Netgear XE103G-100NAS Powerline Ethernet Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I would have rated this 5 stars but for the price. It seems a bit expensive and if wireless had been an answer probably the way I would have gone. I have been having wireless network problems and wanted something that would extend my lan in the house without lots of wiring. This is a great answer. I read the directions (made sure it was not plugged into a power strip), plugged in near my router, went upstairs, plugged it in there and it worked, no problems and as fast as when right next to the router.
I must admit there was also a somewhat unresearched idea that my data is safer on a wire network than wireless, even with the encryption that I used when my wireless worked.

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The NETGEAR XE103G 85 Mbps Powerline Network Adapter Kit lets you easily extend a home network using just the existing electric lines of your home, eliminating the need to run unsightly Ethernet wires all over your house. At 85 Mbps, you'll have more than enough speed to download music, stream videos, and make internet telephone calls without any hiccups.
True Plug and Play Installation The XE103G comes with two XE103 units. Simply plug one of them into a wall outlet and connect it to your router with an Ethernet cord. Plug the second one into the wall outlet where you need a network connection and connect it to any Ethernet-ready device. That's it. There's no software to install. You can create as many network connections as you need by connecting more XE103 units wherever you need them. Each device has easy-to-read icon LEDs for status information at a glance.
Fast Performance Each XE103 supports speeds up to 85 Mbps which is enough for multiple video streams without interruptions. The XE103 has a 10/100 Ethernet port with which you can connect a PC, gaming console, Slingbox, DVR, NETGEAR's SC101T Storage Central Turbo or ReadyNAS NV+, or another networkable device. In order to enable encryption, you need a computer with Windows Vista, XP, or 2000.
What's in the Box Two XE103 85 Mbps Powerline Network Adapters, installation guide, Ethernet cable, setup CD, and warranty/support information card.

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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.

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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.

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ZyXEL PLA-401 200 Mbps Powerline HomePlug AV Wall-plug Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The ZyXEL is working great. I purchased it to get the highest bitstream I could get to match my G network. The trick to get it to work flawlessly is to first get the one working that you are plugging into your router. Then plug in the 2nd one in the same room. You have to get all three lights working(plug in your computer or printer, etc.,to get the third light to turn on). Once you have that working within the same room with your router I could move to the location I really wanted to use it at the other end of the house. As I watch my downloads to the newly wired computer I see no loss in BPS the download speed is the same as for my wireless and wired equipment on my G network. I have no idea how it would work for High Definition. When I need to expand my network (without Wireless capability I'll just buy the singleton)..
ZyXEL PLA-401 200 Mbps Powerline HomePlug AV Wall-plug Adapter

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The ZyXEL HomePlug AV PLA-401 is an extended access solution that allows your house to be completely networked using your existing electrical power lines. With no need for additional wiring, simply plug the ZyXEL HomePlug AV PLA-401 to an existing electrical outlet, and it will transform your electrical power lines into a house-wide network infrastructure. It’s the easiest way to extend the network connection from your broadband router. Powered by HomePlug AV Technology, the ZyXEL PLA-401 can achieve blistering speed of up to 200 Mbps. The HomePlug AV powered PLA-401allows users to stream high-definition video from one side of the house to the other.Not to mention surfing the Internet, accessing e-mail, and transfer large files easily and safely at home. Home entertainment solutions such as Network Capable DVR systems or Set Top box can now be networked using existing electrical power lines within your home instead of using complicated wireless setups or messy wiring solutions.

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Actiontec MegaPlug 85 Mbps Ethernet Adapter & 4-Port Hub Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Got this set to hook up our new Dish Vip722 receiver so we didn't have to have a phone line in the room. Also needed to attach the new Samsung TV to the network to use it's internet features. Since the hub has 4 port, it allows us to attach other game machines or computers directly to our router downstairs for max speed.
Worked out of the box without any adjustments needed. It is truly a plug and play product.
I have 3 of the MegaPlug adapters and the 4-port hub supporting our two dish receivers and connecting my daughter's gaming machine to the internet and have had no problems at all.
High recommended!!!

