Lately, the advances that have been generated in the field of telecommunications are absolutely remarkable. Since, progressively, they show new technologies in order to provide higher performance, better bandwidth, transmission speed , etc.
In the home environment, the most widely used local network transmission technology, is WiFi . Mainly, for the comfort it offers compared to the use of the Ethernet cable. However, in many cases it can cause inconvenience due to interference or lack of coverage. But, although the Ethernet may be more reliable, its installation is much more tedious.
Given this, the need arises for users to search for other connection alternatives to solve these failures. So, currently, one of the most interesting, is the Internet connection by the electricity network through a PLC and given that it is a somewhat unknown solution, in this post we will indicate the most important of her.
Index:
What is the PLC and how does this type of Internet connections work?
The PLC or “ Power Line Communications ” refers to a type of Internet connection that basically encompasses different technologies that allow the transmission of data through a power line . Thus, using this new technological concept, it is possible to make use of the domestic electrical installation as a telecommunications infrastructure .
Therefore, it will not be necessary to depend on the instability shown by the WiFi service to which you are affiliated and you will not have to perform an installation of Ethernet cable that is really expensive, both at home and business.
However, it is valuable to clarify that the performance of the PLC connection will depend on the quality of the electrical signal you have at home . So, under normal conditions, you can offer optimal performance.
Now, in reference to the operation of the PLC as an Internet connection, this is an aspect that develops as it is established. Well, the provider is the one who will promote the general features and functions that it may have . Whether, depending on the control requirements, the monitoring, registration and all aspects of major importance when the project is under development.
However, it is appropriate to highlight that a PLC is a kind of computer that must have with certain components that we will detail throughout the post and once they are connected correctly, you have to make a previous programming to the function you are going to execute. For which, it is necessary to use specific software .
So that, it is able to automate electromechanical sequences and execute an action depending on the signal it receives from another process, basically.
Is the PLC really a reliable alternative to ADSL or FTTH?
Taking into account that the ADSL or the symmetric digital subscriber line changed everything in terms of Internet connections, mainly because of its easy installation and simple deployment when using the same infrastructure as the telephone line.
Like the direct fiber optic home or FTTH that offers much higher connections , thus optimizing the network experience; you will wonder if the PCL is a reliable solution to these types of networks.
Well, it should be noted that is not a truly integrated alternative in view of the operation that both ADSL and FTTH have shown over the years. Because, although it is a technology designed to simplify Internet connections, can also present different problems .
Among these inconveniences, we highlight that there is the possibility of overcoming the steps of high voltage to medium and low voltage , since the power supply must be used. In addition to this, it can also cause some interference and this makes it an unhelpful method against the recognized types of connections named in this section.
Bearing in mind that, in general, the PLC is simply profitable to bring Internet to rural areas and thus, it is considered ideal for small population centers.
What are the components needed to create a «Power Line Communications network »?
First, if we refer to the internal components of a PLC , they are different from those required to be able to create such an Internet network. Well, beyond the PLC device, it requires others to establish communication correctly. However, it is valuable to consider what is the internal architecture of a PLC.
Next, we detail its parts:
The central processing unit or CPU
Refers to the block responsible for verifying the status of the inputs . So that, with this query, you can extract from the program memory all the steps to be carried out to elaborate, correctly, the output signals.
An internal memory
It is a memory that is responsible for maintaining the data that is emerging and is managed during intermediate processes. Which are translated and cannot be reflected in the output.
The input and output interfaces
Are those that are responsible for establishing communication between the PLC device and the plant or the processes from which it can receive information and at the same time, send the output signals optimally.
On the other hand, in order to install a PLC network at home , two elements are simply required and these are indicated below:
An adapter
Basically, it is the device that connects to the electrical signal where the router is also connected that provides the Internet throughout the house.
A repeater
Secondly, a repeater is required that connects precisely to the socket where you want to have an Internet connection.
It should be noted that, commonly, these two parts necessary to establish the Internet connection with a PLC, are sold in a ready pack and distributed by several brands. So, you should not buy the adapter and repeater separately .
Steps to install and expand a Power Line network in your connection Internet using the power grid
To proceed with the installation of a PLC, you must have the aforementioned devices. Which, may be the most basic in the market to have a truly stable Internet connection and in many cases, fast.
Thus, it should be noted that PLCs are adapters that connect to an outlet and only in that way, can send the Internet signal to another adapter that is in another outlet in the home. Therefore, the two devices to use must have an Ethernet port so that you can connect the router to one side and the other, the computer.
However, as the PLC device has to be connected to a plug, it is mandatory; some manufacturers make sure to provide such a device with an additional plug so as not to occupy another one. Apart from that, there are also some of these devices that create a WiFi connection point and thanks to this, it is not necessary to link it by cable.
Now, then, we indicate the steps to follow to have an Internet connection through the electricity network through a PLC :
Initially, connect the router to the input PLC span>
To start installing a PLC in the home, first of all, you will have to connect the device to any plug of the place you want. This being the point of entry that will facilitate the transfer of the Internet through the electricity network .
As for the main recommendations to do this, we emphasize that it is extremely important to connect the PLC device directly to the plug and not to a power strip that has other electrical devices connected. Since, if you do the opposite, it is very likely that the Internet connection is of poor quality and totally unstable.
Proceed to connect the router to the PLC
After having the device in question connected to the power outlet that you have preferred to use, it is necessary that connect the router to the PLC via an Ethernet cable . Typically, these are usually included in the PLC kit box purchased from manufacturers.
However, it is recommended to use a high-speed Gigabit cable , so that the connection is completely stable and always emits absolutely fast operation.
If the PLC has a WiFi connection point, it is not required to use an Ethernet cable. Well, you just have to link both devices with the password that the house has Wi-Fi .
Now, join your device to the output PLC span>
After specifying the above, it is necessary to connect it to the output device. In view of the fact that there is already an Internet connection in the electrical current of the house, but there is no receiving device that is connected to it .
Then, to do this, you must take any device you wish to connect to the network (the computer, for example) and go to the room to which you need to transfer the Internet signal . Like, for example, the room.
Once in the site, take the other PLC device (that is, the output device) and proceed to connect it to a plug again . At this point, it is also advised to do it directly to the plug and not use a power strip.
Finally, repeat the process you did with the router. But, in this case, you have to connect your computer or any device to the PLC using an Ethernet cable and this should be enough to have an Internet connection in seconds.
Next, a brief scheme in which you can see how to connect to the Internet with a Power Line Communications:
Is it useful to have more than one PLC kit installed and if this will improve your connection?
There is a big question regarding the installation of more than one PLC kit in the home . Since, users do not know if this could optimize the Internet connection or, on the contrary, generate interference that causes lower network performance.
In this sense, it is appropriate to highlight that the most common PLC connection only makes use of two devices of this type (as we indicated in the step by step), that is, the input and the output (or main and secondary). However, there is the possibility of placing all the PLCs you want , in order to cover all the sites where you prefer to have an Internet connection.
But, when adding another PLC device to this connection, it is important to take into account an aspect of relevance with respect to the brand and model of the equipment . Given that, although different brands and speeds can be used, it is best to use the same models and manufacturers to prevent performance and synchronization issues .
All this means that having more than one PLC kit installed in the home can be admitted to generate more coverage and does not cause interference in the place strong>. Taking into account that, generally, such interferences occur when you use appliances with powerful motors and for this, it is advisable to place the PLC in a connector furthest from these devices.