Escient FIREBALL MP-150 Manuel D’Utilisation

HOME NETWORKING PRIMER WD005-1-2 

12/22/2003

6325 Digital Way   Indianapolis, IN 46278   317.616.6789 phone   317.616.6790 fax   www.escient.com 

Powerline networking has existed in a few forms in the past, the latest specification is called 
HomePlug and runs at 14Mbps. HomePlug uses your existing home electrical wiring to transfer 
data.

HomePlug does not interfere with your existing electrical equipment or home automation 
devices like X-10, CEBus, and LONworks. HomePlug also encrypts all data with 56bit DES 
encryption to ensure that your neighbors can not eavesdrop on your network traffic. Note: 
encryption is usually not enabled by default and must be 'turned on' using software provided by 
the devices manufacturer. 

The HomePlug specification incorporates a technology called PowerPacket. This new 
technology is what makes HomePlug different from the old Powerline networks. PowerPacket 
eliminates noise from electrical appliances like hair driers and televisions plus it offers 
security.  

Powerline network adapters come in PCI and USB versions but are fairly expensive right now - 
about $50 to $100 per computer. There are also Powerline to Ethernet bridges and Powerline 
broadband routers with ethernet bridges built-in, in the same price range.