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Frequently asked questions of dLANQuestions:General
Applications dLAN general
dLAN Highspeed
dLAN duo
Security
Technology dLAN in general
dLAN Highspeed
dLAN duo
Answers: Here you find all answers to your dLAN questions. Question: What does dLAN stand for? Answer: dLAN stands for "direct local area network". The name already indicates how quick and easy it is to network your LAN equipment using dLAN adapters. back Question: Does dLAN mean that I get Internet from the electrical socket? Answer: Yes and no. You can set it up so that you can use your ADSL connection (for example) via all electrical sockets. However, the Internet does not come over the mains power supply to your home, but over a separate ADSL modem. back Question: Do dLAN devices work together with devices from other manufacturers? Answer: For optimal performance and usability, we recommend using devolo devices, as they are tested and checked for interoperability. Furthermore, devolo dLAN devices are compatible with the HomePlug standard, which means they will work with all other HomePlug-compatible devices. back Question: Do I have to make any changes to my electrical wiring in order to install the dLAN devices? Will I come into contact with 230V? Answer: No. You do not have to make any changes to the existing electrical wiring. Nor will you come into contact with 230V. back Question: Do I have to take out the fuses for installation? Answer: No, you do not. back Question: My house has three separate phases. Can dLAN also establish a connection from one phase to another? Answer: Yes. This is known as phase coupling, and in dLAN devices, it works without the need to install an additional phase coupler. This means that you can also establish network connections via two or three phases. back Question: I live in a very old house with old electrical wiring (some without separate earth wire). Should I expect that dLAN will not work for me? Answer: Even in this situation, it will work perfectly! back Question: Can my neighbours eavesdrop on my data? After all, they are connected to the same electrical wiring! Answer: We recommend that you always use the device's internal DESpro encryption. Enable it by entering a password other than the factory password; this protects your network from unwanted access. back Question: How secure are my data? Can they be intercepted in any way? Answer: We recommend that you always use the device's internal encryption. Enable it by entering a password other than the factory password. back Question: Does the devolo dLAN adapter have to be plugged directly into the wall socket, or can it also be plugged into an extension or (switched) power strip? Answer: Short answer: Yes, you can do both. back Question: My computer's power supply is equipped with a surge protector. Can I also operate the dLAN devices in combination with a surge protector? Answer: If possible, plug in the dLAN device before the surge protector, as dLAN devices either will not work with conventional surge protection devices or can lose performance and stability. One exception is the MNT-POWERLINE surge protector from Phoenix. back Question: What devices do I need for the initial installation of a dLAN network? Answer: You always need two devices for the initial installation. If you want to get the network on the Internet, you need at least one device with Ethernet output. This adapter serves as the connection to the ADSL modem (only one person on the network can use the Internet) or as the connection to an ADSL modem router (everyone in the network can use the Internet). back Question: Are the dLAN devices compatible to other LAN products? Answer: You can combine the devolo dLAN devices with all other devolo LAN products. You can also combine them with all devices that conform to the IEEE 802.3 standard. back Question: Do I have to be afraid of receiving an electric shock via the Ethernet? Answer: No. No, you do not. The two circuits are separate from each other. back Question: Can dLAN devices interfere with other devices in the house? Answer: No. dLAN products are certified according to all necessary standards. This also includes testing for radiated interference and electromagnetic interference. back Question: Can other devices in the house interfere with the function of the dLAN products? Answer: All devices which are sold within the EU have to be labeled with the CE emblem. This guarantees that the devices don't interfere each other. back Question: Which frequencies does dLAN use? Does this technology interfere with radio or amateur radio reception? Answer: Nowadays, radio reception usually uses the FM dial only, in the range from 87.2 to 108 MHz. The frequencies used by the dLAN technology are in the range from 4 MHz to 21 MHz and thus cannot interfere with your FM radio. The technology is based on the HomePlug standard, which provides additional lowering of the transmission levels specifically in the amateur radio spectrums. The transmitting power used is very small, and the symmetric coupling ensures that only a small portion of this power is radiated from the electrical wiring. Thus no