| Computer technology is in a constant state of | | | | complexes are ideal arenas for iBridge installations. |
| flux - and with it, the various methods of | | | | NASA and the US military use it. The grapevine |
| connecting to the internet. Carrying a laptop | | | | says that Telkonet's invention is even being |
| computer with you while you travel is probably a | | | | employed by the military in overseas areas such |
| way of life if you take frequent business trips. | | | | as Iraq. |
| You know all about DSL, dial-up, wireless, and | | | | A Short Explanation of the Technology |
| cable connections - but the hotel reservations | | | | Internet packets arrive at a Telkonet 10/100 |
| desk has just informed you that their hotel offers | | | | gateway Ethernet port. A specialized multi-channel |
| iBridge internet. 'Huh? iBridge?' you say! Will it work | | | | router then instantaneously scans power lines for |
| with your current laptop computer?iBridge in a | | | | spikes and interference, dispatching the data out |
| NutshelliBridge technology uses existing electrical | | | | over clean power lines in PCL format. At the |
| wiring to connect to the net. Telkonet, a company | | | | receiving end, data enters an iBridge device that |
| based in Germantown, Maryland, has devised a | | | | converts everything back to the format |
| system that allows you to establish an internet | | | | recognized by your computer - which is |
| connection by plugging a special adapter into any | | | | connected to the device via Cat 5 cable. |
| available electrical outlet. The adapter has an input | | | | Looking to the Future |
| for Cat 5 cable - today's standard for Ethernet | | | | Wouldn't it be convenient if internet access were |
| connectivity. Within seconds, you can be using | | | | available at every electrical outlet in the world? |
| your laptop to surf the net. iBridge transforms | | | | You could 'plug in' at home, in restaurants, airport |
| electrical lines into a 'bridge' between your | | | | terminals, bed and breakfasts, or meeting venues |
| computer and the net, with strong built-in security | | | | - not worrying for a second about the security |
| and reliability. | | | | problems associated with wireless access. |
| Where can iBridge be Utilized? | | | | Another company is developing a global 'HomePlug' |
| A few hotel chains have elected to use iBridge. | | | | protocol that will allow worldwide networking of |
| You will find the technology installed in Sheratons, | | | | computers and appliances. Someday you should |
| Sandman Hotels, Ramadas, Holiday Inns, Hiltons, | | | | be able to program your stereo equipment, |
| Choice Hotels International, Best Westerns, and | | | | kitchen gadgets, televisions, and home surveillance |
| America's Best Value Inns. It is quick, easy, and | | | | systems from anywhere. Gene Roddenberry (the |
| relatively inexpensive to install. Older buildings do | | | | creator of 'Star Trek') may have foreshadowed |
| not require expensive cabling renovations. | | | | much of the technology we take for granted |
| Reservations clerks might not be cognizant of the | | | | today. However, he certainly had no idea that |
| technology, but they will tell you that guests use it | | | | electricity would eventually be used to link the |
| and love it. | | | | entire world via the World Wide Web. |
| A few communities have installed iBridge. The | | | | ©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is |
| monthly user fee is usually lower than established | | | | free to publish only if this copyright notice, the |
| conventional systems such as dial-up or | | | | byline, and the author's note below (with active |
| broadband. Condominiums and apartment | | | | links) are included. |