matt (support) wrote:
Unfortunately, that isn't the case. Based on my knowledge and experience, if there is power line noise it prevents the PowerLinc from sending anything even though it can send via both the power line and RF. The "dual-band" advantage might help when there is a signal range issue, but if there is network congestion or noise on just the power line then everything comes to a standstill until it is cleared.
Oh my! You've popped Insteon's balloon of deceptive marketing.
For years (nearly a decade), I've believed their hype about "Dual-band" technology which they claim "uses both wireless and your home's powerlines to create a robust network that can easily handle common household interference...". I've always assumed that they had learned about the foibles of powerline line transmission from years of experience with X-10, and had added RF transmission to mitigate the known PL issues (noise from DC-DC converters, signal suckers like surge-protectors, phase-coupling problems, etc). There's a nice little chart on their website that lists the RF channel as "Physical Layer 1", and Powerline as "Physical Layer 2". From that, one might assume that transmitting commands over RF would be the first priority in the modem. But from your comments, it appears that one would be wrong. Thanks for the heads-up.
When I disassembled my 2413 PLM, I was pleasantly surprised to see two antennae for the 915 MHz radio (3" long wire stubs oriented vertically). That's 100% more sophistication than I was expecting! However, if the modem doesn't transmit anything when it detects noise on the power line, it's not clear if the antennae are providing any benefit.