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Actiontec’s new MegaPlug™ 85 Mbps 4-Port Hub and 85 Mbps Twin-pack expands your network without breaking your bank. Perfect for use with DSL modems, gateways, or broadband routers with just one Ethernet port, the 4-Port Hub works seamlessly with the MegaPlug 85 Mbps Ethernet Adapter to provide network coverage in every room of your home or small office with an electrical outlet. There’s no easier or more affordable way to extend your home network than the Actiontec MegaPlug 85 Mbps 4-Port Hub. End the Ethernet Port Drought - Ethernet ports are valuable. They are often the only way to connect computers, printers, and other devices (scanners or networkable hard drives), share Internet connections, or quickly transfer large amounts of data. Unfortunately, many of the components at the heart of a network, like DSL modems or gateways, feature only a single Ethernet port, leaving you with no way to expand your network. Enter the MegaPlug 4-Port Hub. By adding multiple Ethernet ports to your network, suddenly, the possibilities are endless. Now you can send data from a computer in the study to one in the family room or use the printer in the bedroom from a computer in the kitchen. You’ll be amazed at what you can do! The MegaPlug Family To make things even easier, the MegaPlug 4-Port Hub can be used with the MegaPlug Ethernet Adapter and Wireless Network Extender, extending your network options even further. Instead of stringing Ethernet cables all over your home or office, use the power lines that already connect your rooms to complete your network. Set up is a breeze; in no time, you’ll be enjoying the endless benefits of networking your devices. Step confidently into the networking age with the MegaPlug 85 Mbps 4-Port Hub. Specifications - IEEE 802.3, HomePlug Turbo Powerline Specification 1.0.1, Forward Error Correction (FEC), Automatic Channel Adaptation.

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Belkin F5D4071 Powerline Networking Adapter Starter Kit (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The only thing with this device is that you need to plug it directly into a wall socket, not a multi-outlet device. With that caveat, the device works great. I was having problems with my wireless N signal cutting out on me and it was driving me nuts. I looked at all of these devices available on Amazon and decided to go with one of the least expensive to see if it would work. Not only is it working, the status indicator shows a throughput speed of 100 Mbps. I don't have any way to check that, but it certainly seems to be better than my average wireless N connection (I would occasionally see throughput numbers over 110 Mbps with the N connection but not consistantly). It has also increased my download speed at least 4x what I was getting with the unreliable wireless connection. I am a happy laptop user now.

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The Belkin F5D4071 Powerline Networking Adapter Starter Kit allows you to easily create a network or extend a network connection in your home using existing electrical outlets. You no longer have to worry about tripping over your long Ethernet cables, or suffer through problems with wireless reception or interference. Just plug a Powerline Networking Adapter into an outlet, and you have a new network connection.
Quick and Easy Setup By taking advantage of the existing electrical wiring in your house, you don't have to perform any complicated wiring to create a robust Ethernet-based home network. The Powerline Networking Adapter turns your existing electrical wiring into a home network. Simply plug one Adapter into a wall outlet and connect it to your router with the included Ethernet cable. Then, wherever you need a network port, just plug another Adapter into an available wall outlet, and--presto!--you've created a new network connection. In your living room, for instance, you can easily connect your broadband TV, and your Xbox or other gaming console; in your home office, you can connect your computers. If you need a connection in your attic--no problem!
This kit includes two Adapters, letting you create one network port wherever you have an outlet. The kit affords you a couple of placement options: you can either plug the Adapters directly into the wall with the wall-plug Adapter, or you can place the adapter farther away from the wall with the power cable.
Fast, Secure, and Stable Network Connection The Belkin Powerline Networking Adapter runs at speeds of up to 85 Mbps, letting you quickly download information, stream music and movies, and make Internet phone calls. (Actual speed and distance will vary depending on interference, network traffic, building materials, and other conditions.) The Powerline Networking Adapter is HomePlug 1.0 certified, can coexist with HomePlug AV, and is compliant with the 802.3/802.3u standards.
Unlike a wireless network, which can often come and go depending on interference from appliances and other household items, the Powerline Networking Adapter creates a stable connection that is not affected by external factors. It also features a 56-bit DES link encryption with key management for secure communication, keeping your personal information safe from intruding eyes.
The included installation software requires Windows 2000, XP or Vista 32-bit. The Belkin Powerline Networking Adapter Starter Kit is backed by a lifetime warranty.
What's in the Box Two Powerline Networking Adapters, two Ethernet cables, two power cords, two wall plug adapters, quick installation guide, and CD with installation software and user manual.

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Lexmark E120N Monochrome Laser Printer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a good printer for the price. Print quality for normal print jobs is good, it has a small footprint, easy to use interface via a web browser, a dust cover over the paper tray, and the network connection is a lot better than having to connect directly to the PC (although you can do that if you wish). If you have more than one computer on a network at home, I would recommend this printer. The only thing I don't like about it is that you cannot specify custom paper sizes. This means you have to do some trial and error and arithmatic in your application to get it to print the way you want on non-standard paper. For $125, I can live with that.

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An exceptionally low-priced network laser printer, the Lexmark E120n offers an outstanding value for small and home office workgroups that want to benefit from professional laser print quality.

