Netgear PE102 10MBPS(10BASE-T) Home Phoneline RJ11 Ethernet RJ45 Bridge Review

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(More customer reviews)The marketing literature claims that the Netgear PE-102 "seamlessly extends your high-speed Internet connection, or your existing Ethernet network ...". Seamless is definitely in the eye of the beholder -- especially where networking is concerned -- but in this case, I have to agree.
I installed the PE-102 to replace a PC that I used as a bridge between my phoneline and ethernet networks. The PC worked fine as as bridge, but needed to be on whenever someone wanted to use the internet from a machine on the phoneline network. The PE-102 not only solved this problem, but also freed a slot in the former bridge machine, since I no longer needed both ethernet and phoneline cards installed. The PE-102 also uses a lot less power than the PC I used for a bridge.
Installation was quick and straightforward. Both phoneline connections are clearly marked (to wall, to phone) and the unit includes only one ethernet connection (RJ-45 10/100 Mbps, auto-switching). There's no software to install or to configure. The product includes a fold-out installation guide that suggests possible network configurations and provides technical specifications for the unit. I was operational within 5 minutes.
The PE-102 has performed flawlessly from the moment I hooked it up. All machines (whether connected by ethernet cable or phoneline) now appear to be part of the same network -- whether the machine is running Windoze or Unix. Throughput is excellent, even when several users share the same internet connection via ethernet cable and phoneline. So what's not to like? Here are a few things I found less than perfect: (1) cable connections are on the front of the unit, rather than on the rear. This makes for a somewhat messy appearance in a home/SOHO environment. (2) cost -- the PE-102 seems expensive by comparison to other network components. This device is a "digital adapter" that integrates ethernet and phoneline networks. It's not a router or a switch or a firewall. It doesn't do sophisticated encryption or on-the-fly data compression or web-content filtering or anything else beyond what it claims to do -- connect ethernet and phoneline networks. (3) the installation guide fails to mention that the PE-102 can share a phoneline connection with a computer: just connect the PE-102 to the phone jack in the wall, and the computer to the "to phone" connection on the PE-102. Now the PE-102 and the computer are both connected to the phoneline network. Similarly, I suspect the PE-102 could be used as an internet gateway for phoneline networks (but without firewall protection or content filtering), even though the installation guide does not mention this possibility.
However, these are pretty much minor annoyances. There's plenty to like about the PE-102, including solid construction (metal case, not plastic), 5-year warranty (1 year on power adapter), and reliable performance. This is a product that does what it claims to do, first time, every time, right out of the box. Although I didn't need it, I've found Netgear technical support to be both competent and responsive -- and one of the few organizations willing even to talk to you if you mention the word "Unix" (or "Linux"). You won't find that among the product features listed on the box -- but it's included, nonetheless.
Recommended.

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

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(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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Cisco-Linksys PLUSB10 Instant PowerLine USB Adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)I have one computer that has Winme and the other that has XP. I have has these adapters for around 1-2yrs and niether one of my computers ever had a problem with them.

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D-Link DXN-221 MoCa Coax Ethernet Adapter Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)Works as I wanted. Plug and play on coax that carries TV and cable modem.
What doesn't work is their configuration utility software for windows. Fortunately I didn't need it- just plug and play.
Tech support at level 1 and then level 2 was incredibly ignorant; no, make that totally unprepared and both had bad ESL issues. Level 3 wants to call.
Hopefully I'll never need the utility.


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Hd mediabridge coax network.

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NETGEAR WGT624NA Wireless G Firewall Router Review

