Internet connections at home should be secured

Power line adapters, which connect PCs via a building's power system, should be equipped with encryption.

Internet security is always a must, even if connecting through the electricity supply at home.

Power line adapters, which connect PCs and other devices via a building's power system, should be equipped with encryption, the Hanover-based computer magazine c't reported recently.

At the very least, users should replace the factory password with one of their own, otherwise they risk neighbours eavesdropping on them or surfing for free, warned c't editor Ernst Ahlers.

Plug adapters are more expensive than WLAN networks or data cables, but are easier to use. Most function as soon as they are plugged in.

To prevent disrupted transmission, computer users should not use plugs beside the Internet connection. Users should not use surge protectors and other filters with the power line adapters.

Sets from different manufacturers do not usually work well together, so owners should use only one product brand.

According to the magazine, advertised data transfer rates of 200 megabits per second only occur under optimal circumstances.

Users should expect average speeds of around 30 to 50 megabits per second, which is fine for music, Internet connections and games. But the connection might disrupt the service or cause delays when downloading high quality films.