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NETGEAR HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been looking for a way to avoid running network cabling around my entire home. I tried the wireless route, and did not find the technology quite there yet for VoIP, Online Gaming and HD Streaming. When I stumbled upon the new PowerLine HD products. While this technology has been around for a while, this was the first time it looked mature enough to be "acceptable" in my network. After a little research I settled on the NetGear HDX101's.
This product has performed marvelously. I am using them to bridge various local LANs (PC/Gaming, 360/Entertainment Center)I have in my home to the broadband router. At each HDX101 I am getting at least 100Mbs tx and rx. I then use a switch for each local network to connect all of the networked devices at that location. VoIP, online gaming and normal web surfing all going on at the same time worked great. Streaming media to the 360 from the PC, flawless.
I heartily recommend this product to anyone who wants a fast network and doesn't want to bother running cable through the house.

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The NETGEAR HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter turns any electrical power outlet into a network connection. If you're looking for a fast, easy way to provide Ethernet connectivity to just about any device in your home, then this handy adapter is an excellent solution. The HDX101 gives you the bandwidth you need for high-quality video streaming, gaming, and VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), without the headaches of running expensive Ethernet cables all over your home.With simple plug-and-play installation, this device turns any electrical outlet into a network connection. This compact, handy device delivers up to 200 Mbps to any outlet, and with no software required, you'll be ready to network your home right out of the box.
This is an ideal solution for connecting PCs, game consoles, digital media adapters such as NETGEAR's EVA8000, or a Skype cordless phone such as NETGEAR's SPH200D to your home network. Here's how it works: plug one HDX101 into your router and a nearby electrical socket, then plug a second HDX101 into any electrical socket that is conveniently located near the device you want to network. Each HDX101 has a built-in Quality of Service (QoS) that enables smooth streaming, awesome gaming performance, and uninterrupted VoIP telephone calls. The bottom line is, you get a powerful, seamless home network that runs on your existing wiring.
Please note that this product comes with only one HDX101 adapter. You'll need to buy at least two adapters to start your network, or you can purchase the NETGEAR HDXB101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter Kit which comes equipped with two HDX101 adapters. The Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter makes it a breeze to transfer large files to a network storage device, such as the NETGEAR Storage Central Turbo SC101 or the ReadyNAS NV+ RND4250. It supports up to 16 HDX101 units on one home network; and it easily coexists with a host of NETGEAR's HomePlug compatible products.
System requirements include a device for connection, e.g. an available RJ-45 Ethernet port, and Microsoft Windows Vista, XP or 2000 to modify encryption and settings. Microsoft Vista drivers are available at www.netgear.com/vista.
Note: Although the HDX101 may coexist with HomePlug 1.0 products, it is not compatible or interoperable with NETGEAR's XE104, XEPS103, XE103, XE102, or WGXB102 Powerline products.
In addition, this device can deliver up to 200 Mbps of throughput. The actual data throughput will vary depending on network conditions and environmental factors, such as network traffic volume, building material and construction, and network overhead.
What's in the Box One NETGEAR HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter, Ethernet cable, installation guide, setup CD, warranty card, and support and information card.

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Toshiba PCX2500-DAZ8821F-B 43Mbps USB Cable Modem Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I use RCN broadband and this modem is rock solid. It has never locked up on me, and does not require frequent reboots. About once a month or so I'll cycle the power on it just because my cable provider says to do so. But I have absolutely no complaints about the modem itself. I've had it for 2 years, and never had any troubles with it.
The highest speed I've gotten from my connection using this modem is 755kb/5500kb

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The PCX2500 offers the highest performance in cable data modem technology today, providing residential and business users with one of the fastest two-way interfaces to the Internet. As the first "production" cable modem certified under DOCSIS 1.1, the PCX2500 is a new standard for DOCSIS cable modems.The Toshiba PCX2500 DOCSIS Cable Modem has been CableLabs Certified to meet the rigorous interoperability requirements of the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 1 .1 standard. This assures you that the Toshiba PCX2500 DOCSIS Cable Modem will work seamlessly with any DOCSIS network no matter where you are.The cable modem is easy to install using either USB or a standard Ethernet 10/100 connection to your PC or to the network hub in a small business. With support for up to 16 PCs, the Toshiba PCX2500 DOCSIS Cable Modem is ideal for SOHO environments where secured, shared Internet access is a requirement. For MSOs, Toshiba's PCX2500 DOCSIS Cable Modem includes such advanced features as a customizable self-installation wizard, remote and local diagnostic capability, remote firmware download and SNMP support.

