Powerline Networking - Qs

[Corwin]

1. What is the difference between a bridge and an adaptor in the Powerline context? It seems logical to me that the device that connects your modem/router outward to nodes on your network would be different from the devices that pick up the signal off the power lines and bring it to the PC; however the devices for sale seem to use the terms interchangeably. Do I need two different things, or just one?

2. Torontonians: where can I buy powerline networking devices? I went all up and down College St. on the weekend and most of those geeks didn't even know what I was talking about. CompuSmart, same deal. Has anyone seen the gear around? Best Buy? Future Shop? If so, what kind of prices are they giving Canadians on it (since it looks like about $50 each on the American web sites)?

[Spider]

1. What is the difference between a bridge and an adaptor in the Power-Line context?
A Bridge is what deciphers the Internet and provides the central point in which all computers look to
for the Network, Internet and other protocols. A computer can plug into the Bridge or an Adapter for access.
Without the Bridge the Adapters are useless, like having a hub and no modem.

The Adapter provides the deciphering of the signal coming through the power lines.
A computer would need to be plugged into an Adapter and the Adapter plugs into the wall socket.


Torontonians: where can I buy powerline networking devices?
I believe there is only one provider in Canada at the moment PUC Telecom Inc. (http://www.ssmpuc.com/telecom/) in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario