Power Ethernet Intros 'PE Socket' Electric Socket with Networking

It has been known for some time that it is possible to use a home's power outlets to install a local area network, but the first electrical socket with Integrated LAN has only now been introduced.

The HomePlug AV standard for Powerline networking is not exactly new, but the “PE Socket” from Power Ethernet certainly is.

Quite simply, this is the first electrical socket that integrates the networking technology out of the box.

The PE Socket offers four Ethernet ports, filling the role of a fully-managed network switch, not just that of a filtered power socket.

By using a building's electrical wiring, it creates a high-speed and secure data network for PCs.

The connection is fast and stable, enough for Voice over IP phones, web-connected TVs, home automation, entertainment systems and even digital signage.

The list of supported applications and devices also includes CCTV cameras and building management systems.

“Powerline offers such a simple and cost-effective solution to the challenge of connecting the growing number of Internet-enabled devices used in homes and businesses. However, we quickly realised that Powerline needed a professional makeover for it to reach its full potential as a networking technology,” says Power Ethernet Managing Director, Daniel Rogoff.

“By integrating Powerline directly into the electrical fabric of a building, with the PE Socket, we are able to offer a reliable, simple and elegant approach to specifying Powerline networking. Best of all the PE Socket is designed to be installed by electricians without them having to learn data networking skills.”

For those who want numbers, the Power Etehrnet socket works at up to 200 Mbps and over 300-meter distances. 

The installation process is simple: when at least two PC Sockets are installed, the Ethernet network is created automatically, complete with 128 bit AES encryption, device prioritization (QoS) and network segmentation (virtual LANs). 

No price was mentioned in the announcement.

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