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Gigabit Powerline HD Starter Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First and foremost its important to state that powerline networking is not as simple as just plugging in adapters and sprinkling pixie dust. There are many factors that affect the performance of the units in use. To those who have noted that these units did not give them any additional speed over their current implementation is not to say that these items dont work as advertised, it simply illustrates that their partiucular implementation is not ideal for powerline networking. What I am getting at is that in most of the cases mentioned they referenced a already existing solution that was well below the rated speed and thought that they would get more if they placed these in service. If your not alreay maxing out your current solution what makes you think you would get more out of something faster? Obviously, these were situations where the problem was environmental not product specific.
I recently placed a set of these into service in my home to provide networking between floors where a set of bridged wireless routers was not cutting it. These are on separate circuits (different breakers) but on the same phase (same side) in the junction box. I currently see 4 to 5 megabytes of throughput across them which is huge ove my previous solution. My wife is now able to take full advantage of the 20 to 25 megabit per second internet connection as well as enjoy streaming from our media server without any stutter. All in all these were a stellar upgrade to our problem of networking on the second floor. So much so that I will be adding another set to the network to provide extended wired and additional wireless coverage to the house.
Now like i mentioned before powerline networking is more alchemy then science. There are a multitude of problems that can significantly impact your throughput. After doing significnat research before my purchase I discovered several factors that can cause problems for those going down this road. Listed below are some of the major snafus that will cause you problems.
1. If your circuits cross phase (opposite sides of the breaker box) dont even try stick with wireless.
2. If your Circuits are behind GFCI or AFCI you will have problems. All houses built after 2002 probably have AFCI breakers supporting bedrooms and will soon have them for hallways and other rooms.
3. Do nto place them in surge supressors or battery backups with any kind of line filtering.
4. They are all vulnerable to line noise so motors or particularly noisy CFl's can reduce the performance.
5. Poor grounding of your electrical wireing may hurt it.
6. Old wiring can be problematic.
7. Distance will significantly reduce performance quickly.
I summary I would highly recommend these to anywone looking to provide a solution for wired networking in their home where they cannot get to the floor or ceiling to run regular cat5 cable and where wireless is not providing the performance they were looking for. However, make sure the place you buy from has a solid return policy should they not work for your installation. If amazon has them for cheaper go buy them at BB first, test them if they work then you have the option of returning and rebuying or just keep em since it appears the amazon return policy is a bit troublesome for some.


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Belkin Gigabit Powerline HD Starter Kit F5D4076 Powerline Network Adapters

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ZyXEL PLA470 200 Mbps Powerline HomePlug AV Desktop Adapter with Built-In 4-Port 10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It's true that HomePlug AV nodes cannot intercommunicate with HomePlug 1.0 nodes. ZyXEL and most, if not all, other HomePlug AV hardware manufacturers are derelict in not pointing out that fact. As an engineer who works with HomePlug almost full-time, I know that AV kicks 1.0's tail in terms of bitrate versus SNR. That doesn't excuse ZyXEL's dereliction, but it gives you cause to ponder retiring your HomePlug 1.0 hardware and replacing it with HomePlug AV hardware. Even if you think you won't benefit sufficiently from HomePlug AV's nominal 14x bitrate improvement, you might need AV's ability to reach more electrical outlets in your building with a bitrate that is usable for your application.
There's another compatibility matter to be aware of. When I examined a new PLA-470 the other day, I was disappointed, but not surprised, to find that the version of firmware installed in the HomePlug AV chipset is an old, pre-standard version, 1.4.5, that is not truly HomePlug-AV compliant and, more importantly, that cannot intercommunicate with subsequent firmware versions. I have not checked to see whether ZyXEL provides the means to upgrade the firmware of the HomePlug-AV chipset. The newest version is 3.0.5. For more detail on the topic of HomePlug-AV-chipset firmware, see my review of the Linksys PLE200.

