Recently, advances in the field of telecommunications have simply stunned the imagination. Because, gradually, they are demonstrating new technologies to provide higher performance, better bandwidth, transfer speed, among other things. This time we will talk to you about the internet through the electrical network .
In the home environment, WiFi is the most widely used technology to transfer data over a local area network. Mainly for the convenience it offers over the use of an Ethernet cable. However, this can often be inconvenient due to interference or lack of coverage. But while Ethernet can be more reliable, its installation requires much more labor.
Index of contents
What is PLC and how does this kind of Internet connection work?
Internet through electrical network
Users must look for other connectivity alternatives to solve certain connection problems. That is why, at present, one of the most interesting options is the Internet connection through the electrical network through a PLC , and since this is a somewhat unknown solution, in this article we will tell you the most important things about it. .
PLC or ” Power Line Communications ” refers to a type of Internet connection that mainly includes various technologies that allow data to be transmitted over a power line. Thus, with this new technological concept, domestic wiring can be used as a telecommunications infrastructure.
That is why, it is not necessary to depend on the instability of the WiFi service to which you are connected, or to lay an expensive Ethernet cable, both at home and at the business level.
However, it is worth noting that the performance of a PLC connection is going to depend on the quality of the electrical signal you have in your home. Therefore, under normal conditions, it will be able to provide invaluable performance.
What is PLC?
However, as regards the operation of the PLC as an internet connection, this aspect evolves as it is installed. A supplier is one that will promote the general characteristics and functions that it may have based on the requirements of control, monitoring, registration and all the most important aspects in the development of the project.
However, it is pertinent to highlight that a PLC is a kind of computer that must have certain components , which we will describe in detail throughout the article, and after they are properly connected, it is necessary to pre-program the function that will work. To do this, you need to use special software.
Thus, it is able to automate electromechanical sequences and perform an action based on the signal received from another process, fundamentally.
Is the PLC really a reliable alternative to ADSL or FTTH?
Reliable alternative to ADSL or FTTH
Considering that ADSL or Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line has changed everything in terms of Internet connectivity, mainly due to its ease of installation and ease of deployment since it uses the same infrastructure as a telephone line.
As with home fiber or FTTH, which provides much higher connections and therefore optimizes network performance, you might be wondering if PCL is a reliable solution for these types of networks .
It should be noted that this is not a truly integrated performance alternative that ADSL and FTTH have proven over the years. Because while this technology is designed to simplify Internet connections, it can also pose a variety of challenges.
Among the disadvantages, we highlight the ability to overcome transitions from high to medium and low voltage, since it is necessary to use a power supply. In addition to this, it can also create some interference, which makes it a useless method compared to the recognized connection types mentioned in this section.
Whereas, overall, PLC is just a cost-effective way to deliver Internet to rural areas and is therefore considered an ideal option for small communities.
What components are needed to create a power line communication network?
First of all, if we talk about the internal components of the PLC , then they are different from those needed to create this type of Internet network. Because, in addition to the PLC device, other devices are required for correct communication and to achieve an optimal internet through the electrical network. However, it is important to consider what the internal architecture of the PLC is .
Next, we will take a closer look at its constituent parts:
1- Central processing unit or CPU
It refers to the block in charge of checking the status of the inputs. Thus, with the help of this query, you can retrieve from the program memory all the steps that must be performed to correctly design the output signals.
2- Internal memory
It is the memory that is responsible for storing the data that is generated and managed during the intermediate processes. They are translated and cannot be reflected in the output.
3- Input and output interface
They are responsible for instituting communication between the PLC device and the plant or processes from which it can receive information and at the same time send output signals optimally.
On the other hand, to be able to install a PLC network in a home, only two elements are needed, which are listed below:
4- Adapter
Fundamentally, it is a device that connects to an electrical signal, to which a router is also connected, providing Internet throughout the house.
5- Repeater
Second, you need a repeater that connects to the outlet where you want to connect to the Internet.
Repeater
It is important to note that generally these two parts necessary to establish an Internet connection with the PLC are sold in finished packages and are distributed by various brands. This way, you don’t have to buy an adapter and repeater separately.
Be sure to read: How WiFi Works To Provide An Internet Connection
How to install an electrical network in your home and strengthen your internet connection through the electrical network?
Install an electrical network
To start installing the PLC, you must have the above devices. These are possibly the most basic devices available on the market for having a truly stable and, in many cases, fast Internet connection.
PLCs are adapters that plug into one outlet and only in this way can they transmit the Internet signal to another adapter in another outlet in the house. Therefore, both devices used must have an Ethernet port so that you can connect a router on one side and a computer on the other .
However, since the PLC device must be plugged into one outlet, some manufacturers try to add a plug to the PLC device so that it does not occupy another outlet. Additionally, some of these devices create a WiFi access point, eliminating the need for a wired connection.
So, these are the steps you must follow to connect to the Internet through a network using a PLC:
1- First connect the router to the input PLC.
To start installing a PLC in your home, first of all, you must connect the device to any outlet in the place you need . This is the entry point that will facilitate the transmission of the Internet through the electrical network.
Regarding the basic guidelines for performing these steps, it is extremely important to connect the PLC device directly to an electrical outlet and not to an extension cord to which other electrical appliances are connected. Otherwise, it is very likely that your Internet connection is of poor quality and completely unstable.
2- Start connecting the router to the PLC
After connecting the device to the selected output, you must connect the router to the PLC using an Ethernet cable. They usually come in the box with the PLC kit that you buy from the manufacturers.
However, it is recommended to use a high speed gigabit cable to keep the connection completely stable and always provide totally fast performance.
If the PLC has a WiFi access point , it is not necessary to use an Ethernet cable. Just connect the two devices with your home WiFi password.
3- Now connect your device to the outgoing PLC
After that, you need to connect it to the output device . Since there is already an Internet connection in the house electrical network, but the receiving device is not connected to it.
So, for this, you need to take the device that you want to connect to the network (computer, for example) and go to the room where you need to transmit the Internet signal. For example, a living room.
Once in place, take another PLC device (that is, the boss) and reconnect it. At this stage, it is also recommended to do this directly from the outlet, rather than using an extension cord.
Lastly, repeat the process you did with the router . But in this case, you have to connect a computer or any other device to the PLC using an Ethernet cable, and that should be enough to connect you to the Internet in a matter of seconds.
Here is a short diagram showing how to connect to the Internet using the power line communications network:
Internet using the power line communications network
Does installing more than one PLC kit help and improve your connection?
There is a question mark regarding the installation of more than one PLC kit in a house. Users do not know if this will optimize the Internet connection or, conversely, will create interference that will lead to a decrease in network performance.
That is why, it is worth noting that the most common PLC connection for internet by electrical network uses only two devices of this type (as indicated in the step-by-step description), that is, input and output (or main and secondary). . However, it is possible to place as many PLCs as you want to cover all the places where you prefer to have an Internet connection.
Although, there is an important aspect to take into account when adding another PLC to this connection, regarding the make and model of the equipment. While different brands and speeds can be used, it is best to use the same models and manufacturers to avoid performance and timing issues .
All of this means that having more than one set of PLCs installed in a home can be supported to provide greater coverage and does not interfere with venues. Considering that, as a general rule, such interference occurs when using devices with powerful motors, it is recommended to place the PLC in a slot away from such devices.
