The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, a service organization with rural telco and utility members, this week added two new offerings to the portfolio of smart grid solutions it offers to its members. The new offerings include wireless communications equipment from Sensus that uses licensed frequencies and a next-generation SCADA offering from Efacec, said NRTC Vice President of Marketing Phil Brenner in an interview with Connected Planet.
Equipment manufacturers such as these like to work with NRTC as a means of breaking into the rural utility market, which consists of about 900 small companies scattered around the country, Brenner said. Meanwhile, NRTC members get better pricing than they would be able to obtain on their own, along with some assurance that products are “rural-ready,” Brenner said.
He noted, for example, that the average rural utility in NRTC has seven customers per mile of line—and some products are only economical for serving urban and metro areas that have dozens of customers per line mile. NRTC, he said, has engineering and business development staff whose job is to verify the functionality of potential new products, along with the business case for the product, before making a product available to NRTC members.
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Showing posts with label netgear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label netgear. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Netgear Powerline AV 200 Adapter XAV2001 - bridge
At $80, the Netgear Powerline AV 200 Adapter XAV2001 is about $10 cheaper than the recently reviewed Plaster Network PLN3 adapter. However, the fact that it has only one Ethernet port (as opposed to two in the PLN3's case) makes it less of a good deal if you want to connect two computers at the far corner via the house's electrical wiring.
Other than that, the two adapters are very similar in regard to speed and the snap-in design, with the Netgear being about 20 percent more compact overall but noticeably thicker. The XAV2001 doesn't come with a fancy online service like the PLN3, but it makes up for it by having a convenient push-button solution to activate its security feature.
If you are looking to quickly connect a computer to your network via your home's electrical wiring, the Netgear XAV2001 is a good solution, especially when it costs only around $130 when you buy it in a kit that includes two units.
Design, setup and features
The XAV2001 has a typical shape of most power-line adapters, looking just like a two-prong power adapter for a small electronic device, such as a cordless phone or an external hard drive. It comes with only one Ethernet port. This means you will need a hub (or switch) if you want to connect more than one computer at the far end of the connection. What's more important at the far end is another power socket, as the as the XAV2001 doesn't feature a power pass-through and it, like all HomePlug AV power-line adapters, is not designed to work with power strips or surge protectors. To our surprise, it worked with a few strips we tried, but there's no guarantee that it will work with yours.
The XAV2001's setup process is like that of any typical power-line connection. You'll need two adapters, preferably of the same company, though the XAV2001 is compatible with any other HomePlug AV adapters. After that, say if you want to create a connection between the existing network and a device in the basement, you hook the first adapter to the network via the router (or the hub). The second adapter is connected to the Ethernet-ready device at the far corner. After that, you just plug both adapters into the power sockets. If the two locations share the same electrical wiring, which they do in most cases of homes or apartment buildings, the network connection is now established. This whole process takes just a minute or two, and you can't make a mistake.
We had no problem setting up the two test XAV2001 units and believed nobody would run into any issues. After the initial setup is done, the XAV2001 has a nifty security feature that you can enable by pressing on the button on its side. You need to press this button for all XAV2001 units at the same time or within two minutes of one another. After that, a secure connection is created between all of the XAV2001 units. This keeps others from tapping into your network by plugging another HomePlug AV adapter into the same electrical wiring, a necessary security measure for those who live in an apartment building.
Performance
We tested the XAV2001 using the same methodology we use for wireless routers, and it offered about the same speed as the average speed of a wireless-N router at a distance of 100 feet. The adapter registered a speed of around 22.9Mbps, just slightly faster than the 22.6Mbps of the Plaster Network PLN3. At this speed, the XAV2001 adapter can finish transmitting 500MB of data in slightly less than 3 minutes.
Other than that, the two adapters are very similar in regard to speed and the snap-in design, with the Netgear being about 20 percent more compact overall but noticeably thicker. The XAV2001 doesn't come with a fancy online service like the PLN3, but it makes up for it by having a convenient push-button solution to activate its security feature.
If you are looking to quickly connect a computer to your network via your home's electrical wiring, the Netgear XAV2001 is a good solution, especially when it costs only around $130 when you buy it in a kit that includes two units.
Design, setup and features
The XAV2001 has a typical shape of most power-line adapters, looking just like a two-prong power adapter for a small electronic device, such as a cordless phone or an external hard drive. It comes with only one Ethernet port. This means you will need a hub (or switch) if you want to connect more than one computer at the far end of the connection. What's more important at the far end is another power socket, as the as the XAV2001 doesn't feature a power pass-through and it, like all HomePlug AV power-line adapters, is not designed to work with power strips or surge protectors. To our surprise, it worked with a few strips we tried, but there's no guarantee that it will work with yours.