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NETGEAR XE103 85 Mbps Powerline Network Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I like hard data as well as opinions, and could not find much on this device. I tested these units for my own benefit, and provide the test, analysis, and my opinion to assist you.
Description/Test Setup/Notes
Description:
Determine Netgear XE103 throughput in real life situation.
Comparison with 802.11B wireless throughput in the same test situation.
Test Setup:
Two Windows XP SP2 endpoints with intervening switch.
XE103 Route - Computer1:Switch:XE103:Power Wiring:XE103:Computer2
802.11B Route - Computer1:Switch:802.11B AP:Air:802.11B PCMCIA:Computer2
Test based upon transfer of folder from Computer1 to Computer2.
Size of transfer = 376 MB (395,129,843 bytes).
No other devices on network, except those described.
No other activity on test computers, other than transfer monitoring.
Test results will be time of transfer.
Transfer monitored by network bandwidth monitoring software.
Netgear Encyption Utility, supplied with XE103, displays connection rates.
The XE103 devices are using maximum encryption supported, 56-bit.
The 802.11B devices are using maimum encryption supported, 128-bit.
All values recorded for comparison and analysis.
Notes:
The XE103 devices are affected by household wiring.
Quoted 85Mbps rate will only be found where devices in very close proximity.
Computer2 is located close to AP for 802.11B maximum rate and signal
reliability.
Computer2 is not located in same room as Computer1, power line routing
unknown, but not a great physical distance.
The XE103 provides extra security and network partitioning by using a
network identifier. All devices that will communicate together are
configured by the user to use the same network identifier.
Special Notes:
When comparing bps and Bps, there are some general rules of thumb.
In wired LAN environments, rule of thumb is 10 bits per byte, resulting in a 10:1 ratio between bps (bits-per-second) and Bps (bytes-per-second).
In wireless LAN environments, rule of thumb is 20 bits per byte (extra framing overhead, encryption), resulting in a 20:1 ratio.
Though not exact, you may find these values useful in comparing products.
In both wired and wireless cases, manufacturers quote highest rate possible at the lowest communications level.Test Results:
XE103
Netgear Utility displayed rate between XE103 devices = 42 Mbps
Bandwidth Monitor displayed rate = 1.2 MBps
Transfer time = 372 seconds = 1,062,177 Bps802.11B
Device setup utility displayed maximum signal and rate = 11 Mbps
Bandwidth Monitor displayed rate = 462 KBps
Transfer time = 985 seconds = 401,147 BpsTest Analysis:
The XE103 performed 2.65 faster over the 802.11B in a timed comparison.Product Opinion:
I have noticed that the Netgear Utility shows flunctuating rate values during different time periods. The lowest rate has been 18 Mbps, highest 45 Mbps.
The XE103 is at a premium price when compared with other powerline models.
If similar test data can be found, it may be more cost effective to use a less expensive model (manufacturer quoted as 14 Mbps).
If Internet surfing is main desire for the remote computer, then comparison of ISP provider rate to these tests results should be done.
For highest security and speed, nothing will surpass a wired network.
Powerline and wireless are a great convenience.
Judge which is best by comparing your needs and desires for speed and
security.
I hope that this helps in your research.


Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR XE103 85 Mbps Powerline Network Adapter

The NETGEAR XE103 85 Mbps Powerline Network Adapter lets you easily extend a network using just the existing electric lines of your home, eliminating the need to run unsightly Ethernet wires all over your house or apartment. At 85 Mbps, you'll have more than enough speed to download music, stream videos, and make internet telephone calls without any hiccups.
True Plug and Play Installation Extending a network using the electric lines in your home requires two XE103 units. Simply plug one of them into a wall outlet and connect it to your router with an Ethernet cord. Plug the second one into the wall outlet where you need a network connection and connect it to any Ethernet-ready device. That's it. There's no software to install. You can create as many network connections as you need by connecting more XE103 units wherever you need them. The device has easy-to-read icon LEDs for status information at a glance.
Fast Performance The XE103 supports speeds up to 85 Mbps which is enough for multiple video streams without interruptions. The XE103 has a 10/100 Ethernet port with which you can connect a PC, gaming console, Slingbox, DVR, NETGEAR's SC101T Storage Central Turbo or ReadyNAS NV+, or another networkable device. In order to enable encryption, you need a computer with Windows Vista, XP, or 2000.
What's in the Box XE103 85 Mbps Powerline Network Adapter, installation guide, Ethernet cable, setup CD, warranty/support information card.

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Panasonic BL-PA100KTA Ethernet Adaptor Starter Pack Includes two HD-PLC (High Definition Power Communication) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I researched competing products from DLink and NetGear online and read numerous reviews. Any of the HD-PLC products should perform similarly in the same situation. Before deciding on a powerline Ethernet product be sure to understand that the quality of your home wiring and the distance the signal must travel all can affect the performance of the product. Poor quality wiring or very long electrical runs may limit performance.
What I liked most about the Panasonic product is that the kit which includes two units is preconfigured, so it works right out of the box without any special configuration. I didn't have to install ANY software to get my network running. I plugged in one unit to my Internet router, and the other unit into a power outlet in a nearby office. Once I connected the Ethernet cable, I was up and running. It was really that easy.
One nice thing with this unit is that you can run a speed test from the unit itself, with the front LED's displaying the estimated network performance. This was handy as I tried different outlet combinations to acheive the best performance. As a side note, I found that plugging the "Master" unit into an outlet as close as possible to the breaker box yeilded the best results. By putting the master as close to the break box as possible (electrica wiring distance) I was able to get a much better signal. I have the master unit in a downtairs room that is about 40' from the breaker box, and the secondary unit in an upstairs office that is about 65' feet from the breaker box.
Note that any powerline Ethernet product is susceptible to interference from other devices. Pay attention to the manual regarding the types of devies that can cause interference, and avoid ever pluggint the device into a surge protector, since that will greatly limit performance.
An additional nice feature of the Panasonic unit compared with DLink and NetGear is that the unit has a power cable. This allows me to plug it into "hidden" outlets, and then place the box in an easy to reach location. Both the NetGear and DLink products are a box that plugs directly into the outlet. This makes them more difficult to access, especially if you want to look at the box to see what it is doing. I like that the Panasonic can sit nicely on the corner of my desk and I can see the lights. I also suspect that the Panasonic will operate cooler since it can be placed in locations where there is air flow all around the unit.
Performance will vary by house and situation. I have a gigabit network switch that connects my machine directly to a server. When I copy a 50 megabyte file to my server using Windows XP, it takes 8 to 9 seconds to copy a 50 megabyte file. Running the same 50 megabyte file copy to a machine on the HD-PLC network connection took about 27 seconds. This seems to be pretty good performance overall. Note that "speed test" is only as good as what is being tested. My test was a real world test under Windows XP copying a 50 megabyte ZIP file.

