Local networks today are able to meet the needs of each family member. Despite all its advantages, in some cases a wireless network is inefficient, and it is not possible to lay a network cable. An alternative solution could be to use electrical wiring for data transmission. To this end, you will have to acquire a special adapter that transmits data over electrical wires thanks to the Power Line Communication technology used.
The principle of the PLC network and adapters
The capabilities of PLC networks are practically no different from any other, but their operation does not require a wireless connection or a special cable. All data is transmitted over the home electrical wiring. To connect such a network, two PLC adapters are required: one plugs into a power outlet and connects 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 transmission of current through wires in the PLC network is carried out 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 32MHz), the transmission of which is carried out simultaneously with the transmission of AC voltage signals. Incoming electrical signals are converted into computer data.
Types of PLC adapters
Currently, there are three main types of adapters for PLC networks:
- With Ethernet connector. Data is transferred from the socket to the computer using a standard network cable.
- With WLAN module. Data transmission in such means of communication is carried out over a wireless network with computers that support WLAN. These models are equipped with Ethernet connectors.
- With satellite dish connector. Relatively new models of communication tools that use a signal from a satellite dish for broadcasting, transmitted to a TV receiver or computer via a household power outlet.
Advantages of PLC network adapters
As a great alternative to existing wireless and cable networks, PLC adapters offer many benefits:
- No extra wires. If it is necessary to install a cable network, wires have to be laid throughout the apartment or throughout the house. To use the PLC network, just plug in the adapter.
- Wide range. Although WLAN does not require wires, its range is limited. The stability of the connection is very dependent on obstacles, and therefore some rooms located at a great distance from the adapter may remain out of range of the signal if notresort to using wireless repeaters. Such shortcomings are foreign to a local area network based on electrical wiring, since sockets are located in every room.
- Ability to quickly increase network range. PLC adapters allow you to instantly connect any devices in the apartment to a local network or the Internet. The manufacturer recommends installing no more than 16 adapters, since the network bandwidth for such a large number of participants and increased traffic may not be enough.
Disadvantages of PLC technology
Each of the current 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 radio receivers and radio devices in their immediate vicinity. The reason for this lies in the fact that adapters convert computer data into signals in the shortwave frequency range. Such signals move along the network along with AC signals.
- Unlike a coaxial cable, ordinary electrical wiring is not shielded, so it emits certain signals. For this reason, many manufacturers complete adapters with notch filters. Their action is aimed at blocking certain frequencies during data transmission, which prevents interference.
- Adapters may be interfered with by voltage pulses generated by variouselectrical appliances. Under the influence of such interference, the data transfer rate drops sharply, which is especially noticeable when watching movies over a local network.
Data transfer rate in PLC networks
The data transfer standard used affects the speed, but it will be very different from that 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 Mbps, however, in reviews of PLC adapters, users note that the maximum speed is only 4 Mbps. This is not enough to transfer large amounts of data.
- HomePlug 1.01 Turbo. The data transfer rate of adapters of this standard is much higher: according to the test results, it is 30 Mbps, despite the fact that the manufacturer claims all 80 Mbps. However, this speed is enough to transfer content in HD quality.
- HomePlug AV and DS2 200. Data standard today has the highest data rate in theory at 200Mbps. Tests show a result of 60-70 Mbps, 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 based on 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 the previous ones. The theoretical speed is 500 Mbps.
Security of data transmission in PLC networks
Electric meter, forming a barrier, does not fully dampen the network signal. If the neighbors have a similar adapter, he can access other people's data due to the fact that his electric meter passes 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 advisable to change the password. This can be done using special software supplied with the equipment.
Power consumption of adapters
In standby mode, PLC adapters of different brands consume from 3 to 8 W - the same amount as standard WLAN routers. To create a local network, you need to install at least two adapters, respectively, the PLC network will consume about 20 W in total - a little more than a similar Wi-Fi network.
Compatibility of adapters from different manufacturers
Adapters from different brands can work together as long as they support the same standard. 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.
Costadapters
The price of PLC adapters varies from 2 to 5 thousand rubles depending on the brand, model and standard used. It is advisable to purchase proven and reliable adapters, after consulting with the seller or specialist.