interference should be expected, even in the amateur radio range. back Question: Does dLAN have anything to do with powerline Internet? Answer: No, powerline communication supplied the house's power supply line with Internet. This required significantly greater distance to be overcome, which was possible only with substantially greater signal levels. The HomePlug standard is designed for communication inside the house and uses only very small signal levels. back Question: Is there a danger of electromagnetic interference spreading throughout the house when using dLAN? Or even to my neighbour's house? Answer: The dLAN devices are tested according to the same standards as other electrical devices (EN55022), i.e. the emitted signals are roughly the same as the noise from other consumers. Thus these devices do not generate more interference than a power drill, for example. back Question: How long have dLAN products been on the market? Answer: Our dLAN products have been on the market since April 2003. Retailers are listed on the devolo home page at: www.devolo.de back Question: Will I incur costs for modulating additional frequencies? Answer: The only costs are incurred by purchasing the required number of dLAN devices. This technology is not the same as "PowerLine", which was intended to provide Internet access via the electrical outlet. dLAN devices only make it possible to connect multiple computers in a house into a network without installing additional cables. These devices conform to what is called the HomePlug standard. Despite this, it is also possible to get the connected computers on the Internet by connecting a modem router to one of the electrical sockets. back Question: Will I incur costs for modulating additional frequencies? Answer: The only costs are incurred by purchasing the required number of dLAN devices. This technology is not the same as "PowerLine", which was intended to provide Internet access via the electrical outlet. dLAN devices only make it possible to connect multiple computers in a house into a network without installing additional cables. These devices conform to what is called the HomePlug standard. Despite this, it is also possible to get the connected computers on the Internet by connecting a modem router to one of the electrical sockets. back Question: Do I need a certain provider or dial-in method, or can I keep my existing dial-in method? Answer: Dialling in to the Internet is completely separate from using the dLAN devices. Even without Internet access, you can network the computers to each other using the dLAN products. Then, you only need a router to get the entire network on the Internet. back Question: As we know, the power supply grid works at 50 Hz. Are reasonable ping times in the ms range even possible with the modulation? Answer: dLAN does not work with the 50 Hz alternating frequency of the power supply grid; rather, it works in the MHz range. Therefore, ping times in the ms range are possible. back Question: What is the maximum number of dLAN adapters in a single-family home? Answer: The optimum application is no more than 15 dLAN adapters in a fully loaded HomePlug network. back Question: When a dLAN adapter is connected to a switch, is it then possible for all other computers connected to the switch to communicate with all other dLAN nodes? Answer: Of course they can. back Question: How do I prevent someone else (such as a roommate) from buying a dLAN adapter and intercepting data transfer between my dLAN adapters? Answer: Using the device's internal encryption, which is enabled using the software provided. back Question: Is it possible, for example using software, to collect your dLAN adapters into their own group and secure them using a shared password? Answer: Yes, of course that is possible. back Question: Is there configuration software I can use to configure dLAN adapters as a single group? Answer: Yes, this software is available. back Question: How does the HomePlug technology of the dLAN products differ from powerline Internet technology? Why was powerline Internet not successful in the marketplace when HomePlug does, in fact, work? Is it a different technology? Answer: There are two critical differences between the HomePlug and powerline Internet technologies. First, the distances to be bridged are much smaller for HomePlug technology. Therefore, powerline Internet required much higher signal levels, which led to a variety of problems, such as radiation problems and compatibility problems with other devices (electromagnetic compatibility CE/EMC). Furthermore, for powerline Internet, the available bandwidth had to be shared by up to several hundred nodes, while in HomePlug technology, the bandwidth only has to be shared by a few users. back Question: What is the transmission level of dLAN devices? Answer: The spectral power density for transmission is -50 dBm/Hz (or, on amateur radio frequencies, -80 dBm/Hz); at a bandwidth of approx. 