Motorola introduced a powerline networking product aimed at the multi-dwelling unit (MDU) market.
The company’s new Powerline MU converts Ethernet to the HomePlug protocol. Motorola’s Powerline MU Gateway interfaces with a building’s electrical system. Users then connect their computer or router to a Powerline modem that is plugged into a standard electrical outlet to gain access to the Internet.
Motorola noted that when combined with its Canopy wireless system or one of Motorola’s wi4 WiMAX solutions for backhaul, Powerline MU can provide affordable, always-on Internet connectivity. The broadband signal can also be provided by other Ethernet-based sources, cable, fiber optics, DSL, T-1, E-1 or satellite.
Powerline MU is scheduled for commercial availability during Q4 2006 with initial introduction in North America, followed by anticipated availability in other markets.