Power Line Communication vs Ethernet

Developers should learn PLC when working on Internet of Things (IoT) systems, smart home automation, or industrial control networks where running new cables is impractical or costly meets developers should learn ethernet because it underpins most wired network infrastructure in offices, data centers, and homes, enabling reliable and high-speed data transfer for applications like web servers, databases, and cloud services. Here's our take.

Power Line Communication

Nice Pick

Developers should learn PLC when working on Internet of Things (IoT) systems, smart home automation, or industrial control networks where running new cables is impractical or costly

Pros

• It's particularly useful in retrofitting existing buildings with smart devices, enabling energy management in smart grids, and providing last-mile broadband in areas with limited infrastructure
• Related to: embedded-systems, iot

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Ethernet

Developers should learn Ethernet because it underpins most wired network infrastructure in offices, data centers, and homes, enabling reliable and high-speed data transfer for applications like web servers, databases, and cloud services

Pros

• Understanding Ethernet is crucial for network programming, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and designing systems that rely on stable LAN communications, such as in IoT devices or enterprise software deployments
• Related to: tcp-ip, network-protocols

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Power Line Communication is a technology while Ethernet is a concept. We picked Power Line Communication based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Power Line Communication wins

Based on overall popularity. Power Line Communication is more widely used, but Ethernet excels in its own space.