17 MHz, this is approx. +22 dBm (160 mW) or approx. -8 dBm (160µW) (all values reference 50 ohms.) Because the coupling is symmetrical, only a small portion of this power is radiated from the electrical wiring. back Question: How large is the power consumption (in watts) of the two dLAN devices on the 230V mains? Answer: The power consumption of the dLAN on the 230V mains is between 3 and 4 watts. back Question: Is DESpro encryption really secure? Answer: Yes, it is! The DESpro encryption of the dLAN devices provides your network with reliable protection from unwanted access. There are two conceivable types of attack that are defeated by the DESpro encryption. A brute force attack could be launched in order to find the key for decrypting the data. In this type of attack, all possible letter and number combinations in the chip are tested. However, given the variety of the keys and a maximum transfer rate between the PC and chip of 100 Mbps (Ethernet interface), a brute force attack of this kind would, on average, take 4,500 years to succeed. Another type of attack would be to intercept encrypted raw data. The encrypted raw data could provide clues to the key, thus allowing access to the unencrypted raw data. In dLAN technology, however, it is not possible to intercept the encrypted raw data from the electrical wiring, as the chip does not send encrypted data directly to the network interface. The signal is both encrypted and immediately modulated in the chip. This means that the attacker would only be able to access the modulated data—but would not be able to do anything with them, as they would not have a way to remodulate the data. back Question: With which operating systems is the dLAN adapter compatible? Can I use it with Linux and Mac? Answer: The dLAN adapters with Ethernet interface can be used with all TCP/IP-compatible operating systems. The dLAN adapters with USB interface come with drivers for Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista32bit and Linux, so they can only be used on these systems. The optional configuration software for assigning passwords to the dLAN adapters is available for the Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista operating systems as well as for Linux and Mac OS X. back Question: The transfer rates shown by the Informer seem unusually low. What is the normal range? What can I do to increase the transfer rates? Answer: Under normal circumstances, transfer rates from 5-8 Mbps are not at all unusual. Keep in mind that the data rate drops when the range increases (up to a max. of 200m) or the number of adapters increases (preferably no more than 10-15). To increase the data rate, ensure that the dLAN adapter is directly plugged into the wall socket and is not connected to unnecessary extension cables or power strips. Should this be unavoidable, ensure that the power strip you are using does not have a surge protector. This can impair data transfer or even block it entirely. Plug as few devices as possible into the power strip. If the transfer takes place on one phase instead of over two phases, you can expect a greater range and better data rate. If these options do not help the data rate, using a phase coupler might be the only option. (Such as the phase coupler from Eichhoff: www.eichhoff.de). back Question: How high is the transmitting power of the dLAN adapter compared to a mobile phone or cordless home phone? Answer:  The SAR (specific absorption rate; unit: W/kg) is a physical variable and a measure of the absorption of electromagnetic fields in biological tissue, which causes it to heat up. It depends greatly on the frequency and, due to resonance effects, on the size of the absorbing body. Because for human beings, the size of the absorbing body is relatively constant, the SAR is especially dependent on the frequency. As you can see from the graphic, the HomePlug technology of dLAN adapters, compared to mobile phone or WLAN technology, has a frequency range that is up to 100 times lower, resulting in a substantially lower SAR. The HomePlug technology uses household electrical wiring as the transmission medium. This means that only extremely small portions of the signal are radiated. To limit radiation from lines used by telecommunications equipment (including HomePlug), the German telecommunications regulatory agency (RegTP) drafted the norm NB30, which took effect on 1 July 2001. It defines the use of frequencies between 9 kHz and 30 MHz (beginning 1 July 2003, up to 3 GHz) in and along lines, as well as maximum noise levels. The limit values for noise levels at a distance of three metres that are measurable using a prescribed measuring system, refer to the following graphic:  However, a look at the maximum permitted interference emission in accordance with NB30 for HomePlug shows that these values, compared to most countries' limits for "normal" transmitters according to ICNIRP recommendations, are very low. This graphic shows the maximum values according to the norm NB30 (in green) in addition to the ICNIRP directives (in blue) that are valid for a distance of over 3 metres to the respective line. If we compare this to the "Salzburg precautionary value" of 1000 µW/m², even the maximum value at a distance of 1 cm is lower by a factor of nearly 4000. Thus an electrical field strength of 0.01 V/m corresponds to a power flow density of 0.26 µW/m². A