Powerline Networking

[JAS]

Forgive me if this is a bit off-topic, but I reckoned that the typical reader of this forum would be interested. greedyflyza’s mention of his friend doing "Powerline Internet" prompted me to do a Google search, and I came up with a very interesting website (See http://www.powerlinecommunications.net). This is a very interesting technology and seems to already be supported by quite a few well known networking/wireless manufacturers (See also http://www.homeplugs.net).

Basically it allows you to extend Ethernet connectivity over the mains power lines within a building. If this "HomePlug 1.0" technology takes off and becomes a universal standard, it could make the “Smart House” a reality, where appliances are all networked together via their existing connection to mains power. Network speeds are presently up to 14Mbps but they say 100Mbps is possible. Devices must be on the same power phase and have a common grounding system. Interesting that the D-Link DHP-100 datasheet says "compatible with standard non-surge protected power strips. Not compatible with surge protectors". I wonder if the presence of any surge protectors in a building would adversely affect the signals – that would rule them out here on the highveld, and in many places in the world.

[jersey]

Hello Jas,

For your interest. About a month or so, I read in the newspaper that Tswane Municipality invested time and mony to do that... supply Internet to the masses via power lines. I think technology was coming from Australia. Had to stop the project because could not bypass the communication laws (ICASA) and Telkom monopoly.... One can **** bricks sometimes in the sunny SA.

[jersey]

Hi Jas,

And this one is only as the archive info... about 15 years ago South African company devised a little box to share office printers via power lines. This was the times of Novell and endless headacks with networking via Arcnet (Ethernet was space technology and expensive :) ). They were operating from Rivonia. I do not know what happend to them :)) (and I do not remember the name :(.

[JAS]

Yes, I have also heard of other attempts to do this at various times, but it seems this "HomePlug" standard is actually making some inroads.

[antowan]

Grintek actually developed this locally! Check this out:

http://m1.mny.co.za/BBStks.nsf/0/C2256A2A0053166642256E9A004A3FAE?OpenDocument

http://www.grintek.com/gt_internet/solutions/plc.html

We have the stuff made here but cannot use it! I WANNA SCREAM AND CRY!!!

Please excuse me. I have to go now... [:(]

Bye
Antowan

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by jersey</i>
<br />Hi Jas,

And this one is only as the archive info... about 15 years ago South African company devised a little box to share office printers via power lines. This was the times of Novell and endless headacks with networking via Arcnet (Ethernet was space technology and expensive :) ). They were operating from Rivonia. I do not know what happend to them :)) (and I do not remember the name :(.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">[:(]

&lt;&lt;&lt;&gt;&gt;&gt;Black holes are where God divided by zero.&lt;&lt;&lt;&gt;&gt;&gt;

[Demetrios]

Hi All.... Well I thought I would shed some light on powerline communications and homeplug. Firstly, Grintek does not develop PLC. They use technology called DS2, it's a chip they import. Secondly, We have been actively involved in powerline comunication for about 6 years now. As an ISP we provide internet services in complexes to clients via their 220V electrical grid. (Every plug point is then an internet network point).
We use homeplug and other technologies for which we have agencies here in SA. We have our own homeplug ethernet bridge/modem manufactured overseas and sold here. You can purchase a unit for +/- R550.00.....
Signals will travel about 300m accross the powerlines, then a repeater can be created to extend the range. The speed is up to 14Mbps on homeplugn 1.0. Later this year homeplug 2.0 will have est. speeds of 200Mbps..

We are powerline communication specialists. Give me a shout if you need these products.

Demetrios
Powerband Networks (Pty) Ltd.
+27 11 234 5507
+27 82 8291792

[TheRoDent]

Demetrios, what are the costs like? Is it economical for me to use this at home? Can I connect a small PC outside at the front of my property to my network using this? Or will it be cheaper for me to run CAT5 or 802.11 to it?

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[Demetrios]

The Powerline unit costs are moderate. Units cost R550.00 excl. each. You would need 2 units. I assume that the 2 points you are refering to are distributed from the same electrical board. If so, no problem with 2 units. All you will need is power on each end (Your house and the front area). If however, the two points are on differnt boards, 2 extra units will be required in the boards to repeat signal between different distribution panels. Phases on a single board are not a problem.

I would be happy to loan 2 units to you for your test if you agree to publish these tests on the forum.??

Powerline and wireless work well together as wirless can cover long line of sight connections and powerline can cover areas that are closed off and hamper wireless signal.

In large complexes or shopping centres we use wireless and powerline together.

May I ask what your application is, ie. What's at the front of teh house?

Ah, please can I email you directly on another issue, I require your services regarding Sentech's MyWireless PCMCIA drivers for FreeBSD and Drivers for iburst PCMCIA Card for FreeBSD. I will explain what is needed, We have an NDA and we are a Sentech partner, therefore it cannot be discussed here. We will pay you for your services if you are able to assist in this regard.


-- Regards

Demetrios Savvides
Powerband Networks (Pty) Ltd.
+27 11 234 5507
demetrios@powerband.co.za

[regardtv]

I trust Rodenentia will make sure his "new" drivers as per the post above is/stays open-source ;-)

[TheRoDent]

Well, I essentially need to get a machine stuck inside in a waterproof housing at the front of my property connected to the rest of my lan. The machine will be handle a few USB cameras which I used for security serveillance around my house.

I thought of going wireless, but then figured since I already need power at the front I may as well use that.

As for FreeBSD, unfortunately I'm not a fan, or fundi, not that I'd think that the design principles would be that much different for bsd drivers, in fact it might be cleaner in BSD.

Any specific reason why these would be PCMCIA though? I consider that an inferior interface compared to modern USB devices, and I don't really think PCMCIA gives that much benefit above USB?



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[regardtv]

Just moving this thread to another area ....