Hotels & Condos Seek Alternative to Wireless Networks
With rapid advances in technology, internet users have come to expect simple, instant, access to the web anywhere, anytime and anyplace. Until now, hotel and condo owners have struggled to meet this demand with wired or wi-fi networks and found that both options leave much to be desired.
Wired network installation is difficult and expensive and leaves users tethered to one spot. With this in mind many hotels, offices, and apartments have opted for wi-fi networks. Unfortunately, the lower price maybe the only real advantages these wireless connections offer. Wi-fi networks are notoriously unsecured, leaving computers on the network vulnerable and allowing unauthorized use. Also, dead-zones and signal interference can lead to major headaches when staff members are bombarded with complaints from users who are unable to connect.
PLC Networks Offer Secure, Reliable, Network Solutions
So how can hotels, resorts, and apartment complexes affordably offer their customers the convenience of unlimited, anywhere, high speed internet access? The answer is PLC (power line communication) technology, which converts a building’s internal electrical wiring into an intelligent broadband networking platform. Companies such as Remote Watch are among the first service providers to bring this technology to consumers, turning every electrical outlet, in every room into a high-speed data network connection.
PLC network advantages:
- Cost efficient
- Extremely secure
- Provides Better Performance
- Portable
How Much Does PLC Technology Cost?
PLC networks, such as the Telkonet iWire system, are surprisingly economical for hotels, apartments, and condos. Remote Watch, a service provider for Telkonet iWire Systems, installs these new systems from the ground up, providing everything from hardware to internet service in one affordable package. The cost of a PLC network is slightly higher than that of a wireless network, but lower than a traditional, hard wired network. The security and reliability gained are well worth the cost.
Another advantage is that the PLC network can be installed without disrupting normal business operations. Unlike wired systems that require entire sections of a building to close while wires are run through walls, floors and ceilings, the Telkonet iWire System is installed from a building’s electrical room. Maintenance is also done remotely. This is a big change from wi-fi technology, which required technicians to enter rooms, disturbing occupants, when trouble shooting a connection.
How Secure is PLC Technology?
Possibly the most important advantage PLC technology offers over wireless networks is security. Because wireless networks can not be secured, U.S. Federal and State Governments as well as many corporations strictly prohibit their employees from using WLAN facilities. Hotels and rental properties that use wi-fi networks to provide internet access face the potential loss of any guest or resident who works for these organizations. In contrast, Telkonet PLC, is highly secure, using at least 56 bit encryption. PLC networks meet all federal and Department of Defense standards for internet connection.
How Well Does PLC Technology Perform in a Hotels and Condos?
One of the biggest disappointments reported by hotel and condo owners using wi-fi for high speed internet connection in their units is poor performance. Wireless connections are slow and degrade rapidly when multiple users are connected. Increased distance, obstructions, and interference are all common problems in hotel and apartment complex settings, resulting in loss of performance and transmission in wi-fi networks. PLC networks aren’t disrupted by these problems and can handle huge numbers of users simultaneously.
How difficult is it to expand or move a PLC Network?
A Telkonet iWire network is similar to a cat5 wired network in security and performance but the cost efficient, hassle-free installation of PLC technology makes it the obvious choice for many businesses. Another important advantage to consider is portability. If a business changes locations, all the equipment associated with a PLC network can easily be moved with them. PLC technology is unique in that it can be applied anywhere there is an electrical system. For this reason it is also easily expandable if the existing structure is remodeled or enlarged.
Visit www.remotewatchok.com to read case studies about network technology or to get the latest issue of Telkonet Internet magazine. More information about the Telkonet iWire System can be found at www.telkonet.com.
