Cisco-Linksys PLE200 PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)See also the Linksys PLK200 Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit, which is more economical.
This product is based on a "HomePlug-AV" chipset than runs a specialized type of sofware known as "firmware". Linksys does not design, manufacture, or maintain this chipset or its firmware. An unaffiliated company does that, and Linksys is just one of dozens of that company's customers.
I've purchased about 20 (twenty) PLE200s over the past year--from Amazon and other sellers--and all of them have shipped with firmware version 1.4.5 installed. The primary purpose of my 'review' here is to caution you that hardware running firmware version 1.4.5 cannot communicate with hardware running newer firmware versions. I hope this caution reaches people who have already purchased the PLE200 as well as those who are contemplating doing it.
Version 2.0 implemented a change that was required to achieve compliance with the HomePlug-AV standard. That change unfortunately rendered 1.4.5 unable to intercommunicate with versions thereafter. Fortunately, no subsequent firmware change will have such a devastating side-effect.
"HomePlug-AV" products currently coming off various manufacturers' production lines are likely shipping with 2.0 or later firmware installed. Be advised that if you wish to build unified network consisting of PLE200s and these other products, you'll have to upgrade the firmware in your PLE200s; otherwise, the PLE200s and the other products won't even "see" each other. Not only that, but they'll probably also step on each other's transmissions because of inability to coordinate their usage of the powerline medium.
The PLE200 ostensibly is compliant with the HomePlug-AV standard, but it actually is NOT compliant with the HomePlug-AV standard until its firmware is upgraded from version 1.4.5 to version 2.0 or newer. As of this writing, 3.0.5 is the newest version.
Linksys ought to provide a binary image of the firmware for download on their web site, but I don't see it. The Windows GUI application that Linksys ships on CD with the PLE200--it has a mechanism for programming a new firmware image into a PLE200, but I've never used it and am not certain it is able to perform the 1.4.5-to-later upgrade even if it were given the appropriate binary image.
Being an engineer who is doing development work in the HomePlug-AV space, I have the means to do the upgrade, but it requires my using some software that is not available to the general public. To the general public who already own PLE200's, I would suggest pestering either Linksys or the chipset manufacturer about the firmware. To everyone else--maybe you can find a HomePlug-AV adapter under a different brand name that comes with firmware version 2.0 or later pre-installed.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cisco-Linksys PLE200 PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter

The PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter lets you turn the existing powerlines in your home or office into a high-speed network. Now you do not have to drill through the walls and climb through the attic or cellar to install network cables -- just use the wires that already run through the building! The PowerLine AV Adapter interfaces Ethernet devices to the HomePlug AV PowerLine network standard. Just plug the PowerLine AV Adapter into the wall, and connect your Ethernet-equipped device to the Adapter using the included network cable, and you have turned your whole house into network infrastructure! Attach more computers to the network by simply plugging them into the wall anywhere in the house, using more PowerLine AV Adapters.

Click here for more information about Cisco-Linksys PLE200 PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter

Read More...

