Intel rediscovers networking over powerlines

Intel: Rejoined HomePlug Powerline Alliance

After leaving the organisation in 2000, Intel has once again joined the HomePlug Powerline Alliance and has instantly risen to the position of chair of the standards organisation.

The alliance oversees the specifications for the HomePlug networking standard that uses existing electrical cords to transmit data, audio and video around the home.

The technology can provide networking in scenarios where wireless isn't available or doesn’t work, general manager for Intel's digital home group Don McDonald said in a keynote at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco.

"Wireless is great, but it's not always the right tool for the job. We need a good wired solution," McDonald told delegates.

The chipmaker had left the organisation in 2000, said Matt Theall, Intel's technology initiative manager for Homeplug and the new president for the alliance. Back then the chipmaker had decided to focus on wireless technologies exclusively.

But the advent of high definition television has made the company reconsider its earlier decision because it makes Intel see the need for a high bandwidth networking technology.

"Back in 2000 HDTV was way out there. Now consumers expect to be able to watch to multiple high definition TVs in their homes," Theall told vnunet.com.

Intel could provide a major boost to the networking over power cord technology if it decided to start supporting it in its chipsets. Theall said that the company hadn't yet decided on how to support the technology, but confirmed that adding chipset support is being considered.

HomePlug devices have been available since mid-2001, since when over two million have been sold, according to the Alliance. Sales have been held back by limited support from vendors and a lack of marketing.

The Alliance recently ratified its next-generation AV specification, boost ing networking speeds from 14Mbps to 200Mbps. The new version offers sufficient bandwidth to deliver four to five high-definition television streams simultaneously.

The first appliances using the high-speed powerline networking technology are expected to be available later this year.