DECT station (cordless home phone) generates a power flow density of 17500 µW/m² at a distance of 1.5 m, which is 67,000 times greater than the value for HomePlug technology. Even at a distance of 50 m, a GSM base station generates power flow densities that are 60,000 times higher than those of the dLAN adapter. Thus the risk of biological or health effects from HomePlug or dLAN should be considered extremely low. back Question: I am looking for a dLAN repeater to increase the range of the dLAN network. Do you offer such a product? Answer: You can increase the range by combining two dLAN networks with two different dLAN passwords. The repeater function is implemented by two standard dLAN Ethernet adapters, which you can easily connect using an Ethernet cable. When doing so, keep in mind that you are still using only one physical medium, i.e. the bandwidth is split between the two networks. You can repeat this procedure more than once.  back Question: Why do devolo dLAN devices feature higher values for throughput and range than other manufacturers' HomePlug products, even though they use the same HomePlug chip? Answer: Drawing from its many years of experience in designing analogue circuits, devolo have improved and optimised the analogue line connection. In this process, devolo developers adapted the analogue front end (AFE) to be optimally suited to the conditions in European installations. These improvements on the physical level made it possible to increase both the range and the throughput. back Question: Is it possible to make the connection between a DSL Fritzcard and the splitter via dLAN? Answer: Unfortunately, no. The segment between the Fritzcard (DSL modem) and splitter is physically based on DSL technology, while the dLAN adapters are physically based on Ethernet technology. back Question: Is the technology downwards compatible with HomePlug 1.0, or can high-speed adapters and HomePlug (14 Mbps) adapters be used together in one network? Answer: Yes! back Question: Is it possible to transmit high-resolution videos using high-speed adapters? Answer: Yes, in full DVD quality. back Question: Does the technology also support multicast video server streams (IPTV)? Answer: Yes! back Question: Are devolo dLAN HS devices "Triple Play" compatible? "? Answer: Yes, in every respect. back Question: What‘s the matter with HomePlug AV and other 200 mbps technologies? Answer: All technologies which are available in the market are on a watch by devolo. Actual devolo supposes that no technology is ready for marketing regarding to data throughput and range. As soon as one of the technologies will be ready for the market, devolo will provide 200 mbps adapters. devolo expects this for CeBIT 2006. back Question: How advanced is the technology compared to standard Ethernet cabling? Answer: 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet and dLAN Highspeed are in the same league. back Question: Why is dLAN Highspeed faster than HomePlug 1.0? Answer: Through further refined and better adapted modulation methods, the dLAN technology utilises the transmission channel without changing the basic mechanisms of signal transmission and media access. This ensures backwards compatibility with HomePlug 1.0 adapters. back Question: Does the higher bandwidth also mean an increase in the maximum range? Answer: No! back Question: What does "Triple-Play" mean? Answer: "Triple Play" is a feature of data communication products that are equally suited to the different requirements for transmitting data, voice (VoIP) and video (IPTV). back Question: Can I use the Ethernet interface and USB interface simultaneously? What happens if I connect both interfaces anyway? Answer: No, the interfaces can only be used alternatively.The USB interface will get priority. back Question: Is it possible to connect a remote USB printer over the electrical wiring using a second dLAN duo or dLAN USB adapter? Answer: No, the USB interfaces of all dLAN devices can be connected to the computer only. back Question: How does power-save mode work? How much savings does power-save mode provide? Answer: The dLAN duo sometimes partially switches off if no USB voltage or Ethernet link is detected, for example when the connected computer is switched off. The devices use approximately 30% less power in power-save mode. back Question: How do I benefit from the fact that in USB mode, the device is not powered via the computer's USB bus? Answer: A USB bus can provide a maximum total current of only 500 mA to all devices (maximum 127). If the power consumption of the already connected devices is close to the 500 mA limit, each additional USB device that wants to use the power supply of the bus can overload the bus and thus disable it. This cannot happen with the dLAN duo. back Question: I have a basic ADSL USB modem and want to share my Internet access with a 2nd computer – can I still use dLAN adapters with this setup? Answer: Yes – However you will need to configure ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) on the computer that is attached to the ADSL USB modem in order for the 2nd computer to access the Internet. Both computers will need a dLAN