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I just bought myself an Ethernet-over-power adapter, and plugged it in. It seems to be working great, but now I'm concerned that my neighbours may be able to access my network.
I live in a rowhome complex; is it possible they can access my network? If so, how can I secure it?
Also see Are powerline ethernet adapters inherently secure?
– Ƭᴇcʜιᴇ007 – 2014-12-11T17:18:03.6502You should be in a completely different phase than your neighbors so there is no chance that they'd be able plug into it from their homes. – MaQleod – 2011-09-01T02:32:22.667
You don't mention the manufacturer. I have several Trendnet devices and the permit me to set a private "network name" that isn't broadcast. As password of sorts, if you will. If we knew the maker/model of your powerline devices, we could better answer your question. All of that said, @MaQleod is correct: Anyone on "the other side" of your meter shouldn't be able to see your powerline devices, even if they know the names. – BillP3rd – 2011-09-01T02:49:34.010
My understanding (not based on technical knowledge, mind) is that these devices are limited to communicating on a single circuit. They can't even communicate between different circuits in the same house. Assuming this is the case, I would be surprised if the signal could readily escape past your power meter. – Slartibartfast – 2011-09-01T03:02:02.353
@BillP3rd: It's a Trendnet. http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=57302&vpn=TPL-401E2K&manufacture=TRENDnet&promoid=1370
– mpen – 2011-09-01T06:16:28.0601@Slartibartfast: One type of such device (HomePlug AV standard) certainly can communicate between multiple circuits in a single house - you can even connect between two buildings that are on the same utility power supply. Noise may reduce bandwidth in some cases, but a bigger limitation is the fuse box / circuit breaker (aka consumer unit in UK). At least in the UK, there are 3 phases so a house 3 doors away might be on the same phase. So using the device's encryption, with a new key, is recommended. – RichVel – 2011-09-01T09:48:56.093