Powerline Adapters

I have been informed that TalkTalk wish to do a software update to their supplied adaptors.

This will be performed remotely?

I have had updates previously to my various routers by this method.

I did not know that they can see and communicate with devices on my network.

If so, can they see all devices?

If it is a talktalk router then they could theoretically have built in a backdoor to the internal network - I would not be happy if that was the case though.

Or, as they are talktalk supplied then it is possible the adapters automatically poll for updates on a regular basis and therefore when an update is posted automatically download it and install. This would not require any form of access from the outside as it would all be triggered from inside.

Thanks, I have made an enquiry to TT.

I will post, when Rx'd

TT replied :

If you have a look on www.talktalk.co.UK/remotemanagement this should answer your questions.

This does not of course answer my original query.

Unsurprising that it seems they don't understand the difference between a router and a powerline adapter.

Yes, the update can be triggered remotely, yes they can communicate with your power line adapters (even if you have an 'ordinary' non-Talk Talk router), no they cannot see or communicate with other devices on your local network any more than is usual.

It's all legit, using the TR-069 protocol. The powerline adapters on connection to the WAN side initiate a listening session with Talk Talks server using XMPP or UPnP which traverses NAT. A connection request can be sent by Talk Talk, the powerline establishes this, and the server allows updating of the device, monitoring, even rebooting - a mass programmed automatic update is a common use.

A comprehensive answer.

looks really nice
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reeta