Ethernet Power Line Adapter

A line adapter is a type of device that can be used to completely convert the attributes or properties of a system to work with enhanced features or sometimes even new features altogether. An ethernet power line adapter is one such device.

The ethernet power line adapter, though not a new technology, has been prominent due to the large requirement of high-speed networks in home environments. This is mainly due to the emergence of high-end gaming systems, VOIP applications and also cable and dish television. The purpose of an ethernet power line adapter is to speed up an existing LAN connection in a home. It needs to be remembered that they do not work to speed up a WAN, however.

How does an Ethernet Power Line Adapter Work?

An ethernet power line connection is basically a plug and play functionality. The first ethernet power line adapter is connected to one outlet and the second one to the other on two different home computers. A network cable is then connected to both these adapters. This would complete the power line network. Given that this is a network that is set up at home however, some issues may occur such as interference from various other electrical circuits in the house.

The normal range of network speed that can be achieved with the use of an ethernet power line adapter could range from 15 Mbps to around 50 Mbps. If interference or a long distance between computers is present, these speeds may further drop.

More Information about Ethernet Power Line Adapters

There are two primary specifications for an ethernet power line connection. These are:

Homeplug 1.0
Universal Powerline Association (UPA)

Using either of these standards and an ethernet power line adapter, you can get a power line connection going in your home. You must keep in mind that these standard specifications are not interchangeable and hence, all adapters used in the home must be of the same specification. If you are having trouble installing the adapter, you can always contact technical support from the manufacturers of the device.

Examples of Ethernet Power Line Adapters

One of the top manufacturers of the ethernet power line adapter is D-Link. The DHP-302 power line HD is one of their products that comes 2 DHP-302 adapters. This device is a 200 Mbps kit and is compliant with the UPA standard. Using this kit, speeds of up to 75 to 95 Mbps can be achieved on the network. It comes with a unique powersave technology that kicks into action when there is no transfer of data happening. In this case, the adapter is made to automatically power down, this saving a lot of energy.

The Netgear Power line ethernet adapter kit is, on the other hand, a different type of device. Although it is also a 200 Mbps kit, but it comes with the additional feature of data security via a 128-bit AES encrypted key. A security management software can also be obtained.

These adapter devices can be purchased from local electronic stores or online as well from certain websites.