HPNA and Powerline Ethernet
These nontraditional networking protocols can save you a ton of effort.
While not wireless networking protocols per se, both HPNA and Powerline Ethernet are finding their way into many people’s network scheme. Like wireless, they both provide network functionality without requiring the installation of CAT5 cable. But rather than use wireless, they use other common media for their physical connection.
HPNA
HPNA stands for Home Phone Networking Alliance . It provides networking capabilities over existing CAT3 cable, and can share the same wire as a standard telephone line (even if you are using DSL on the same line). HPNA can reach about 1,000 feet over CAT3. The original HPNA 1.0 products can communicate at about 1.3 Mbps, while the newer HPNA 2.0 standard allows for speeds of up to 32 Mbps (although devices operating at 10 Mbps are more common). Some consumer grade routers, such as 2Wire HomePortal 100W, incorporate Ethernet, HPNA, and 802.11b in one unit.
Pros
Instant networking in any building with existing telephone wiring.
Very simple installation; just plug it in and you’re done.
Fairly inexpensive.
Cons
HPNA isn’t nearly as popular as Ethernet or Wireless, so it can sometimes be hard to find in retail stores.
HPNA 1.0 is much slower than wireless, but HPNA 2.0 approaches speeds of 802.11b.
Every HPNA device uses the telephone line as a shared medium, making it less efficient than a network switch as more devices are added.
Recommendation
HPNA can be ideal ...