Archive for the ‘Networking’ Category

The HomePlug Alliance is an intriguing group of companies from different sectors of the technical industry that are working together to establish a single protocol for delivering data, video and audio through the existing 110 electrical wiring in your home.

This is an idea that’s been around for some time. Back when I was just starting out in electronics, I built an encoder/decoder circuit that could send music from one room to another through the house wiring. It worked, but wasn’t all that reliable (the filter would allow the 60 cycle hum through at times). I moved on to other things, but the idea has always stayed with me.

HomePlug is taking this simple technology to a new level. The idea is to not only limit transmission and reception to the local area at home, but to be able to deliver services through the power grid. High speed internet and television services are among some of the ideas on the table. Imagine, powerline networking by just plugging your computer into the wall!

Once this system is implemented, you could buy a new HDTV (HomePlug equipped, of course) and simply plug it into the wall. From there you would have all your channels and high speed internet delivered through the homeplug powerline power cord to the tv. This would also mean that broadband internet would be available anywhere there was an electrical outlet through powerline ethernet adapters, expanding available areas to most remote rural locations. Power line communication service would also be delivered through VOIP and standard phone connections.

Here’s a video explaining the system:

Some big companies are already onboard with HomePlug, including Intel, Cisco, Comcast and GE. Rob Ranck, President of the HomePlug Alliance, was interviewed at CES 2009. Here is that interview:

This is a great idea and long overdue, but might not comfortable for anyone with any “Big Brother” paranoia. I can see a lot of possibilities for your tv or stereo system to listen in or even watch. Hmm, maybe MY paranoia is showing!

The HomePlug TechZone at CES 2010 is located at LVCC, South Hall 1 and is sponsored by HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc. You can visit their website at HomePlug.org.