Essential Guide to Home Networking Technologies, The

X-10

X-10 is a communications protocol that allows compatible home networking products to talk to each other via the existing electrical wiring in the home. Basic X-10 powerline technology is almost 20 years old and was initially developed to integrate with low-cost lighting and appliance control devices. X-10 originally started out as unidirectional only; however, capability has recently been added for bidirectional communication if needed. Nevertheless, the vast majority of X-10 communication remains unidirectional.

X-10 controllers send signals over existing AC wiring to receiver modules. The X-10 modules are adapters that connect to outlets and control simple devices. X-10 powerline technology transmits binary data using an amplitude modulation ...