The blog post explores the feasibility and potential advantages of using existing telephone wiring (specifically the unused pairs in twisted-pair copper lines) for home networking. It highlights POTS's robust infrastructure and broad availability, even in areas lacking cable or fiber internet. The author discusses various modulation techniques like G.hn that could deliver speeds comparable to or exceeding current home network technologies while potentially offering better security and interference resistance than Wi-Fi. They also acknowledge challenges such as distance limitations, potential crosstalk with active phone lines (if present), and the need for new hardware. Overall, the post suggests that repurposing telephone wiring could be a viable and even superior alternative to traditional home networking methods.
This blog post, titled "Residential Networking over Telephone," explores the intriguing, albeit somewhat anachronistic, concept of utilizing existing telephone lines within a residence for networking purposes, as opposed to more conventional methods like Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The author posits that the pre-existing infrastructure of telephone wiring, often neglected in modern homes, presents a unique opportunity for creating a robust and potentially isolated local area network. This network could be particularly advantageous for applications requiring enhanced security or interference immunity, characteristics that the author argues are lacking in contemporary wireless solutions.
The post delves into the technical specifics of this approach, elucidating the utilization of devices known as "HomePNA" (Home Phone-line Networking Alliance) adapters. These adapters facilitate the transmission of data over the existing telephone wiring, effectively transforming the conventional telephone network into a conduit for digital information exchange within the home. The author meticulously details the process of acquiring and installing these adapters, emphasizing the simplicity of setup and the minimal disruption to existing telephone services. This ease of integration is presented as a key benefit, contrasting with the perceived complexity of installing new cabling for Ethernet networks.
Furthermore, the article underscores the potential bandwidth capabilities of this technology, noting that certain HomePNA standards can achieve speeds comparable to, or even exceeding, those of older Wi-Fi standards. This performance, the author suggests, makes HomePNA a viable alternative for activities such as streaming media or online gaming, particularly in environments where Wi-Fi signals are weak or unreliable. The author also highlights the inherent security advantages of a wired network like HomePNA, suggesting that its physical isolation provides a greater level of protection against unauthorized access compared to the inherent broadcast nature of wireless technologies.
Finally, the post concludes with a contemplative observation on the cyclical nature of technology, highlighting how older infrastructure, often dismissed as obsolete, can be repurposed and find new relevance in a modern context. The author paints a picture of HomePNA not as a mere technological curiosity, but as a pragmatic and potentially advantageous solution for certain niche networking requirements within the home environment. The overall tone suggests a blend of practical instruction with a hint of nostalgic appreciation for the resilience and adaptability of older technologies.
Summary of Comments ( 14 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42995418
Hacker News users generally found the idea of networking over phone lines intriguing, though impractical in most modern contexts. Several commenters discussed the technical details, pointing out limitations in bandwidth and the potential interference issues with existing phone services like DSL. Some reminisced about earlier phone networking attempts, including using BBS systems and dedicated phone-line networking hardware. The consensus was that while the technical challenge is interesting, existing solutions like Ethernet and WiFi are far superior for most residential networking needs, making this approach a novelty rather than a practical solution. A few users pointed out niche use cases, such as situations where running new cables is impossible or extremely difficult, suggesting a very limited potential application.
The Hacker News post titled "Residential Networking over Telephone" (linking to computer.rip/2025-02-02-residential-networking-over-telephone.html) has generated a modest number of comments, enough to provide some discussion but not an overwhelmingly large thread.
Several commenters focus on practical aspects and limitations of using phone lines for networking. One points out the significantly lower bandwidth compared to modern technologies like cable or fiber, highlighting that phone lines were designed for voice, not data transmission. This commenter also mentions the difficulty of running higher frequencies over longer distances due to signal attenuation.
Another commenter questions the practicality of using existing phone wiring for networking, given its often poor quality and the challenges of impedance matching. They suggest that running new, dedicated cabling would likely be a more reliable and efficient approach, even if more labor-intensive.
There's a discussion about the feasibility of using existing telephone infrastructure for last-mile connectivity in underserved areas. One commenter notes that while the speeds achievable over phone lines might not be comparable to modern broadband, it could still be a significant improvement over nothing, particularly in rural areas lacking other options. This sparks a brief debate about the cost-effectiveness of such an approach compared to investing in other technologies like wireless or satellite internet.
A few commenters express nostalgia for older technologies like dial-up and BBSes, reminiscing about the days when phone lines were the primary means of internet access. These comments tend to be anecdotal and less focused on the technical aspects of the article's proposal.
One technically-inclined comment delves into the specifics of DSL technology, explaining how it utilizes higher frequencies to achieve higher data rates. They also mention the limitations imposed by distance and the quality of the copper wiring.
Finally, a commenter touches on the potential security implications of using phone lines for networking, highlighting the vulnerability to wiretapping and the importance of encryption.
Overall, the comments offer a mix of practical considerations, technical insights, and nostalgic reflections on the use of phone lines for data communication. While there's some interest in the possibility of using this existing infrastructure, many commenters remain skeptical about its practicality and effectiveness compared to more modern technologies. The discussion highlights the trade-offs between cost, bandwidth, and accessibility in the context of providing internet access, especially in underserved areas.