Linksys Incorporates HomePlug Networking

mattyohe writes "It seems that Linksys is one of the first to prepare release for their ethernet router that uses the HomePlug 1.0 spec. Linksys claims the Instant Powerline EtherFast Router performs well by using the OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) scheme. OFDM forms numerous signals into a single signal for transmission and then is used again to find and automatically adapt to the specific frequency combination that enables successful communication. This product currently uses 56 bit DES encryption and would be excellent for networking in the home enviroment. Never worry about not having enough rj-45 jacks at a lan party, bring some power strips!"

Comments

Re:nice

[bravehamster]

Nah, you wouldn't need one of these routers in each room. The router only goes at the point where your Power-line network needs to interface with another type of network (in this case, the rj-45 network that most dsl and cable modems use). For each computer you just need a power-line network card. Granted, I have no idea on the pricing for those or for the router, but this definitely will be easier than running cat5 all over creation. Probably works better than 802.11b, especially if you've got a lot of walls.

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Re:Is it just me, or is this a useless product?

[sherlocktk]

There are lots of good uses for this.

Every person keeps thinking of this is a stepbackward, I really do not think so. I think that this will be a replacement of the 802.11x because it will be a lot easier to hookup. The only point of 802.11 is so wiring is not to hard. People keep talking about interfearance, I am sure that 802.11 will have it also, I mean look at a cellphone, thoes damn things never work right, and I would suspect that much higher speeds will be acheived.

The real benifit here is it will be about as easy as plugging in a CAT5 cable into the wall.

1. There is also an ethernet bridget that one can buy to add there existing infastructure.

2. In an apartment where you cannot run CAT5 without loosing your security deposite.

3. Places where it is not possible to run CAT5 without replacing drywall and flooring.

4. After a while, it will probably be cheaper that 802.11x

5. It is great for geeks to setup networks at friends houses without having to run cable and drill holes everywhere. I cannot even count how many houses I have had to network.

If you would look at linksys's main page you would see an ethernet powerline bridge. I think there is a lot of potential here, and I plan on getting a set of what I need.