Panasonic introduced a power line Ethernet adaptor that can create a powerful, high-speed local area network anywhere in the home by simply plugging into a wall outlet.

The BL-PA100 adaptor, available in Japan on December 9, uses “HD-PLC” technology (high-speed power line communication) to achieve physical layer data rates of 190 Mbps and seamless and secure communication that can coexist with other electric or radio devices used in the home. This is the theoretical maximum data transmission speed of the “HD-PLC” specifications. Actual data rates are 80 Mbps for UDP (measured using SmartBits network performance analyzer) and 55 Mbps for TCP data transmission (achieved on Linux-based FTP server).

As the number of broadband connections in homes increases - reaching 23 million Japanese households at the end of 2005 - there is a demand for greater ease in setting up devices and establishing networks as well as higher security.

The new Panasonic compact adaptor, measuring approximately 121 x 40 x 70 mm, provides the solution for these concerns and needs. As the adaptor uses existing power lines, it does not require room-to-room cabling to establish a local area network. The “HD-PLC” can transmit a large amount of data such as high-definition video and streaming music content. With its AES 128-bit encryption, the BL-PA100 adaptor also provides the same level of protection given by most Internet banking and shopping sites.

Panasonic has prepared a starter kit (BL-PA100KT) for ease of installation. The kit includes two preconfigured BL-PA100 adaptors - one is used as the Master and the other as a Terminal adaptor. The kit allows the average person to easily establish a secure network without using a PC. Simply plug in the Master adaptor into a power outlet and connect a broadband router/modem to the adaptor. Then plug in the Terminal adaptor to a wall outlet in another room where you want to access the network. PC and other network “clients” can be connected to the Ethernet port of the Terminal adaptor. Now, each network client will be able to access the Internet as well as communicate with each other.

Adding another Terminal adaptor is also simple. Once registered, the adaptor can be placed in power outlets anywhere in the house. Also, the clients can be connected to any Terminal adaptors in the house to communicate on the network. A total of 15 Terminal adaptors can be connected to the system.

“Panasonic aims to realize a ‘ubiquitous network society’ where users can access their network comfortably. Our new adaptor eliminates unsightly wiring from the living room, study, bedroom and other rooms in the house and gives the not-so-technically-inclined person the power to instantly set up and enjoy benefits of secure home LAN. Panasonic will continue to expand the ‘HD-PLC’ product line to offer a choice to fulfill the varied needs of customers,” said Kazuyoshi Fujiyoshi, President of Panasonic Communications.