[. . . ] 0. 4 Feature developments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0. 5 Nodes and Bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3 4 4 4 1. 0 Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ] All your HomePlug devices must use the same encryption key in order for the computers to be networked. 0. 3 Basic Requirements - At least 2 HomePlug devices - Available USB port for each computer - Available empty power outlet - Standard home power line wiring - CD-ROM drive 0. 4 Limitations of Current HomePlug Technology and What's Ahead. The current technology and firmware of HomePlug have the following limitations as of Spring, 2002. The range of a HomePlug device reaches up to 900 feet under the same power grid or power transformer. The connection cannot pass through any UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). There is also a limitation to the number of HomePlug Ethernet Bridges. Because of how IP Packets and buffer zones were designed, there can only be two HomePlug Ethernet Bridges on the same HomePlug network at all times. However, there can be an unlimited number of nodes present on the network, technically speaking. 0. 5 Nodes and Bridges There is a difference between Nodes and Bridges. A Node is any device that resides in or is connected directly onto an existing network. A Bridge is used when connecting one type or group of networks with another type or group of networks. Connecting every computer from one network with another network would result in a mess of cables, so instead, a bridge is brought in to have a single connection between the networks instead of many. [. . . ] This data will vary depending on the Powerline quality. Security­ Allows the user to change the encryption setting on the HomePlug device. Set Local­ Enter the password into the Network Password Box and click on Set Local. [. . . ]