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The HD-PLC (High Definition Power Line Communication) ethernet adaptor makes it possible for your home electrical wiring to serve as a link between your PC and modem. Getting online access is as easy as plugging into a power outlet. You can move your PC and connect to the internet anywhere there is a power outlet in your home!

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Belkin 200 Mbps Powerline 3-Port Adapter (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This worked better for me than my wireless but wasn't as good has hardwired. I did several test of transferring a 101MB file from one PC to another on my LAN. I had one PC upstairs on my 2nd level and one PC on my ground level. The two outlets I used for the Belkin 200 Mbps Powerline 3-Port Adapter were on a different circuit breaker (I never did do speed test on the same breaker to compare those speeds). When using the Belkin 200 Mbps Powerline 3-Port Adapter it averaged transferring this file across my LAN in around 30 seconds, so around 3.4 MB/s or (27.2 Mbps). The highest transfer speed I saw in my test was 5.0 MB/s (or 40 Mbps). As you can see nowhere near the claimed 200 Mbps. I also tested copying this same file over my wireless network using a linksys wrt54gs router and linksys wpc54gs wireless PCMCIA card. The wireless connection averaged transferring the 101MB file in about 1 minutes 15 seconds, so around 1.3 MB/s (or 10.4 Mbps). The highest transfer speed I saw in my test over wireless was 2.3 MB/s or 18.4 Mbps. When I transferred this 101MB file over a hardwired LAN cable it averaged at about 17 seconds, so around 6.0 MB/s (or 48 Mbps). I forgot to check the highest transfer rate I saw in this test. I also tested copying over a large file of 1.54GB on my LAN with the Belkin 200 Mbps Powerline 3-Port Adapter and did see a better average time with transferring this larger file. I averaged copying this file in 5 minutes and 54 seconds, so about 4.4 MB/s (or 35.2 Mbps). I bought this device to connect to my PS3, and it has worked well for me so far. I also have PS3 Media Server installed on one of my PC's upstairs and it is able to stream video to my PS3 downstairs rather well, something the wireless connection I was using previous to buying the Belkin Adapter struggled with sometimes. I can now stream HD content from my media center PC from upstairs to my PS3. Another big plus is that I didn't have to drill any holes in the walls to run a LAN cable downstairs.

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If you need multiple ultra-high-speed network connections in the farthest reaches of your home, the Belkin Powerline AV+ Starter Kit is just what you've been looking for. This kit includes everything you need to create three network connections that provide data speeds of up to 200 Mbps using your home's existing electrical wiring.
Create a Small Office in Your Attic With the Belkin Powerline AV+ Starter Kit, you can send high-bandwidth content from the Internet to computers and network devices all over your home through the electrical wiring in your house. This kit lets you convert any electrical outlet in your home into three network connections.

This kit is the perfect solution for setting up an office with multiple network devices. For instance, if you'd like to set up a work space in the attic or another room where a wireless signal is weak, the Powerline AV+ makes networking simple. You don't need to drill holes to extend Ethernet cable, and you won't have to worry about the slow data speeds and intermittent dropouts that weak wireless connections are plagued with. Additionally, unlike wireless connections, the Powerline network connection isn't affected by factors such as cordless telephones and other wireless interference.

There is no performance penalty that comes with the convenience of the Powerline AV; data speeds along at up to 200 Mbps, meaning it can handle even heavy Internet usage, such as downloading and streaming music and video files, playing online games, and making VoIP phone calls, all without any lag time or hiccups.

