Plaster Networks (www.plasternetworks.com) delivers on the full promise of powerline networking by providing a more reliable network for home multimedia applications, such as streaming video, IPTV and online gaming, over existing AC wiring.
Unlike other offerings, Plaster Networks is an intelligent powerline adapter that includes a dedicated network processor for network management, configuration, diagnostics and troubleshooting. This enables remote management and configuration through Plaster Networks Service. No other product offers this today.
Built on the HomePlug AV standard, the Plaster Networks PLN3 Powerline AV Adapter is simply plugged in and supports any Ethernet-capable device.
Key features include:
- Broadband performance for multimedia content (200Mbps PHY)
- Security (128-bit AES encryption)
- Dual Ethernet ports- Powerline isolators for improved performance
- Browser-based administration
- Instant view of network performance
- Remote diagnostics
- Centralized network management and configuration
- Automated software upgrades
- One button password reset
Fig. 1 – The Plaster Networks adapters, PLN3, include a dedicated network processor and advanced software to manage powerline configuration and performance. They also include two Ethernet ports, instead of the standard one.
Intelligent Networking Over Existing Wiring
Plaster Networks enhances standard powerline networking with the combination of intelligent Ethernet adapters, remote diagnostics, and powerline conditioning using isolators.
PLN3 adapters include a dedicated network processor and advanced software logic to manage powerline configuration and performance. Most other powerline adapters are simple bridging units with no added processing capability.
Through the Internet, PLN3 adapters interface to Plaster Networks Service for advanced diagnostics of the powerline network. The Service helps maintain optimum network performance as well as providing a convenient, browser-based interface for remote configuration and management.
Based on diagnostic information from PLN3 adapters and Plaster Networks Service, the selective location of IX2 powerline isolators can also help improve network performance and reliability. The IX2 powerline isolator isolates potential sources of electrical noise, such as phone rechargers or dimmer switches, which can degrade network performance.
Fig. 2: The Plaster Network offering – adapters, isolator and the unique Plaster Networks Service.
Ensuring Optimum Performance of your Powerline Network
The Plaster Networks Service allows you to instantly view the status of your network and its performance. As soon as the adapters are installed the user can verify that everything works and troubleshoot any slow internet performance. Over time you also have an historic view of your network’s performance. Through this service you can identify locations where isolators would help improve network reliability and throughput.
In addition, you automatically receive software and firmware updates for PLN3 adapters, with added features to improve performance and reliability. Plaster Networks remotely and transparently downloads software updates over the Internet, with no intervention required from the end user.
Fig. 3: A real-time view of networks status and performance.
Fig. 4: A browser-based view allows for system-wide view of household network.
Fig. 5: A historical view of network performance allows you to diagnose network performance over time.
Advantages of Plaster Networks Powerline Networking
No software to install: Users can manage and configure their powerline network through a standard web browser, using either the Plaster Networks Service or the built-in PLN3 Administration Console.
Ease of configuration: Plaster Networks Service provides a single point from which to change the configuration parameters across your entire network quickly and easily. For instance, you can change a network password on all of your adapters with one click. With Plaster Networks, the user does not need to become an expert in powerline networking.
View and monitor network performance: Plaster Networks Service regularly collects performance statistics across your entire powerline network and graphs the results for review. Users can quickly and easily view the performance of their networks over time and can isolate the slowest links that may need attention.
Automatically Diagnose Network Bottlenecks: Plaster Networks Service can automatically analyze network performance statistics and isolate potential network problems remotely. Users can benefit from the knowledge and expertise of Plaster Networks Service to optimizing network performance. For instance, Plaster Networks can pinpoint potential sources of interference on the powerline, and then recommending installation of a Plaster Networks IX2 isolator to help resolve "problematic" network links.
Added security: As soon as you install your adapters and register your network with Plaster Networks Service, the system will automatically prompt you for a new network password used to encrypt data that travels over the powerline The service automatically installs that password remotely on all of the powerline adapters.
Works seamlessly with other HomePlug AV adapters: Plaster Networks adapters use the HomePlug AV standard and interoperate with any third-party adapters that are HomePlug AV compatible. By adding a Plaster Networks adapter to an existing powerline network, users gain many of the Plaster Networks advantages for security, configuration, management, and diagnostics.
Buy the PLN3 adapters on the Plaster Networks website (www.plasternetworks.com) at $149.95 for a set of two ($96.95 apiece). The IX2 isolators are $24.95.
For more technical and product details, please visit:
http://support.plasternetworks.com/
About the company:
Plaster Networks enables simple, reliable networking over existing wiring. The company develops advanced hardware and software technologies for low-cost, high speed powerline networks in the home or small office. Plaster Networks was founded by Paul Baran, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur widely known as the inventor of packet switching, the foundation technology for the Internet. For more information, please visit www.plasternetworks.com.