Local networks today are able to meet the needs of each family member. Despite all its advantages, in some cases the wireless network is inefficient, and there is no way to lay a network cable. An alternative solution may be to use electrical wiring for data transfer. To this end, you will have to acquire a special adapter that transmits data on the electrical wires thanks to the Power Line Communication technology used.
The principle of operation of the PLC network and adapters
The capabilities of PLC-networks are practically no different from any other, but for their operation does not require a wireless connection or a special cable. All data is transmitted via home wiring. To connect such a network, two PLC adapters are required: one is plugged into an outlet and connected to a router or computer using a network cable, providing an Internet connection. Additional computers are connected by installing adapters on the same electrical line, so that the existing network can be expanded.
The current is transmitted by wire in a PLC network at a frequency of 50 Hz. The action of MGTS PLC adapters is aimed at converting computer data into high-frequency signals (from 2 to 32 MHz), the transmission of which is carried out simultaneously with the transmission of AC voltage signals. Incoming electrical signals are converted to computer data.
Types of PLC Adapters
Currently, there are three main types of adapters for PLC networks:
- With Ethernet connector. Data from the outlet to the computer is transmitted using a standard network cable.
- With WLAN module. Data transmission in such means of communication is carried out wirelessly with computers that support WLAN. These models are equipped with Ethernet connectors.
- With connector for satellite dish. Relatively new models of communication tools that use for broadcasting a signal from a satellite dish transmitted to a TV receiver or computer via a household electrical outlet.
Advantages of PLC Network Adapters
Being an excellent alternative to existing wireless and cable networks, PLC adapters have a lot of advantages:
- Lack of excess wires. If you need to install a cable network, you have to lay the wires in the entire apartment or throughout the house. To use the PLC network, just plug in the adapter.
- Wide range of action. Despite the fact that the WLAN-network does not require wires, its range is limited. The stability of communication is very dependent on obstacles, and therefore some rooms located at a great distance from the adapter may remain outside the signal access area if you do not resort to the use of wireless repeaters. Similar disadvantages are alien to the local area network based on electrical wiring, since sockets are located in each room.
- Ability to quickly increase the range of the network. PLC adapters allow you to instantly connect any device in the apartment to a local network or the Internet. The manufacturer recommends installing no more than 16 adapters, since network bandwidth for such a large number of participants and increased traffic may not be enough.
Disadvantages of PLC technology
Each of the existing technologies has both strengths and weaknesses. The main disadvantages of PLC networks are:
- Interference from adapters. PLC modules can act as a source of interference for shortwave radios and radios in their immediate vicinity. The reason for this lies in the fact that the adapters convert computer data into signals lying in the short-wave frequency range. Such signals travel across the network along with AC signals.
- Unlike coaxial cable, conventional wiring is not shielded, respectively, it emits certain signals. For this reason, many manufacturers supply adapters with notch narrow-band filters. Their action is aimed at blocking certain frequencies in the process of data transmission, which prevents interference.
- The operation of the adapters may be interfered with by voltage pulses generated by various electrical appliances. Under the influence of such interference, the data transfer rate drops sharply, which is especially noticeable when watching movies on a local network.
PLC data rate
The used data transfer standard has an effect on the speed, however, it will be very different from the one declared by the manufacturer. To date, there are four main communication standards:
- HomePlug 1.0. The data transfer rate for adapters of this type is 14 Mbit / s, however, in reviews of PLC adapters, users note that the maximum speed is only 4 Mbit / s. To transfer large amounts of data, this is not enough.
- HomePlug 1.01 Turbo. The data transfer speed of the adapters of this standard is much higher: according to the test results, it is 30 Mbit / s, despite the fact that the manufacturer claims all 80 Mbit / s. However, such a speed is enough to transmit content in HD quality.
- HomePlug AV and DS2 200. Data are standard today have the highest data transfer rate in theory - 200 Mbps. Tests show a result of 60-70 Mbit / s, which is quite a good indicator, sufficient for broadcasting video in HD-quality, taking into account parallel simultaneous data exchange. All modern adapter models work on the basis of this standard.
- IEEE P1901. A relatively recent standard in PLC networks. The developers assure that it provides a significantly higher data transfer rate than all previous ones. Theoretical speed is 500 Mbps.
Security of data transmission in PLC networks
The electric meter, forming a barrier, does not completely suppress the network signal. If neighbors have a similar adapter, he can get access to other people's data due to the fact that his electric meter transmits a signal of sufficient power. Despite the fact that the adapters have good cryptographic strength and data encryption technology, the password set on them by default is the same for all devices of a particular brand. In this regard, immediately after installing and connecting the PLC adapter, it is desirable to change the password. This can be done using special software that comes with the equipment.
Power Consumption Adapters
In standby mode, PLC adapters of different brands consume from 3 to 8 W - the same as standard WLAN routers. To create a local network, you need to install at least two adapters, respectively, the PLC network in total will consume about 20 watts - a little more than a similar Wi-Fi network.
Compatibility of adapters from different manufacturers
Adapters of different brands can work together provided that the same standard is supported. On this issue, it is advisable to consult a specialist before purchasing an adapter. Devices that support different standards cannot exchange data, but their operation within the same PLC network is allowed.
Adapters cost
The price of PLC adapters, depending on the brand, model and standard used, varies from 2 to 5 thousand rubles. It is advisable to purchase proven and reliable adapters, having previously consulted the seller or a specialist.