Enhanced Security Keeps Out Snoopers There is no need to worry about security either; with 128-bit DES link encryption, the Powerline AV ensures that your information is safe and secure from intruders. Since the information is all transferred with wires, hackers can't simply sniff your information out of the air, as they easily can with insecure wireless connections.

Simple Plug-and-Play Setup Setup is as simple as plugging one adapter into a wall outlet and connecting it into your router, and then plugging the other adapter into an outlet where you need multiple network connections. This kit includes two adapters: one adapter has a single port to connect to your cable modem, and the second adapter has three ports so you can create multiple network connections. If you have need for another connection, just purchase an additional adapter.

The Belkin Powerline AV+ is HomePlug AV certified, can coexist with HomePlug 1.0, and is compliant with 802.3/802.3u standards. It is backed by a lifetime warranty.

What's in the Box Two Powerline Networking Adapters (one single-port, one three-port), two Ethernet cables, two power cords, two wall plug adapters, quick installation guide, and CD-ROM with installation software and user manual.



Belkin Powerline AV with Amazon Video on DemandWith Amazon Video on Demand, you can instantly watch thousands of movies and TV shows online. Now, instead of watching videos on your computer, you can stream it to your home theater for a premium viewing experience. To get the best streaming video quality, update your home theater and home network by adding Belkin Powerline AV to your Amazon Video on Demand. Belkin Powerline offers the best bandwidth and fastest speeds for the ultimate video experience in your home--even in HD. Belkin Powerline is simple to install and faster than any wireless connection--just plug it in and instantly connect to the Internet. Use Powerline to stream high quality video to cable boxes, TiVo, or gaming consoles and show Amazon Video on Demand programs in your home theater as well as any other TV or computer in your home.

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Netgear PS110 10/100 Print Server with 2 Parallel Ports Review

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(More customer reviews)The instructions don't mention Windows XP. The web site mentions it, barely, but wihhout instructions. I wasted an hour trying to do it myself, then an hour with tech support. Finally got it working, but only because I know about IP addresses, network configuration, etc. I imagine it would be easy to setup if they bothered to provide instructions for WIndows XP, and it may be easy with older versions of Windows. But XP users should stay away. And wonder why NetGear can't provide any attempt at instructions a year after XP's release.
Once I got it working, it works fine. The only hassle was setting it up.

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Netgear's PS-110 print server lets you share printers among all users on the network without complex configurations or having to dedicate a PC for printer serving. It connects directly to the network and can be placed anywhere for convenient access. With its built-in network hub, the Netgear PS110 provides connectivity solutions and file, print, and resource sharing. It can also connect two parallel printers, such as a color printer with a high-speed laser printer.
The Netgear PS110 attaches to a 10 or 100 Mbps hub or switch, providing seamless transition from Ethernet to Fast Ethernet. It has one speed-sensing 10/100 Mbps printer port and a pair of IEEE 1284 bidirectional parallel network ports. The extensive LED screen highlights all links and activities. The unit also provides simultaneous support for Unix, Windows, and NetWare clients. TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and NetBEUI network protocols are supported as well.
FirstGear, a Windows-based configuration tool, enables simple installation. Flash EPROM lets you download upgrades as they become available.Netgear offers a five-year warranty on the print server, while the power adapter is covered for a year.

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D-Link DP-300U 10/100TX 1-USB Port 2-Parallel Port Print Server Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)First I tried the NetGear PS101 print server. I liked the spiffy form factor. I could talk to the print server admin web interface and get it to print a test page, but even after many, many hours could never get it to print a document. So I returned it.
After that debacle, I decided to splurge for the HP JetDirect. At first I could only get it to print the configuration page. A visit to the HP support forums turned up lots of references to the JetDirect not working with SP2 and the suggested solution was to uninstall SP2. Ugh. Finally I went to the D-Link web site and copied the D-Link installation guide for XP w/SP2. The main difference was that D-Link suggested installing the print server as a local TCP/IP printer instead of a networked printer and, bingo, I got the JetDirect to print. (NOTE: It still goes over the network, it just looks local to the PC.) However I was miffed that I paid double the price for a device which required a competitors documentation to get to work. In addition, DHCP didn't work and I could never get it to show up in my network neighborhood.
So ... in a possibly nonsensical move of principle and price, I bought the D-Link DP300U and set up it. It's not trivial to install, but after working with the other two devices, a couple hours of install time seems like nothing. Here are a couple tips ...
(1) Do NOT use DHCP. Use a fixed IP address. Unlike the JetDirect, DHCP works. However, it still didn't show up in my network neighborhood and now I didn't know the IP address. There is NO HARDWARE RESET on the device. The D-Link support guy was great. He told me that if I couldn't find the IP address, I would have to send it back to D-Link to be reset (Ugh!). The good news is that he told me how to find it. I went to the router and looked at the DHCP assignment list and got it, and then reset the thing to a nice, fixed IP address in my subnet.
(2) I first set it up as per the instructions as a local TCP/IP printer, which means it's still on the network but looks like a local printer to the PC. It worked OK, but did this weird, long pause ... about a minute ... right in the middle of long documents. Again D-Link support was good. They told me to try setting it up as a networked printer, which I did. Unfortunately, this doesn't have spooling and you're back to 1980's wait-for-printing. Then something weird happened that I can not explain ... after setting up the device as a networked printer, I went back to the local TCP/IP printer that I had set up and it worked perfectly. Don't know how it got fixed.
My PC is a Dell laptop w/ wireless connection to an access point, and then wired to a router and the print server. My printer is an HP Deskjet 5550.
So, in the end I'm sticking with the D-Link product and I am happy with it. I would have rated it 3 stars as an overall product, but bumped my rating to 4 stars because I still thought it was the best of the ones I had tried. The itty-bitty-print-server market could use some improvement.
Enjoy!

