ZyXEL Communications 100 Network Card User Manual


 
PL-100 User’s Guide
Chapter 1 Getting to Know Your PL-100 17
CHAPTER 1
Getting to Know Your PL-100
This chapter introduces the main features and applications of the PL-100.
1.1 PL-100 PowerLine 85 Mbps Ethernet Adapter Overview
Thank you for purchasing the The PL-100 PowerLine 85 Mbps Ethernet Adapter transforms a
house's existing electrical wiring into a powerful networking infrastructure. The PL-100 plugs
into an ordinary outlet to easily extend a cable or DSL broadband connection or existing
Ethernet (LAN) network to any other electrical outlet in any room of a house, all without the
need for any new cabling.
The PL-100 supports up to an 85 Mbps data rate over common power lines while providing
56-bit DES Link Encryption for a safe and secure network. Easy to install, simply plug the PL-
100 into an outlet and connect it to any broadband modem or router, and then plug each PC,
home entertainment device, gaming console or network-ready printer into a power socket with
another PL-100.
1.2 Key Features
Up to an 85 Mbps Data Rate Over Power Lines
Power line communication (PLC), also called Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) or Power
Line Telecoms (PLT), is a wireline technology that is able to use the current electricity
networks for data and voice transmission. The technology allows the transfer of voice and data
by superimposing an analog signal over the standard 50 or 60 Hz alternating current (AC).
56-bit DES Link Encryption
Data Encryption Standard (DES) is a widely used method of data encryption using a secret
key. DES applies a 56-bit key to each 64-bit block of data.
No New Wiring to Install
The PL-100 works in any home with copper wiring used as for electrical lines. Since some
older houses built before 1950 might have older wiring, then it may not work in these cases.
The PL-100 signal has no problem passing through circuit breakers, but can’t pass through
power transformers (which usually feed power to a house or groups of houses). The PL-100
works with AC input of 100 ~ 240 V.