|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|||
 |
|||||
 |
     
|
 |
Asoka PlugLink Ethernet\USB BridgebyFinally, after a many delays and standardization commitees home powerline products are starting to make their appearance. Asoka has introduced their Pluglink Ethernet and USB Bridges that link together computing devices through power outlets. These products are targeting home computer users that want to setup simple networks in the home. The PlugLink bridges make it easier to connect up throughout the home by leveraging existing powerline wiring to transfer the data. And as the name implies, they bridge data from Ethernet or USB connections to powerline and vice-versa.
Based on the HomePlug standard for powerline networking, the PlugLink Bridges are based on the Intellon 5130 PowerPacket chipset. This chipset uses Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) for built-in error detection and correction to provide Quality of Service (QoS) performance. If OFDM sounds like a familiar networking technology, you are correct. This is the same type of error correction and filtering that 802.11a uses. Speeds can get up to 14Mbps, but these speeds can be degraded depending on the number of devices trying to transfer data simultaneously. HomePlug has a limitation of 16 devices that can be connected to the network, but for most homes this will be sufficient. It also can be used to supplement other networks such as Ethernet HPNA and wireless. To provide data security across the powerline it uses 56 bit DES encryption/decryption when transfering data. Two versions are available. The PlugLink Ethernet Bridge uses an RJ45 Ethernet port for connecting to computers. The PlugLink USB bridge uses a USB connection. Each device that intends to communicate across the powerline must have a dedicated bridge. The bridge plugs into a 110V AC two or three prong outlet. HomePlug does have its limitations (as do all networking standards). As mentioned above there is a 16 device limit to the network. Surge protectors and line filters can distort and significantly slow down communications. And of course the further away devices are from each other can impact performance. Pricing and Availability The PlugLink Bridges are currently available for a list price of $139.99. (For access to more than 4,500 other hands-on product reviews on all variety of wired and wireless appliance and consumer devices, go to the iAppliance Web Portal Page. )
|
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Terms and Conditions Privacy Statement |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
