselves, but that opens them up to potential headaches, ranging from electrical problems to damage to drywall or wallboard, all which can be expensive to fix or repair.

While wireless, in the form of Wi-Fi, offers one form of networking solution, the security, reliability and speeds Wi-Fi offers simply cannot compare to a wired solution, such as fast Ethernet over category 5 cable, or Cat 5 in industry jargon.

What's more, many of the wireless products available on the market, such as 802.11A/B/G access points, can be hampered by construction materials or interference generated by electronic devices, including cordless phones, microwave ovens, and garage-door openers. This is especially true of older structures built from either brick and mortar or iron; these materials are notorious for their ability to absorb and block radio signals.

Another downside with wireless is that system builders or integrators may need to purchase wireless network cards for their equipment. While notebooks are shipped ready to connect with wireless networks, desktops, printers and other network devices typically are not.

Back to the Future with Ethernet

These factors may seem to put the kibosh on networking for older structures, but new technology—well, actually an old technology revisited—has arrived back on the scene which makes networking ultra-simple: Ethernet over powerlines. While using standard power lines to carry Ethernet signaling throughout a structure might sound like something from science fiction, the reality is that those power lines located behind the walls offer a wonderful conduit for transmitting data.

The first iteration of Ethernet over powerlines was built on the HomePlug 1.0 standard, which provided speeds of 14 megabits per second (Mbps) over standard home wiring. But due to speed and connectivity limitations, most HomePlug 1.0-enabled networking products devices were offered as point-to-point bridges. They were quickly replaced with other technologies, such as wireless or wired networking solutions, including traditional wiring.

But that's changing, thanks to the new generation of Ethernet over powerlines technology, a specification called HomePlug 1.0 Turbo. Turbo enables speeds up to 85 Mbps. It is being embraced by a number of vendors. In fact, Actiontec, NetGear, and SMC Networks have already released HomePlug 1.0 Turbo compatible products. These products also offer backward compatibility with the previous generation of HomePlug-based products.