Introduction 9
devolo dLAN 550+ WiFi
2Introduction
dLAN is an intelligent, secure technology that lets you
set up a home network easily, quickly and economical-
ly via your household electrical wiring, without the
need for complex and expensive dedicated cabling.
Fig. 1 devolo dLAN and Wi-Fi throughout the home
2.1 What exactly is dLAN?
The dLAN (direct Local Area Network) uses the house-
hold power grid to transfer data between computers
and other network components equipped with suitable
adapters. As a result, any electrical socket can be used
as a network access point. The data is modulated prior
to transfer and sent as a signal via household power
lines. State-of-the-art technology ensures that the
power and data networks do not interfere with one an-
other. Networking via dLAN is fast and secure. The
data is encrypted using a key to prevent interception by
third parties.
2.2 What is WLAN?
WiFi refers to a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network),
the use of radio technology to network computers and
other devices. While it is possible to wirelessly connect
computers in pairs ("peer-to-peer", p2p), a central ac-
cess point is usually required to set up a network of
multiple devices. This turns a WiFi router into an access
point as well as a modem for Internet access and into
a router for acting as a go-between within the net-
work.
The wireless network established by an access point
has only limited range. The range of the access point,