Powerline Net Adapters? Good or bad?

[Rinnt]

Hi all,
I looked for a 'general networking' forum but had no luck. So this is where the thread ended up (by all means let me know if you know of a more appropriate location for this discussion).

I would like to know if any of you have used or heard anything about the powerline network adapters. As I understand it, you can plug a usb adapter into a power outlet to use the powerlines in a building as a networking infrastructure. If this new technology actually works well it may be more cost effective to go with these vs having a cable drop installed everytime a new connection was needed... Plz, don't just refer me to a link as I would like actual feedback from human beings that have experience with this...

QUESTIONS:

Most of what I have seen was geared to the home user.
Do any of you know if this can be used in the small-mid business environment?

Is it possible to plug these powerline adapters into existing network switches and hubs to network with other computers or must all networking be done over powerlines?

What are the security issues involved with this? Seems I recall reading that it required encryption because the single could carry outside the building until it hit a point of attenuation or a transformer. But the encryption was rather weak?

Are there any limits to bandwidth? For example, can the powerline network become over crowded with signals and thus degrading the technology...

Most of all, do these things actually work - well??

Thanks in advance!

 

[franklin97355]

If you could tell us what it is you are trying to accomplish it would help us evaluate PNAs usefulness for your application. Most of these devices work as specified, if they will work for you depends on what your requirements are.

 

[Rinnt]

Well, I have various sites that may expand in the future. Sites run roughly 15-50 users at 10/100 Mbps. These sites may expand in the future on a user by user basis. I don't expext any expantion to exceed 5-15 users in the near future. It would be nice to be able to save money by using PNA for these expantions... The data will need to be protected. Obviously the network can be comprimised farily easily if the internal data is readily available to surrounding buildings. Is that what you were looking for details? If not, what specifics do you need?

Thanks!

 

[franklin97355]

They aren't appropriate for what you want to do, sorry.

 

[Rinnt]

Ok. Well thanks for saving me some trouble.

But since the technology is so fasinating, could you tell me what the ideal usage is? just home networks?

 

[franklin97355]

Home networks, small (2 or three computers) office, network printing in same or for that one guy that just has to have a computer in the only metal lined office without cable.

 

[bcastner]

Powerline is very cool stuff, and works terrificly well.
See:

http://www.informationweek.com/story/IWK20030108S0003

http://www.internetwk.com/story/INW20021125S0007?ls=TW_010303_fea&fb=20030103_network

 

[mainegeek]

Great reading BCASTNER....Thanks!!