January 27, 2012

Smarter Networks, Smarter Buildings

British technology start-up Power Ethernet recently launched the “PE Socket,” which it claims is the first product to integrate powerline networking technology directly into an electrical socket to facilitate high-speed data connectivity throughout a building by using electrical cabling. 
 


Based on the HomePlug AV standard for powerline networking (click here for more information), Power Ethernet’s PE Socket combines four Ethernet network ports, a fully-managed network switch and filtered power socket into a single device. Available only in the U.K. right now, it fits a U.K. Standard 35mm double gang metal back box and uses a building’s electrical wiring to create a high-speed and secure data network for connecting computers, Voice over IP phones, Internet-connected TVs and digital signage, home automation and entertainment systems, building management systems, CCTV cameras and other Ethernet connected-devices. 
 
 

In greenfield sites, the Power Ethernet system removes the cost of specifying and installing additional cabling to provide network connectivity. In more established situations, it cuts the cost of making good the installation of additional data cabling and reduces disruption by using existing electrical cabling.  
 


Notes Power Ethernet Managing Director Daniel Rogoff, “Powerline offers such a simple and cost-effective solution to the challenge of connecting the growing number of Internet-enabled devices used in homes and businesses. However, we quickly realized that Powerline needed a professional makeover for it to reach its full potential as a networking technology.”

He continues, “By integrating Powerline directly into the electrical fabric of a building, with the PE Socket, we are able to offer a reliable, simple and elegant approach to specifying Powerline networking. Best of all the PE Socket is designed to be installed by electricians without them having to learn data networking skills.”


The Power Ethernet socket supports speeds as fast as 200 Mbps across main cabling and distances to 300 meters between sockets. The filtered power socket is designed to reduce the effect of electrically noisy devices that may be plugged into it in order to provide the highest network rates across the Powerline network.
 
Installing two or more PE Sockets instantly creates a high speed, secure Ethernet network running across the existing electrical mains cabling, the company adds. More devices and additional rooms can be added to the network by installing additional PE Sockets. 
 

More about Power Ethernet: A Power Ethernet network supports voice and video over IP, security (128 bit AES), device prioritization (quality of service) and network segmentation (virtual LANs). With a fully managed network switch on each socket, the Power Ethernet system integrates with existing enterprise networks.