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| EMagazine Volume 6 Issue 2 Apr/May 2001 |
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Toys Article - April 2001 - [Home Page] |
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The arguments surrounding wireless vs. phoneline vs. powerline networking are both familiar and unnecessary. The true beauty of powerline lies in the fact that it does not need to compete with the other technologies. Instead, given its architecture and capabilities, powerline may be the best suited to bridge the technologies together, as well as fill in the gaps. |
Home networks have long been considered the realm of the techno-savvy - too complicated for the common consumer and too limited for everyday use. Now, with a myriad of user-friendly offerings utilizing wired and wireless solutions, the "connected home" is not as much a futuristic vision as impending reality.
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If hybrid networks do prevail, it then becomes necessary to find some method of bridging the gaps between the various interoperable, yet competing, technologies. To be effective, this bridging technology must combine the convenience of phoneline with the ubiquity and freedom of wireless. Fortunately, this technology does exist, and it is no more complicated than plugging in an electrical cord.
For years, companies have experimented in sending data over a home's existing electrical wires. The appeal is obvious - the wiring structure is already in place, power outlets are numerous and convenient, and the ease of use is unparalleled.
Early attempts at powerline communications focused on home automation and control and resulted in standards like X-10 and CEBus, neither of which enjoys a large market share. Primarily developed for controlling lights and security systems, these technologies, though still in use, are not suitable for data-sensitive tasks.
Subsequent tries at powerline networking produced less-than-stellar results and have somewhat tainted the concept. In a way, powerline networking fell victim to its own initiative. Based in large part on unproven and untested technologies, powerline was simply unable to meet the minimum consumer requirements to be viewed as a viable networking alternative.
Today's powerline technologies under development are a completely new ballgame. Based on tested technology and backed by an industry standards body, the new generation of powerline networking is indeed a force to be reckoned with.
The arguments surrounding wireless vs. phoneline vs. powerline networking are both familiar and unnecessary. The true beauty of powerline lies in the fact that it does not need to compete with the other technologies. Instead, given its architecture and capabilities, powerline may be the best suited to bridge the technologies together, as well as fill in the gaps.
The Connected Home illustration shows just one perspective of a home network. A more realistic depiction would include not only powerline-based devices, but those utilizing phoneline, Ethernet and wireless technologies as well.
It is unreasonable to expect consumers to trash their existing network solutions in favor of a new standard as long as they continue to get the results they need. However, the one common thread among all of the networking options is the need for power. While a wireless solution may indeed shun wires, its access point is still going to be plugged in at some point. That power cord can tie the wireless network into the home's overarching powerline network.
It is important to point out that the next generation of home networks will encompass far more than the typical PCs and related peripherals. Virtually every household appliance and device will be networked together through some medium, and the likely candidate is the same infrastructure that supplies their power.
This is not to say that powerline-based solutions have no merit on their own as networking alternatives. Indeed, as powerline gains acceptance and is incorporated into not only household appliances but computers and related peripherals, it only makes sense to use one connection to supply both the power and the network access. Sensible? Yes. Practical? Not always.
With that in mind, consumers tend to favor simplicity, usability and reliability - all of which are hallmarks of the new generation of powerline technology. Which networking option will ultimately reign as the enabling technology of choice for the connected home is up to consumers, but with the new powerline technologies nearing availability, the home networking industry may finally have a new alternative to get charged up about.