adapter connected – and then they can both access the Internet independently. (Please note that the computer attached to the ADSL USB modem will always need to be ‘on’ in order for the 2nd computer to access the Internet) We have prepared a document which explains this setup in more detail here: Internet connection sharing devolo Recommendation: If you have several computers to network, you may also want to consider upgrading/ replacing your ADSL USB modem with a combined modem/router with 4-port hub which can provide a more effective networking solution. (And also means that the 1st computer does not have to be on all the time) In this setup, your 1st computer can connect directly to the router via Ethernet, and the devolo dLAN adapters are respectively connected to another spare Ethernet port on the router… and to your 2nd computer. back Question: What are the consequences of mixing HomePlug 1.0 dLAN adapters (14 Mbps) with dLAN Highspeed adapters (85 Mbps)? Answer: In a mixed network configuration, the adapters will communicate with the highest possible speed. I.e. max. 14 Mbps for standard/Highspeed adapter communication and max 85 Mbps for Highspeed/Highspeed adapter communication. back Question: My house/ building has different ring mains serving different parts of the house/ garden office/ attic etc. Can devolo HomePlug adapters work in this situation? Answer: Yes - This is a normal situation, and as long as there is one electricity meter in the house/ building; generally, all the ring mains converge there and the data signal can cross ring mains . back Question: I want to use devolo dLAN HomePlug adapters to share and extend my ADSL broadband connection. Can I connect them directly to my ADSL modem? Answer: Not normally unless it has an Ethernet connection; however you will need a broadband router to allow multi PCs/ network devices to access and connect to the Internet at the same time. If you have a standard ADSL broadband connection; we would recommend you upgrade your basic ADSL modem to a combined ADSL Modem/ Router (normally integrated with a 4-port Ethernet switch). The devolo HomePlug adapter can then plug into the broadband router via Ethernet, and each PC/ network device can then have it’s own devolo HomePlug adapter. The broadband router in each case is very useful in protecting your home network from the ‘outside world’, and allows you to use each PC/ network device independently. back Question: I want to use dLAN HomePlug adapters to share and extend my Cable broadband connection. Can I connect them directly to my Cable modem? Answer: Yes if it has a standard Ethernet connection; however you will need a broadband router to allow multi PCs/ network devices to access and connect to the Internet at the same time. If you have a cable modem (Virgin Media etc.) you can get a basic broadband router (again with integrated 4-port Ethernet switch) and directly connect to the cable modem. The devolo HomePlug adapter can then plug into the broadband router via Ethernet, and each PC/ network device can then have it’s own devolo HomePlug adapter. The broadband router in each case is very useful in protecting your home network from the ‘outside world’, and allows you to use each PC/ network device independently. back |
PCW Recommended
dLAN 200 AVeasy wins Recommended Award! What Laptop – Gold
dLAN Wireless extender Kit scoops Gold! dLAN Wireless extender wins the Editor's Choice Award
Issue N° and date: 124 - 31/03/2008 dLAN 200 AV wins Personal Computer World
PCW – October 2007 Edition dLAN 200 AV wins Active Home BUY IT! award
dLAN 200 AVdesk wins PC Pro Recommended AWARD
dLAN 200 AVdesk wins Computer Shopper Best Buy Award
Issue 228 dLAN 200 AVdesk wins Computer Buyer Recommended Award
Jan 2007 dLAN 200 AV wins gadgetcentre.com
Issue: 04/30/2007 dLAN 200 AV Starter Kit wins Pocket-lint HOT PRODUCT AWARD
5 March 2007 dLAN 200 AVdesk wins PCRetail Recommended Award
dLAN Highspeed wins Gold Award
May 2006 09.10.2008devolo combines WLAN and HomePlug AV in one device—dLAN 200 AV Wireless G for flexible home networksdevolo AG, the Aachen-based inhouse powerline specialist, is presenting a WLAN capable powerline adapter with integrated 4-port switch 21.02.2008HomePlug innovation at CeBIT 2008: devolo presents the world's first 400 Mbps HomePlug AV-compatible demoCompared to current Home Plug speeds of 200 Mbps, devolo now doubles data rates over in-house powerlines to 400 Mbps. 06.02.2008devolo features new dLAN business products at CeBIT 2008:IP networks via existing cable networks – dLAN integration as modular solution 30.01.2008devolo at CeBIT 2008: numerous in-house powerline innovations — dLAN TV sat enables digital TV reception at every power socketdevolo will showcase innovative new products at CeBIT (4 - 9 March 2008) in Hanover. 30.10.2007devolo combines PCs to entertainment systems – the new dLAN Audio extender distributes music throughout the entire houseWith the dLAN Audio extender, one can connect a PC to an entertainment system or active speakers within a house simply and quickly via the existing home's mains wiring installation |
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