Introduction To Homeplug Networking; Understanding Homeplug Networking Concept; Understanding Encryption And Security - Acer HOMEPLUG User Manual

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0.0 Introduction to HomePlug Networking

HomePlug Networking, not to be confused with Power over Ethernet, has very different

usage and features. Power over Ethernet is a device that acts as a Hub or a Switch and

draws its power from nearby unsuspecting computers connected to it by a Cat. 5 cable.

On the other hand, HomePlug Networking uses your current existing or featured power

lines to transfer network data. There are existing technologies that are similar to

HomePlug, such as X10 or HPNA; however, HomePlug can reach speeds of up to

14Mbps.

HomePlug works simply by connecting a device to two computers in two locations,

respectively, inside a house or building and plugging them into a wall outlet. Now you

have a network connecting two computers. In addition, you can replace the computers

with switches so that you are connecting networks instead of computers. The process is

completed within minutes with no additional cables running everywhere and without

painful cable pulling in the walls or behind closets.

The technology behind the real working mechanism remains classified. Hopefully in the

future, more people will have a better understanding of HomePlug.

Encryption is a method of security used to prevent intruders or unwanted access from

within or outside of your network. Encryption works by using a string of letters and/or

numbers as keys to encode your data. Any computer will need to know the encryption key

in order to access the data. Although the data may be exposed to all environments,

encryption will still protect your data from threats.

HomePlug Encryption and Protection Schemes

The HomePlug device uses encryption to block outside access. The key is set by using

the configuration software on the CD. By default, the protection is enabled. However, it is

recommended that you change the default encryption key. All your HomePlug

devicesmust use the same encryption key in order for the computers to be networked.

Make sure that all devices are loaded with the same key.

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