Windows 8 In Depth

Phoneline and Powerline Networking

HomePNA Alliance devices send network data by transmitting radio signals over your existing telephone wiring, using a network adapter that plugs in to a telephone jack (see Figure 18.3). These devices don’t interfere with the normal operation of your telephones; the extra signal just hitchhikes along the wires.

Figure 18.3. Phoneline networking uses existing household telephone wiring to carry a radio frequency signal between networked computers.

Phoneline networking is intended primarily for home use. The products are relatively inexpensive—about $50 per computer—and don’t require you to string cables around ...