Chapter 1 Introduction; Powerline To Ethernet Bridge With 4-Port Switch - Pl-401E; Features - Planet PL-401E User Manual

Chapter 1 Introduction

Powerline communication is revolution in home and small office networking, greatly simplifying
the task of installing a high-speed local area network. With PLANET's powerline
communication products, you can utilize existing AC power outlets and wires to connect your
computers, servers and other devices safely, securely and at true LAN speeds of up to 14
Mega bits per second. No complex and expensive specialized wiring usually associated with
LAN's is required, or management, security and interference problems associated with
802.11x wireless technologies – just convenient, reliable, secure and simple networking where
you need it most. PLANET's Powerline products allow you to place a computer anywhere in
your home or small office with flawless, uninterrupted high-speed network connection.
Security of PLANET's Powerline communication technology is assured by the use of 56-bit
DES encryption – the same system used to protect banking systems all over the world, and is
interference free, avoiding the problems of wireless systems.
1.1 Powerline to Ethernet Bridge with 4-port Switch – PL-401E
PL-401 is a Powerline to Ethernet bridge with four 10base-T/100Base-TX RJ-45 Ethernet
interface for directly connecting to computer's Ethernet card or existing Ethernet switch, hub or
broadband router, gives a high flexibility to expand your powerline or Ethernet network.
Enhanced by new Intellon chipset, PL-401 provides the convenience of communication
between different electrical phases. You do not need to worry about the wire system of your
house or office anymore. Also, a power socket for connecting to wall outlet is offered in its
standard package.

1.1.1 Features

¨
Four 10/100Mbps Auto-negotiation and Auto-MDI/MDIX switching ports for flexibility
network connectivity
¨
Internal power supply with one power line networking interface
¨
Complies with HomePlug Powerline Alliance Specification 1.0
¨
Up to 14Mbps bandwidth on powerline interface
¨
Support CSMA/CA protocol on powerline interface
1