Netgear SPH200W WiFi Phone with Skype Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This review concerns only the SPH200W; I don't know anything about the earlier SPH101.
I was hesitant to buy this product based on reviews, but I went ahead and got it, expecting to have to do some troubleshooting.
The product has been completely satisfactory to me. The phone is adequately sturdy, battery life is quite long long (I power the phone down when I'm on the move to keep it from searching for networks, and I get 3-5 workdays of standby out of one charge), and call quality is fine. Incoming call clarity is superb; outgoing clarity isn't always great because of the mic placement and quality on this phone. Setting up the phone is easy and intuitive. The phone connects quickly and reliably to networks, and options for preferred networks, entering passphrases, etc., are many and easy. Making calls is very easy. As is clearly indicated on this product's box, there's no onboard web browser, so you can't authenticate on a network using a browser. If you just have to register hardware on a network you use (like I do at work), that's easy - use your computer to register, or just tell your IT person the MAC address of your phone, which is under the battery.
You can charge the phone using the included cradle which receives a male USB mini-A plug, or you can plug a USB mini-A cable directly into the phone. Netgear supplies you with an AC adapter which plugs into the wall and terminates with mini-A, so you can charge this phone like you would any mobile phone. There's also an A- to mini-A USB cable in the box, so you can charge from your computer if you need to. Both methods work with either the cradle or without it. Very versatile charging options.
Here's what I think will be useful to potential buyers -
Netgear's support is mediocre at best, and I couldn't get any info. from them about compatible headsets or batteries. Don't buy this phone expecting excellent support from the manufacturer. I did some legwork, and much research later, I have answers:
"Standard" headsets don't work with the SPH200W. You need a 4-pole plug, to start, and then not all headsets of this description will work. Nokia headsets have worked for me - I bought an HS-47 for peanuts, and it works great. This significantly improved outgoing call quality.
Batteries. No help from Netgear on this one, I'm sad to say. The battery for the SPH200W is lithium, 3.7V, and has 900mAh capacity. If you search for batteries which are interchangeable with Nokia BL-5C, you'll find one which will work. The Netgear battery is the shape of the BL-5C, and many BL-5C replacements are 3.7V (vs. 3.6) and some are higher capacity than the stock one (Lenmar makes one which is readily available and works very well with this phone). If you absolutely must have tons of battery life out of this appliance, get an extra battery and you'll be good to go for a long long time.
Other complaints of others:
1) "the speakerphone isn't hi-fi." It's true. Have you heard high-quality sound from a mobile phone's speaker? I never have. This works just fine; I can understand what callers are saying when I use the speaker. I don't listen to lossless audio playback on my phone.
2) "outgoing call quality is poor." Not quite true, though this is the SPH200W's weak point. It's often just as clear as a digital/cell connection, but sometimes it's obscured enough to be annoying. If you want to upgrade, spend a few bucks and get a good headset. If this still doesn't satisfy you, wait for the next generation of wi-fi phone technology.
3) "battery life is terrible." Not true. If "less than 9 days of standby" is "terrible," then I guess I can see what folks are saying here. You get plenty of talk/standby time out of this battery, and it's very easy to keep it charged up with all the options you have. Extra batteries are also easy to come by.
I'm glad Netgear is producing VoIP equipment. This is a good piece, and I recommend it to anyone who is weaning him/herself from a 2-year wireless contract.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Netgear SPH200W WiFi Phone with Skype

Unlimited Free Wireless Calls to Skype Users, Without a PC. Make and receives Skype phone calls wherever you have Wi-Fi access. Works with most leading Wi-Fi hotspot providers including T-Mobile USA. Lets you talk for free to other Skype users without a PC. Calls any phone worldwide at low SkypeOut rates and NO MONTHLY FEES. Works with security protected home WiFi networks. The SPH200W is compatible with leading hotspot providers that support the WISPr (Wireless Internet Service Provider Roaming) protocol, including T-Mobile USA. A list of WISPr hotspots can be found at www.netgear.com/hotspots. NETGEAR neither operates nor guarantees the continual availability or compatibility of Wi-Fi hotspots. Subscription or usage fees may apply for Wi-Fi hotspot usage. Wi-Fi hot-spots requiring browser-based authentication are not supported. For calls made through Skype and/or the SkypeOut service. Terms and conditions of the Skype services are subject to change at any time in the sole discretion of Skype Limited. The Skype service is offered and operated solely by Skype, and NETGEAR does not guarantee Skype service availability, quality or pricing. No emergency calling¿emergency calls will need to be made by alternative methods. This phone will not function during a power failure or broadband outage. Use of Skype software, SkypeOut and/or SkypeIn is subject to Skype¿s terms of service and end user license agreement.

Click here for more information about Netgear SPH200W WiFi Phone with Skype

Read More...