Powerline Networking Kits

INSTEON is a hybrid (wireless and powerline) home-control networking technology invented by SmartLabs Technology -- a subsidiary of SmartLabs Inc. more...

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INSTEON was developed specifically for home control and automation applications, such as basic lighting control systems to more advanced home automation features (press one button to turn off all house lights; create lighting "scenes - dinnertime, partytime"; reduce energy costs by setting fans to turn on and blinds to close instead of triggering air conditioning; receive an instant text msg when there's a water leak). The system comprises a development platform for home automation, incorporating dual mesh networking — radio frequency (RF) integrated with powerline communications. The INSTEON network protocol is a dual mesh (radio frequency - RF and Powerline) home management network technology. This technology is backwards compatible with X10 and provides a secure home management network for home innovations. The INSTEON network is an integrated (RF, Powerline) redundant, non-supervised, peer-to-peer network. There is no need for routing tables, each device in the network receives messages simultaneously, independent of whether the message originated via wireless or powerline device. Network devices will "repeat" the signal based on message settings.

Most INSTEON devices are powerline-only devices which repeat powerline messages in real-time to avoid signal loss. To achieve its dual-mesh nature, an INSTEON network requires at least two wireless bridges which essentially act as phase couplers, broadcasting powerline commands into the RF channel and vice-versa.

Applications

Scene and remote control lighting; Security alarm interfaces and sensors; Home sensors (e.g. water, humidity, temperature); Access control (e.g. door locks); Heating and cooling (HVAC) control and management; Audio-video control; Appliance management; Energy savings;

Network Topology

INSTEON is an integrated dual-mesh network that combines wireless radio frequency (RF) with the home's existing electrical wiring. This is intended to improve reliability by providing a backup system in case of wireless interference. As a peer-to-peer network, devices do not require network supervision, thus dispensing with the need for controllers and routing tables.

Additionally, each message on the network is confirmed, with damaged signals retransmitted. Each device acts as a two way repeater. According to the developers' own tests, INSTEON has been proven to be 99.97% reliable on the first try over the powerline.

Installation

INSTEON devices are set up using a Plug and Tap™ method. Each device has its own unique ID, eliminating the need to set addresses or manipulate code wheels. The procedure to link two INSTEON devices involves pressing and holding the ON button on the first controller device for 10 seconds, and then doing the same on the second device. Though a basic system can be deployed without a controller or PC, such a device may be later added for advanced home management - and it will then be able to "upload" any setup accomplished to date.

Read more at Wikipedia.org