New AV2 Spec released for broadband over power lines

The HomePlug Powerline Alliance has released the new AV2 specifications for the next generation of broadband over power lines.  An increasing number of computing and control devices as well as entertainment and appliances are becoming available for use in the home.

HomePlus products have been in use around the world since its introduction in 2001.  The first HomePlug 1.0 was 12 Mbps suitable for music and low-speed video as well as appliance control and smartmeters.  HomePlug AV, introduced in 2005, is good for VoIP and HDTV transport and has a peak speed of 200 Mbps.

The new HomePlug AV2 supports 1 Gbps speeds.  Homeplug AV2 is just about perfect for multiple HD video streams, hi-powered gaming and just about any other network-intensive application you can think of.

The HomePlug AV2 spec has been developed by many well-known companies including Broadcom, devolo, France Telecom, Marvell, Qualcomm Atheros, Ralink, Sony, SPiDCOM Technologies and STMicroelectronics.  They are all part of the HomePlug AV Technical Working Group.

Using your house’s electrical wiring as a broadband network can save you the trouble of pulling wire throughout the home.  It also has an advantage over wireless in its 1 Gbps speed.

Of course, you can use HomePlug technology to expand the range of your home’s Wi-Fi network by just plugging in a HomePlug-equipped router to the wall and equipping your main router with a HomePlug adapter.

This technology is perfect if you have a detached garage that has been converted into a home office or studio.  It is also perfect for rental homes where the owners don’t care for you drilling holes through walls to run your cables.