The company Devolo is a relatively new name in the IT market (in existence since 2002.) And only recently have products of this company appeared to us. These are network devices from Powerline (dLAN) series which is in conformity with the international HomePlug standard. To clarify just a bit, this standard is about networking devices over existing electrical installations. Something like this is a very practical way to implement the network in situations where the LAN cable broaching difficult, and if the current installation of sufficient quality, they can expect pretty good results when the flow of data in question. These products has been a lot of the market, but we expect that Devolo good price policy fails to take a good position, and how it comes to a company that is specialized just for these network adapters and devices, the quality can not be doubted.
Devolo dLAN 200AVplus
Key features
- Extremely easy installation
- Using power installations for network traffic
- Flow depends greatly on the quality of installation
Specification
Interface: 100Mb / s Fast Ethernet, HomePlug AV
Connection: Ethernet UTP (auto-sense cable)
Current setup: 100-240V (220V Schuko)
Bandwidth: 200Mbit / s
Range: up to 300m
Data Protection: 128-bit AES encryption
Dimensions: 130 x 66 x 42 mm
Devolo dLAN 200AVplus
The idea behind Powerline adapters is not so new, has long been talk of using the existing electrical installations for LAN traffic, but the main problem was the reliability and speed of flow. Now it seems that most of our problems and overcome, that there are a lot of room for doubt. Devolo dLAN 200AVplus is a simple adapter that is essential to this whole thing worked, except that the course should have at least two such devices to make the whole thing to function (in the offer, of course, are also included). Outwardly, 200AVplus adapter is most close to some of the current timer, the housing of the ordinary white plastic with a number of ventilation openings and nice ukopljenim status LEDs. The package does not get much: a LAN cable, Quick Start Guide and CD with supporting material.
Devolo dLAN 200AVplus
Compared to similar products from other manufacturers, 200AVplus has an additional function, which is the power filter. In fact, when it is connected to the free power plug, through it can be connected to other electrical equipment (such as an extension cord for your computer and monitor), while the iron supply in order to eliminate the risk of damage to equipment from an irregular supply from the network. What is important to know that should not be used on the existing 200AVplus voltage divider, and that the best results are obtained if one uses the same phase current. Range (in theory) is 300, but really should not be exaggerated since it still intended to be used in an apartment or house. Installation is very simple and just have the adapter connected to the electricity and internet (modem, router, etc..), While the other adapter to a computer or device that attaches to the local network. When it is all connected, it takes a little wait for the connection, which can be seen in upaljeniim status LEDs.
HomePlug is a specification that defines a computer network that interconnects devices over a standard power grid (220 V). German firm Devolo is a leader in the field of production equipment for networking over existing wired installations in buildings (that are on the same stage), and the palm of their registered commercial name for the devices made by HomePlug specification. In their offer, there are solutions for home and business users, and we had the opportunity to try the most powerful model offered for home users - Devolo dLAN 200 Powerline Avsmart + from the Starter Pack.
According to the manufacturer, the basic concept of their network adapters is the minimum energy consumption of the devices, and then only when needed. Also, power quality on all devices improves the built-in filters in order to preserve themselves as adapters and other devices connected through them, which shows and offered the guarantee period of three years.
The package called Starter Kit comes everything you need to network two computers through the power grid: two network adapters, two network cable length 2 m, a printed manual and CD (software and user). The software that comes on the accompanying CD was written for Windows, Mac and Linux platforms. It allows an arbitrary change passwords for secure connectivity and control over all devices in the Powerline network. As the software is concerned, it is important to note that the adapters can change the firmware in case of amendments by the manufacturer.
Adapters are made of plastic great white and not very attractive. Seems to be similar to the devices of "white" technique, which is in line with the objective to be seamlessly integrated into the homes. Signaling is well resolved by using the LCD screen size 1.7 ", located on the front, just below the transient electrical plug. Transient electricity socket allows us to connect the same power outlet adapter and, say, an extension cord that will connect the computer, monitor, console, set top box or other devices you plan to connect to the network. On the bottom side, seen in relation to the adapter is plugged into a power outlet in the wall, there is a LAN (RJ-45) and next to it button to automatically establish an encrypted connection.
This adapter model has been declared at 200 Mbit / s, with the possibility of 128-bit AES encryption at the touch of a button, and according to the manufacturer, can be used to install the length to 300 meters from outlet to outlet. Built-in auto sleep adapter saves up to 60 percent of energy to power adapter if the network card on a computer that is used is not a mode Wake On LAN. To see the status of the device does not need a computer. All relevant status messages such as signal strength connection with the connected device, the number of devices connected to the Powerline network, the number of the device, encryption, whether the established connection and activity dLAN adapters can be viewed on the integrated LCD monochrome display with excellent contrast. Number of devices that can be alternately displayed in the display are nine, including the adapter to which the display.
Devolo dLAN 200 AVsmart + Powerline Starter Kit
When creating Powerline networks is very important to be on the specification for which they are made devices that are intended for use, because even though interoperability is provided, there may be problems. For example, if you already have an existing network with devices from other manufacturers made the HomePlug 1.0 specification (14 Mbps), and we want to supplement the devices made according to specification HomePlug AV (200 Mbps), it can happen that are incompatible because Manufacturer newer adapter considered unnecessary to enable interoperability between devices manufactured by different specifications. However, the Devolo with full backwards compatibility with older models, with the eventual apdejt firmware.
I tested this adapter went rather smoothly. After plugging the device into the AC outlet after a few seconds there was an automatic recognition. Pressing the button for an encrypted connection on a single, followed by a second adapter, we achieved an encrypted connection. Once the necessary network card settings on computers, we realized networking. The top speed we reached on the test flow rate was 4.5 MB / s (or about 36 Mbit / s), which is enough even for the transmission of HDTV video signals. Although the result obtained is much lower than the declared value, Devolo devices three times faster than previously tested HomePlug devices, and twice as fast as 802.11 b / g standards in real terms.
These devices can be used at all locations where it is not cost effective or possible creation of a special structured cabling for computer networks such as pre-arranged housing, galleries, museums, schools or places where a WiFi connection is impossible to achieve because of some interference (for example, obstacles in the form of reinforced walls or big difference in floor). A wide range of applications include the transmission of Internet signals, video signals (DVB-S IPTV, HDTV), IP phone signals, and even home automation. Given the effort and investment to two remote sites connected by 300 meters, the price of these devices, which is about 160 euros, no longer seems so high (bearing in mind that this is the most expensive device is available).
Summary
What you should know is that 200AVplus supports QoS service, so as to provide adequate bandwidth for multimedia, voice and images. Also incorporated is a 128-bit AES data encryption that involves pressing the button on the device (this is the only key). All together, the Powerline technology is quite advanced and is already a very serious decision for all those who for some reason classical network or wireless connection problem. For now, what we could see that this really works great and it's the easiest way to install a network of existing methods, but the fact is that the flow rate only in theory 200Mbit/si that much depends on the quality of electrical installations.
