About Ryan Stewart Expertise I can answer questions, provide advice and assist with troubleshooting several areas of internet and network security including but not limited to: Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 & 2008, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Linux operating systems; planning, design, implementation, management & testing in small business, home and home office environments; server and workstation hardware; in-house and remote system auditing; software-based offensive security (penetration and vulnerability testing); software-based defensive security (firewall configuration, encrypting & securing services with SSL, VPN, AV gateway, antivirus, access control, monitoring & intrusion detection); hardware-based security configuration & techniques; Certificate Authority and SSL certificates; wireless security (WEP, WPA, WPA2, 802.1X).
Experience I've been an independent IT consultant for 5 years serving small businesses and home users.
Education/Credentials CISM - Certified Information Security Manager |
CCNA Security - Cisco Certified Network Associate Security |
MCSA - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
Question Hi,
I recently read a review of a product I had no idea existed. Apparently the two unit combo plugs into an electrical outlet and the other into the computer, and you can get online. So I want to understand for sure--if I have an ethernet card in my computer, I can get online without a subscription to any service?
Art
Answer Art,
Power-line networking is based on the simple concept of "no new wires". Power-line Ethernet adapters use the existing electrical power lines in your home and office to build a computer network. Consider this, almost every home and office has multiple power outlets in every room but in order to network these rooms you'll need to either setup a wireless network or shell out some big bucks to have network cabling installed. So if setting up a wireless network is not a feasible option, power-line networking is the way to go.
A few years ago the question was asked "why can't we just use the pre-existing electrical wiring as a data transport media?" Now you can. This type of networking protocol does not allow you to access the internet by simply plugging an Ethernet cable from your computer to your wall socket. Instead, you can plug your cable or DSL modem into one of the socket adapters and provide internet and media access to your entire house rather easily. Also, these products do not interfere with your existing electrical equipment or home automation devices because they operate on a completely different AC frequency.
Tests have shown that while power-line networking is not as fast as a traditional Ethernet network, it provides a simple & cost effective solution for networking a home or small office. In my opinion, wireless networking should be your first choice if you don't currently have Ethernet infrastructure.