The XAV2001's setup process is like that of any typical power-line connection. You'll need two adapters, preferably of the same company, though the XAV2001 is compatible with any other HomePlug AV adapters. After that, say if you want to create a connection between the existing network and a device in the basement, you hook the first adapter to the network via the router (or the hub). The second adapter is connected to the Ethernet-ready device at the far corner. After that, you just plug both adapters into the power sockets. If the two locations share the same electrical wiring, which they do in most cases of homes or apartment buildings, the network connection is now established. This whole process takes just a minute or two, and you can't make a mistake.
We had no problem setting up the two test XAV2001 units and believed nobody would run into any issues. After the initial setup is done, the XAV2001 has a nifty security feature that you can enable by pressing on the button on its side. You need to press this button for all XAV2001 units at the same time or within two minutes of one another. After that, a secure connection is created between all of the XAV2001 units. This keeps others from tapping into your network by plugging another HomePlug AV adapter into the same electrical wiring, a necessary security measure for those who live in an apartment building.
Performance
We tested the XAV2001 using the same methodology we use for wireless routers, and it offered about the same speed as the average speed of a wireless-N router at a distance of 100 feet. The adapter registered a speed of around 22.9Mbps, just slightly faster than the 22.6Mbps of the Plaster Network PLN3. At this speed, the XAV2001 adapter can finish transmitting 500MB of data in slightly less than 3 minutes.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
HomePlug® Powerline Alliance Announces Milestones on 10th Anniversary as Powerline Technology Leader
LONDON - (Business Wire) At the IPTV World Forum, the HomePlug® Powerline Alliance, the driving force for global powerline network technology, today celebrated its 10th anniversary by announcing several key milestones. With HomePlug technology continuing to gain momentum for broadband, IPTV and triple-play services, the organization has added nine technology vendors and utility companies to its roster, and is nearing the completion of the new Green PHY (GP) specification for Smart Grid applications.
HomePlug and HomePlug AV devices currently account for more than 75 percent of the world's broadband powerline communications market, with over 45 million devices sold to date and shipments forecasted to reach 60 million by year’s end. More than 50 of the world’s leading service providers are already utilizing HomePlug technology to deploy broadband, IPTV and triple-play offerings. HomePlug products take advantage of the most universal wired communications medium (a home’s existing electrical wiring) to reliably deliver audio and video without packet loss – which is ideal for streaming IPTV throughout a home.
“The HomePlug Powerline Alliance has maintained its leadership in the broadband powerline industry for 10 years and is now evolving to enable the latest broadband and Smart Grid applications,” said Rob Ranck, president of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. “We support the industry’s first international powerline standard (IEEE 1901), and we continue to increase and diversify our membership while expanding our technology roadmap by completing the Green PHY (GP) specification for Smart Grid applications.”
Growth of the alliance continues with new members added in the silicon supplier, service provider and OEM categories; such broad diversity is necessary for complete industry representation and a global HomePlug ecosystem. New members include: Atheros Communications, Inc.; Broadcom Corporation; D-Link Systems, Inc.; ETSA Utilities; Kawasaki Microelectronics America, Inc.; Marvell Semiconductor; Polaris Networks; Sigma Designs, Inc. and Western Digital Corporation.
For Smart Grid applications, the HomePlug Alliance is developing HomePlug GP, a powerline specification targeting low power, cost-optimized solutions such as HVAC thermostats, smart meters, home appliances and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (PEHV). Since HomePlug GP is derived from HomePlug AV, it will be fully interoperable with the new IEEE 1901 Draft Powerline Standard. Major utility companies, including Duke Energy, are supporting HomePlug by giving direct input into the specification requirements, helping optimize the technology for real world deployments.
The HomePlug Alliance also operates the powerline networking industry's largest Compliance and Interoperability (C&I) Certification Program to ensure true multi-vendor compliance and interoperability. The program has certified more than 200 products and will also begin certifying IEEE 1901 products in Q2 2010.
HomePlug is the official Exhibition Guide Sponsor of IPTV World Forum, taking place March 25-27 at Olympia National Hall in London. Several HomePlug members will be exhibiting HomePlug powerline networking solutions for IPTV, including: Atheros Communications, Inc. (Stand 121), devolo AG (Stand 43), LEA (Stand 153) and Sigma Designs, Inc. (Stand 13). Additionally, HomePlug’s president, Rob Ranck, will be speaking on the Connected Home panel on Thursday, March 25. This panel will address connecting the home, the battle for the home and unclaimed revenue opportunities for operators, as well as standards and opportunities.
Please visit www.HomePlug.org for more information on the HomePlug Powerline Alliance.
