How does powerline work?

[yoda313]

So what is the concept behind the powerline networking system? I believe I get that the ethernet signal is transmitted over the electrical system. However is this actually a wireless system that sends the signal from one plug in transmitter to a plug in receiver in another room?

Also I have a another question about powerline. I would be interested in using this to send a dsl modem signal to another room. My destination would be another room that has my xbox 360 and ps3 as well as a vista pc. Would this allow the three to network together?

Here's what I'm thinking. I have a wired ethernet switch. I would set up the powerline system and then plug that into the ethernet switch and my game consoles and vista pc into the switch.

My other question is would this allow streaming from the vista pc to the gaming consoles? Even though the net signal would be coming from the powerline adapter would that allow the consoles to see the vista pc through the ethernet switch?

Also - what is the max transmission speed for a powerline system? I have a 312-380kpbs dsl speed signal that I'd like to share.

Thanks.

[redwudz]

Here's a Wikipedia article that may give you some info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HomePlug_Powerline_Alliance You can probably find more by searching for ' powerline modems '.

The part about split phase was interesting, I hadn't considered that. Most US homes wired for 220VAC use two phases of 110VAC and split the house circuits between the two. That may make it difficult to use some outlets for powerline modem use. Extension cords won't work for this either.

They also use the same technology to send signals over the high voltage lines. Because the signal can go beyond the confines of your wiring, most all systems use encryption similar to what a wireless router uses.

I don't know if there are any major advantages over a wireless router. The speed probably depends on your powerline modem brand and model. But I would think all of them would be in the range of 10Mbps to 100Mbps and a possibly above.

I've considered one myself, but for now I'm trying a wireless N router.

EDIT: NewEgg has some powerline devices: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=powerline

[yoda313]

Thanks for the links redwudz. It's something else for me to consider.

[träskmannen]

I don't know if there are any major advantages over a wireless router.

In my case there is - I use one of those since it is very difficult to use a wireless connection between two points in my house, there seems to be too much structure in the way. I started with an ordinary wireless network but I kept losing the connection all the time and the transfer speeds sucked. This solution is quite OK.

[edDV]

The other technology is HPNA over home phone lines. It was good for 5-10Mb/s last time I looked. I replaced mine with wireless.