Devolo MicroLink dLAN Ethernet User Manual

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Introduction

devolo MicroLink dLAN Ethernet - devolo MicroLink dLAN USB

Introduction

This chapter gives you an overview of the new dLAN technology and a brief
introduction to the two devolo dLAN adapters.

1.1

What exactly is dLAN?

There is now a new alternative to the well-known wired LAN and Wireless
LAN network technologies currently used in home networking: dLAN (direct
LAN, i.e. directly networked). dLAN is home networking using the electric
wiring already installed in the building.

Cost factor and transmission quality

dLAN is an economical and easy-to-use networking technology. You don't
need to lay cables and you can connect to the home network at every power
point.

The dLAN technology modulates and demodulates additional frequencies on
the power lines. Modulation and demodulation is a well-known and proven
method of data transmission, which has been in use in other applications for
a number of years. Now it is used to set up Internet and network accesses in
the home or office. Depending on the damping factor, distances of up to 200
meters can be covered.

With a maximum data transmission rate of 14 Mbps and symmetrical upload
and download, the dLAN technology is equivalent to classical Ethernet net-
working solutions and is faster than the current wireless standard WIFI

for

home applications. Depending on the line quality, bandwidths of 6 to 8 Mbps
are possible in practice—quite sufficient for extending the DSL connection
to all rooms.

Data security and radiation

The power meter in the building acts as a physical barrier against unwanted
access from outside. Furthermore, for the sake of security, a DES

pro

encryp-

tion is used to guarantee secure data transfer within the network.

dLAN devices from devolo meet the stringent EU industrial standards and
comply with the current standards for electromagnetic radiation. In fact, the
radiation is distinctly lower compared to wireless LAN technologies.