Communications
Marvell - First Media Server with Powerline Communications Technology
Marvell today introduced the first media server with built-in Powerline Communications (PLC) network connectivity. This technology provides an integrated home media server that offers developers and users a new way to connect devices across the home network and share personal media and cloud-based content – including photos, video, music and games – using existing electrical wiring already available in the home.
Based on current leading PLC technology standards, such as Universal Powerline Alliance (UPA) and ITU G.hn, PLC extends the options for establishing home media server capabilities by complementing Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet while simplifying home networking with a reliable medium for media streaming applications. The PLC enabled media server can be placed in any wall socket, creating a Wi-Fi hot spot to connect to media storage devices while also connecting to the home gateway – wherever it is located in the home – via existing electrical wiring. Additional devices on the home power grid, including connected TVs, personal media players, tablets and more, can then also access the media content located on the home server.
The Marvell Media Server with PLC Technology is built on the popular Plug Computer platform and is powered by the Marvell® ARMADA™ 300 processor, designed to enable performance-bound, innovative digital home applications and services. This solution incorporates PLC technology acquired from DS2 and Marvell's Avastar™ 88W8786 solution to create a mini Wi-Fi hotspot for connecting to media storage devices and a multitude of networked devices throughout the home, including those often not connected to the power grid such as smartphones.