Frequently Asked Questions

What is Powerline Communication (PLC)? What is Powerline Communication (PLC)?

PLC is a proven, well-established and recognised technology that enables data transfer at narrow or broadband speeds through the existing electrical cables installed in the buildings by using advanced modulation technology.

Multiple applications can be carried over the electrical network using PLC including Ethernet, Ultra Wide Band, Audio, HDMI, Triple play services and smart metering.

Is Powerline a reliable networking solution? Is Powerline a reliable networking solution?

The concept of running a network over the mains power cables within the building has been around for over 25 years. Early versions of the Powerline adapters were limited to a slow network speed and did not handle the electrical interference very well. The HomePlug Powerline Alliance (whose standards we support) has over 70 members and more than 200 different products have received the HomePlug certification. Alliance members include Cisco, Motorola, Broadcom, D-Link Systems.

In the last 6 years, network speeds have increased dramatically and each successive chip is better at handling any interference on the mains cable. The Powerline chip used in the PE socket is designed and manufactured by Qualcom, an USA giant chip manufacturer (who used to be known as Atheros and Intellon.) They pride themselves in not only being at the front of the Powerline ratification process (IEEE1901) and they have released a new chip that increase the network bandwidth from 200Mbps to 500Mbps.

The PE Socket is based on the Qualcomm Atheros INT6400 200AV chipset which has a gross bandwidth of 200Mbps.

Who needs the PE Socket? Who needs the PE Socket?

Any size business or home user who needs to extend their network and have internet access wherever is needed.

Who can install the PE Socket? Who can install the PE Socket?

Like any other power outlet, the PE socket needs to be installed by a qualified electrician.

How much does it cost to install the PE Socket? How much does it cost to install the PE Socket?

Research around the UK came up with an average labour cost of £50 to replace 4 existing two-gang power sockets with PE Sockets.

Is Power Ethernet networking solution less expensive? Is Power Ethernet networking solution less expensive?

As our unique Power Sockets use the existing power cabling found in all buildings there are no costs for rewiring and no company downtime.

By simply replacing the existing power sockets with the PE Sockets companies instantly have access to a secure Ethernet network.

How deep do the back boxes need to be to install the PE socket? How deep do the back boxes need to be to install the PE socket?

The PE socket fits a standard UK two-gang 35mm deep metal back box.

How secure is the connection through the PE Sockets? How secure is the connection through the PE Sockets?

The PE Socket protects the data by encrypting the network with 128bit AES security.

Does the PE Sockets work with WiFi? Does the PE Sockets work with WiFi?

Yes. In fact it can enhance the wireless coverage by allowing wireless access points to be deployed in locations where needed and connects them via the PLC network backbone.

Is the PE Socket capable of supporting bandwidth demanding applications? Is the PE Socket capable of supporting bandwidth demanding applications?

Yes, the PE Socket provides Ethernet at 200Mbps (gross) across a meshed network.  

Connect a broadband router to share Internet access fast enough to stream even High Definition (HD) video.

What other countries use UK sockets? What other countries use UK sockets?

The British Standards 1363 plug design is also used in Ireland, Sri Lanka, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Yemen, Oman, Cyprus, Malta, Gibraltar, Botswana, Ghana, Hong Kong, Macau, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Iraq, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

BS 1363 is also standard in several of the former British Caribbean colonies such as Belize, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenada.

Glossary Glossary

Powerline
Powerline or Power Line Communication (PLC), also known as power line carrier, mains communication, Power Line Telecom (PLT), or Power Line Networking (PLN), is a system for carrying data on a conductor also used for electric power transmission.
HomePlug Alliance
An industry trade group for power line communication. This organisation of about 70 companies defines power line communication specifications.  Their web site can be found at www.homeplug.org
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface. A compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams.
WiFi (or Wi-Fi)
The trade name for a popular wireless technology used in home networks, mobile phones, video games and more. Wi-Fi is supported by nearly every modern personal computer operating system and most advanced game consoles.
BlueTooth
A wireless protocol utilising short-range communications technology facilitating both voice and data transmissions over short distances from fixed and/or mobile devices, creating wireless personal area networks (PANs).
Ethernet
A family of frame-based computer networking technologies for local area networks (LANs). The name comes from the physical concept of "the ether".

For more information on any of these topics, we recommend looking them up on Wikipedia.

FAQs