Terminology » Other Wireless » INSTEON vs HomePlug: Technology Comparison

INSTEON vs HomePlug: Technology Comparison

home automation powerline communication insteon homeplug networking

This article compares INSTEON and HomePlug technologies, highlighting their key differences and specifications.

INSTEON vs HomePlug Specifications

FeatureINSTEONHomePlug
StandardsINSTEON (Trademark of INSTEON, CA)1. High-speed broadband information transfer over powerline
2. Green PHY (for lower BW powerline signaling)
Data Rate13165 bps (Inst. powerline), 2880 bps (sustained powerline), 38400 bps (Inst. RF)14 Mbps (HomePlug 1.0), 200 Mbps (HomePlug AV)
CoexistenceINSTEON is a home command and control network.HomePlug uses the powerline for advanced computer networking and media transport.
InterferenceThe two signals do not interfere with each other on the powerline.N/A
Market OverlapBoth technologies have no overlap in the marketplace.N/A

Key Differences

The table above highlights the core differences between INSTEON and HomePlug. INSTEON is primarily designed for home automation and control, focusing on tasks like lighting control and appliance management. It uses a combination of powerline and RF communication.

HomePlug, on the other hand, is geared towards high-speed data transfer over powerlines, enabling applications like media streaming and advanced computer networking within the home. While both technologies utilize powerlines, their intended uses and data rates differ significantly, leading to minimal overlap and no interference.