Homeplug encryption?

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Homeplug encryption?

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Homeplug encryption?
Homeplug encryption?
2018-03-16 15:52:35
Homeplugs use AES-128 encyption. I noticed that even modern encryption methods can have a considerable impact on wifi performance, sometimes dropping download throughput by 10-20 mbps.

It seems reasonably likely that encryption could have a similar effect on powerline tech, as this also transmits data with radio waves (much to the annoyance of some radio enthusiasts).

My 8010p homeplugs sometimes drop their speed in half down to around 30mbps. I know its the homeplugs themselves, since I tested my download speeds with a wired connection and they were completely stable. I was wondering if this could be related to the encryption? If so, can this encryption be disabled, or is it something required by Homeplug spec?

I haven't yet seen an option to disable it with software.
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Re:Homeplug encryption?
2018-03-16 20:41:10
Nothing to do with encryption - it is always enabled, either with the default passphrase from the chip manufacturer, or with an individual one you set through the utility software, or a random individual one if you use the button pairing method.

Your speed drops are to do with either (A) outdated firmware that lacks reliability or (B) actual disturbances on your mains circuitry, like poorly designed electronics or strong motors in washers, dryers, fridges etc.
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Re:Homeplug encryption?
2018-03-17 09:16:10
Peter, thanks for your reply. It's entirely possible you are right about my mains circuitry. It just occurred to me that one way to test that theory would be to connect a long power adapter from upstairs to my router and homeplug downstairs and completely turn off power on the 1st floor. There is a periodic drop in throughput which occurs every 10-15 seconds, which is suspicious.

On the other hand, I still wonder if encryption could be causing a problem. On WIFI, some people have reported considerable drops in throughput with security such as WPA (10-30%) and WEP (possibly even higher) and in some cases, loss of connection. Couldn't encryption cause similar problems for Homeplugs also?

I'm using wireless AC and I seem to be getting better throughput results, but encryption does reduce performance. My router was set to WPA + WPA2, I set it to WPA2 instead and the performance has noticeably improved.
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