FAQ...

What is powerline communications (PLC) technology?
What is broadband over powerline (BPL) technology?
How does Telkonet's PLC technology work?
Is Telkonet's PLC technology safe?
What is the Telkonet iWire System?
How is the Telkonet System different from HomePlug?
What advantages does Telkonet PLC have over HomePlug based PLC solutions?
How easy is it to connect to the Internet?

Q: What is powerline communications (PLC) technology ?
A: Powerline communications (PLC) technology refers to technology that enables data transmission and network communications using existing electrical wires as the primary transfer medium. With PLC, network traffic can be sent and received through standard power outlets. Since PLC uses an existing power infrastructure, the basic network is already in place - a major benefit in situations where environmental issues, cost, security concerns, portability needs and other requirements make traditional CAT 5 or wireless (802.11x) technology impractical or impossible.

Q: What is broadband over powerline (BPL) technology?
A: BPL and in-building BPL are the two types of BPL technology. BPL typically refers to the transmission of data over the outside utility power lines whereas in-building BPL uses PLC to network within a building.

Q: How does Telkonet's PLC technology work?
A: In general, the Telkonet Gateway or Telkonet eXtender converts an Ethernet signal into a PLC communication format and injects that into the electrical infrastructure of the building. The Telkonet iBridge recovers the PLC signal and converts it back into standard Ethernet format for use in end-user devices.

Q: Is Telkonet's PLC technology safe?
A: Yes. The Telkonet iWire System is FCC part 15 compliant, UL60950 listed and CE approved.

Q: What is the Telkonet iWire System?
A: The Telkonet iWire System transforms a building's internal electrical wiring into an intelligent broadband networking platform that supports today's technologies and accomodates new technologies as they evolve, protecting your investment. The system is designed for deployment in challenging situations where traditional connectivity using hard-wired (CAT 5) or wireless LAN technology is not economically, environmentally or technically feasible.

Q: How is the Telkonet System different from HomePlug?
A: HomePlug is intended for the single family residential market, while the Telkonet iWire System is intended for large installations or multi-building environments that require network managment. Leveraging and improving upon the the HomePlug 1.0 standard, Telkonet's system is a robust, scalable networking solution that provides faster, more secure and more stable data transmission than off the shelf solutions designed for the home market. In addition, the Telkonet iWire System is scalable to hundreds of users, more robust than commodity HomePlug products and provides user management features unavailable in standard HomePlug products.

Q: What advantages does Telkonet PLC have over HomePlug based PLC solutions?
A: HomePlug 1.0 primarily targets the residential market where small, peer to peer networks are the norm. The Telkonet iWire System is intended for larger facility installations where performance, reliability, scalability and security are critical. Telkonet's system further improves upon the HomePlug 1.0 standard, incorporating modifications to meet the stringent demands of commercial market applications and the federal government.

Q: How easy is it to connect to the Internet?
A: It is very simple to connect to the Internet. Since the Telkonet iBridge provides a standard Ethernet port, there are no drivers to install and no configuration is needed. Just plug the iBridge into an electrical outlet, connect your computer to the Ethernet port on the iBridge and turn on your PC. We like to call it Plug and Surf !