Besides the Ethernet cable, additional technologies exist that allow the creation of a home network for the usage of new Internet, multimedia and telephony services in multiple rooms. digicast has highlighted three alternatives for their suitability for IPTV-services on behalf of T-Online.
1. Power supply:
The “Powerline” technology connects the various end user devices with the according home network adapters or the Internet via the regular power outlet. digicast interviewed manufacturers of Powerline-enabled chips and end user devices with regards to technological, political and economical aspects. Powerline is difficult to rate as a multimedia service, but it does make sense to use this technology for devices that control shutters, garage doors, alarms and kitchen devices.
2. Polymer optical fiber (POF):
The extremely thin, synthetic fiber optic cable of a German manufacturer – a product innovation – convinced the digicast team with very good test results.
3. WLAN technology:
The reception of IPTV programs demands a high standard for data transfer via WLAN. For example, the reaction time has to be very high in case the viewer switches channels. digicast spoke with several IT research labs in California among others and developed concrete suggestions for the optimization of WLAN routers based on its own product tests.