HomePlug Powerline is an innovative technology that allows you to create a network using the electrical power lines in your home or office!

There’s no need to run messy cables up the stairs, through walls and under carpets - with HomePlug, each mains socket becomes a network point!

What can I use HomePlug for?

HomePlug Powerline is ideal for –

• Sharing broadband internet access around the home or office
• Connecting networks together
• Sharing printers, scanners and other peripherals
• Transferring and sharing files between computers
• Playing network games - you can even connect your games consoles!

How does HomePlug send data through the mains wires?

HomePlug devices convert data from your computer into a signal that can be transmitted over standard AC wires. The signal does not interfere with the ordinary current travelling through the wires.

Is the mains power line a reliable medium for a computer network?

In comparison to Ethernet cabling, which has clean and consistent characteristics, the AC mains power line used by HomePlug is a harsh medium for computer networking. This is because of the many sources of unpredictable noise and interference found around the home - hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, halogen lights, food blenders etc. A typical home power line can have any number of different appliances plugged in and out, turned on and off, or left running for any amount of time. All of this causes the characteristics of the power line to be constantly changing. 

How does HomePlug overcome the difficulties of using the mains to create a computer network?

LINDY HomePlug devices use a technology called PowerPacket™ to overcome the difficulties caused by using the mains to network computers. Developed by Intellon™ Corporation, PowerPacket constantly monitors for sudden changes in the quality of the power line. It senses these changes and adapts to provide the most reliable connection. If a hairdryer or vacuum cleaner is turned on, PowerPacket will adapt; if three new appliances are plugged in, PowerPacket will adapt. In this way, PowerPacket does not communicate through the noise, but dynamically changes around it – guaranteeing reliable communication at every outlet!

How many HomePlug devices can I use on my network?

You can install up to 16 HomePlug devices on your HomePlug network

What is the speed of a HomePlug network?

HomePlug networks can run at speeds of up to 14Mbit/sec, with typical performance of between 6 and 11Mbit/sec - more than enough for most home network users!

Are there any issues with power strips, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) and circuit breakers?

Extensive testing has shown minimal problems affecting data transfer when these devices are in use, but for the most reliable performance we recommend that each HomePlug unit is plugged directly into a mains wall outlet.

What about security?

HomePlug devices protect data with 56 bit DES encryption technology. Each HomePlug device comes with a Default Encryption Key (DEK) and a standard password. The password can be changed using the included configuration software. The sophisticated encryption technique used in HomePlug, means all packets of data are encrypted before transmission; only devices which share the user defined password will be able to decrypt the data packet.

What HomePlug devices are available from LINDY?

Currently, two LINDY HomePlug devices are available – the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge (Part No. 25120) and the HomePlug USB Adaptor (Part No. 25121).

What is the difference between the USB Adaptor and the Ethernet Bridge models?

Although physically similar, the HomePlug USB Adaptor and the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge have an important operational difference -

• The HomePlug USB Adaptor functions as a network adaptor or ‘node’ on the network. It can only be connected to the USB port of a PC running Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP, and requires special HomePlug driver software to be installed.
  

• The HomePlug Ethernet Bridge connects to virtually any network device with a 10/100 RJ-45 Ethernet port, including PCs, Mac’s, games consoles, hubs and switches etc. There’s no need to install any special software - it can function as either a node or a transparent bridge between the Ethernet and HomePlug networks.

Is HomePlug compatible with Macs?

Yes – the Ethernet Bridge model can be used with any Mac with a 10/100 RJ-45 Ethernet connection, without any special software installation! The only limitation is that setting or changing a HomePlug device password requires connection to a PC running the HomePlug configuration software. If both Mac’s and PC’s are present on the network, then the passwords of all the HomePlug devices can be changed remotely, from the PC!

Can I use HomePlug with my current Wireless or Ethernet network?

HomePlug was designed from the outset to provide maximum compatibility with existing wireless and Ethernet networks. The PowerPacket technology adheres to standard Ethernet protocols - using destination and source MAC addressing.

How do I share my broadband internet connection using HomePlug?

With HomePlug, sharing your Broadband internet connection couldn’t be easier – all you need are at least two LINDY HomePlug devices (1 of which must be the Ethernet Bridge model) and a Broadband Router (LINDY Part No. 25101).

Simply connect your ADSL/Cable modem to the Broadband router and then connect the router to the HomePlug Ethernet Bridge. Plug the bridge into a wall outlet – now every computer on the HomePlug network can have broadband internet access!

Click here for more details on our HomePlug range

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