Click Here to see more reviews about: D-Link DP-300U 10/100TX 1-USB Port 2-Parallel Port Print Server

D- Link the industry pioneer in networking continues to offer innovative products in Ethernet. The D- Link DP- 300U is a compact print server that connects to your Ethernet or Fast Ethernet network. With high-speed ports DP-300U allow users to print simultaneously from anywhere on the network. DP-300U is equipped with two IEEE1284 parallel ports and one USB version 1.1 port for seamless connection tomost printers available on the market today. DP-300U also supports all major network Operating Systems and protocols. With its compact size DP-300U can easily be placed anywhere! DP-300U is also easily configurable using web browser or window based configuration program. Using web browsers on a PC connected to the network configuration is simple and straightforward with the familiar D-Link interface. PS Admin a Windows based configuration program can also be used to configure DP-300U. The DP-300U print server is the ideal network printing solution for small offices home offices schools and other businesses that requires printer sharing. Primary InformationNetworking Type:Print serverForm Factor:ExternalNetworking Interface:USB; ParallelData Transfer Rate:100 MbpsData Link Protocol:Ethernet; EtherTalk; Fast EthernetConnectivity Technology:WiredRemote Management Protocol:SNMPCabling Type:Ethernet 10BASE-T; Ethernet 100Base-TXWidth:4.6 InchDepth:7.59 InchHeight:1.22 InchService & Support Type:1 year warrantyUNSPSC CodeUNSPSC Code:43201537Product IDUPC:790069251139Manufacturer Part:DP-300U

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HP J6061A-ABA Jet Direct 380x External Print Server (802.11b) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When setting out to get a new printer for my home office, I knew I'd get another HP and I knew that I didn't want a cable in the way. Yes, printing without the cables, expecially if you have more than one laptop in the house, is quite enjoyable.
The Jet Direct 380x does exactly what you'd expect and installs fairly easily. Everything except the high price is satisfying.

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HP Print Server JetDirect 380X Wireless 802.11B Ethernet USB J6061A#ABA J6061A. Product may differ from image shown.

Get 6% OFF

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NETGEAR PS101 Mini Print Server Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After a herky jerky start, my rating of this product jumped from 2 stars to 4. Don't fret Mac owners. If you are trying to integrate your Mac OS X system to print to the Netgear PS101, there is a solution: configure your Mac for IP printing, set the printer type to LPD/LPR, enter the print server IP address, input the queue name, example HPLASER4L_P1 (netgear device name_printer port), and make sure you select the right printer model. If you select Generic or any other model than your printer you will waste paper. I hope this is helpful...

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The NETGEAR PS101 Mini Print Server makes it easy for multiple users on a network to share a printer, letting you place the printer at a convenient spot for the entire office or out of the way altogether.
Built-in Parallel Port Connection for Easy Setup The PS101 interfaces directly with a printer's parallel port; no cable is required. It works with most parallel port printers from HP, Epson, Canon, Lexmark, and others.
Simply plug in the PS101 to the parallel port of your printer on one side and connect it to your network via an Ethernet cord on the other. The print server features a 10 Mbps Ethernet connection for quick data transfer and an easy-to-use web-based remote management tool.
Save Time, Energy and Money Using the print server eliminates the need to have a dedicated PC always-on acting as a print server, thus conserving energy and saving money. The print server supports simultaneous print jobs and an on-board memory buffer keeps prints coming out quickly.
The NETGEAR PS101 is upgradeable for future enhancements and is backed by a 3-year warranty.
What's in the Box PS101 Mini Print Server, CD with installation software, administration programs and reference manual, power adapter, installation guide, resource CD, and warranty/support information card.

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