HomePlug and HomePlug AV devices currently account for more than 75 percent of the world's broadband powerline communications market, with over 45 million devices sold to date and shipments forecasted to reach 60 million by year’s end. More than 50 of the world’s leading service providers are already utilizing HomePlug technology to deploy broadband, IPTV and triple-play offerings. HomePlug products take advantage of the most universal wired communications medium (a home’s existing electrical wiring) to reliably deliver audio and video without packet loss – which is ideal for streaming IPTV throughout a home.
“The HomePlug Powerline Alliance has maintained its leadership in the broadband powerline industry for 10 years and is now evolving to enable the latest broadband and Smart Grid applications,” said Rob Ranck, president of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. “We support the industry’s first international powerline standard (IEEE 1901), and we continue to increase and diversify our membership while expanding our technology roadmap by completing the Green PHY (GP) specification for Smart Grid applications.”
Growth of the alliance continues with new members added in the silicon supplier, service provider and OEM categories; such broad diversity is necessary for complete industry representation and a global HomePlug ecosystem. New members include: Atheros Communications, Inc.; Broadcom Corporation; D-Link Systems, Inc.; ETSA Utilities; Kawasaki Microelectronics America, Inc.; Marvell Semiconductor; Polaris Networks; Sigma Designs, Inc. and Western Digital Corporation.
For Smart Grid applications, the HomePlug Alliance is developing HomePlug GP, a powerline specification targeting low power, cost-optimized solutions such as HVAC thermostats, smart meters, home appliances and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (PEHV). Since HomePlug GP is derived from HomePlug AV, it will be fully interoperable with the new IEEE 1901 Draft Powerline Standard. Major utility companies, including Duke Energy, are supporting HomePlug by giving direct input into the specification requirements, helping optimize the technology for real world deployments.
The HomePlug Alliance also operates the powerline networking industry's largest Compliance and Interoperability (C&I) Certification Program to ensure true multi-vendor compliance and interoperability. The program has certified more than 200 products and will also begin certifying IEEE 1901 products in Q2 2010.
HomePlug is the official Exhibition Guide Sponsor of IPTV World Forum, taking place March 25-27 at Olympia National Hall in London. Several HomePlug members will be exhibiting HomePlug powerline networking solutions for IPTV, including: Atheros Communications, Inc. (Stand 121), devolo AG (Stand 43), LEA (Stand 153) and Sigma Designs, Inc. (Stand 13). Additionally, HomePlug’s president, Rob Ranck, will be speaking on the Connected Home panel on Thursday, March 25. This panel will address connecting the home, the battle for the home and unclaimed revenue opportunities for operators, as well as standards and opportunities.
Please visit www.HomePlug.org for more information on the HomePlug Powerline Alliance.
Powerline Networks to Get Bandwidth Boost
Netgear has introduced products for powerline-based home networking at up to 500M bps (bits per second).
The products are based on the forthcoming IEEE P1901 powerline standard. The increased speed -- up from the 200M bps offered today -- should allow users to send simultaneous 1080p HD video to multiple TVs throughout the home, according to Netgear. Also, powerline-based networks can offer "whole-home coverage" in homes that measure up to 5,000 square feet, Netgear said.
Netgear has announced two adapter kits: the Powerline AV 500 and the Powerline AV+ 500, both of which include two adapters. A gigabit ethernet port is used to connect any Ethernet-equipped device to the rest of the network. The kits offer support for traffic prioritization and encryption is configured with the push of a button on the adapters, according to Netgear. The company has also added a number of features to improve power efficiency, including the ability to power down units when they are not used, it said.
The main difference between the two is that the Powerline AV+ 500 comes with an integrated socket.
The two kits will start shipping in the third quarter, at which time pricing will be announced, according to Netgear.
Netgear isn't the only company showcasing powerline-based home networking at up to 500M bps. German company Devolo will also demonstrate products that support the that speed at Cebit, it said on Monday.
The products are based on the forthcoming IEEE P1901 powerline standard. The increased speed -- up from the 200M bps offered today -- should allow users to send simultaneous 1080p HD video to multiple TVs throughout the home, according to Netgear. Also, powerline-based networks can offer "whole-home coverage" in homes that measure up to 5,000 square feet, Netgear said.
Netgear has announced two adapter kits: the Powerline AV 500 and the Powerline AV+ 500, both of which include two adapters. A gigabit ethernet port is used to connect any Ethernet-equipped device to the rest of the network. The kits offer support for traffic prioritization and encryption is configured with the push of a button on the adapters, according to Netgear. The company has also added a number of features to improve power efficiency, including the ability to power down units when they are not used, it said.
The main difference between the two is that the Powerline AV+ 500 comes with an integrated socket.
The two kits will start shipping in the third quarter, at which time pricing will be announced, according to Netgear.
Netgear isn't the only company showcasing powerline-based home networking at up to 500M bps. German company Devolo will also demonstrate products that support the that speed at Cebit, it said on Monday.
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