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(More customer reviews)A month ago I bought the Netgear WGT624 Version 2 wireless "Super G" router, on the basis that it was affordable and that Netgear had always given me good service. Having professionally installed networks in the past, I have always been happy with Netgear's commercial products and was expecting this one to be the same quality. The router was super easy to install and set up, their setup wizard was great, and when it worked, the router was blazing fast. I only got to use the cable connections, never got time to setup a wireless connection. As other reviewers have said, it was setup and running within five minutes of plugging it in.
***CAVEAT*** - It worked GREAT for two days, then began to randomly drop the LAN connections, resulting in the dreaded "Network Cable Unplugged" message (search for "netgear wgt624 network cable unplugged" or search Netgear's forums for pages of similar complaints with no resolutions). This got worse, beginning at a few times per day, finally getting down to every few minutes - it now only worked a few times per day! After a week of swapping NIC's, cables, and confirming settings, I finally broke down and e-mailed Netgear tech support - who was kind enough to reply after two days with the same things I had already tried (confirm settings, hardware reset, update firmware, etc.), and a request for more detailed system info if the problem persisted. Even with the most current firmware release, it would not work reliably - so I sent them back every detail they had requested but got no response after a week.
When I finally called them, I got their tech support department in India who confirmed that I was eligible for free tech support (they only offer it for 90 days from purchase, then you have to pay) and then began to go over the e-mails we'd swapped. After 10 minutes with no luck, he suggested that I try the Beta version of the firmware release, AND that this beta version would void my Netgear warranty. After making this suggestion, he said goodbye and hung up in the middle of the conversation. When I immediately called back to India, I got a different tech and was told that I was already out of the 90 day free tech support period (I bought the router a month ago mind you) and that I would have to pay for any support or to get the router replaced under the warranty. After some argument, he finally agreed to help me, but found that the router was indeed defective - and pointed out that there is a known problem with these particular models and he could not guarantee that a replacement would work any better.
In order to get the router replaced under the warranty, I would have had to fax or mail my receipt to India (not a toll free #), and wait a week for them to confirm that my Router was within the warranty. After this was done, I would have to call them back and PAY for the "Extended Tech Support," since their computer showed that my router was out of the 90 day free support period (again, it was only a month old). If this return call to tech support proved that my router was defective, I would then get an RMA and have to either ship the defective router to India at my expense and wait three weeks for them to ship a refurbished replacement unit back, or pay them $30 to have a replacement shipped to me first, then ship the defective unit back to them at my expense.
***SOLUTION*** - I returned the router and bought another brand. In searching the Internet, I found that the equivalent D-Link model (the DI-624) has strikingly similar problems so I bought a Linksys and have been happy thus far. I agree with the reviews that the Linksys is not quite as foolproof to set up, but it's worked great for two days now. We'll see.

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Wireless networking is constantly evolving, and the need for increasingly faster speeds and greater range is not only sought after, but expected. If better wireless speed and range with consistent wireless connections is what you're looking for, then NETGEAR has you covered with the WGT624 Super-G Wireless Router. With this handy device you'll have no more dropped connections, and you can kiss dead spots goodbye.
This compact, stylish router provides a simple and secure way to share your high-speed Internet connection. The WGT624 has a 4-port switch, and delivers twice the speed and four times the coverage of the standard Wireless-G protocol. And to achieve maximum performance, NETGEAR suggests using Super-G wireless adapters, such as the Super-G Wireless PC Card, Super-G Wireless PCI Adapter, or the Super-G Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.
If security is a concern, you can rest easy knowing that your network is being powered by this router. Designed to be configurable for private networks or public hotspots, the WGT624 features double Firewall protection to defend your computer from external hacker attacks. And with Touchless Wi-Fi Security, this device makes securing your network a breeze.
The routing protocols for the WGT624 are both static and dynamic routing. This device works with most Internet gaming and instant messaging applications, and other applications that support Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for automatic Internet access. Other functions include:
Automatic ISP detection
Exposed Host (DMZ)
MAC address authentication
Time-based usage controls
"Trusted User" controls
URL content filtering
Logs and e-mail alerts of Internet
Wireless Access Control
Wi-Fi Protected access (WPA)
Pre-shared Key remote management
Setup is made quick and easy with the Smart Wizard install software. System requirements include a broadband (cable or DSL) Internet Service and a modem with an Ethernet connection; 2.4 GHz wireless adapter or Ethernet adapter and cable for each computer; Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, 95, or other operating systems running a TCP/IP network; and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, Netscape 4.7 or higher, or Firefox 1.0 or higher, and Safari for Mac. Microsoft Vista Beta drivers are available at www.netgear.com/vista.
What's in the Box NETGEAR WGT624 Super-G Wireless Router, setup CD, power adapter, Ethernet cable, vertical stand, setup guide, and warranty/support information card.

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NETGEAR GSM7324 24-Port Layer 3 Switch Review

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(More customer reviews)I used to hate network uptime. When the LAN was up for more than a few days at a time, I would get angry and punchy.
That has all changed, friends.
Now that I have the Netgear GSM7324, I don't have to worry about the network being up for too long; it automatically kills the LAN on it's own.
The best part is, it is totally unpredictable, so each time my users yell "Hey, I can't get to wiki" or "Is there something wrong with the Internet?", it's like a special surprise for everybody.
I mean really, do you really _need_ access to your gateway while trying to commit CVS at the end of the day? And who wants to be able to read email while at work? It's much better to pay a bunch of software engineers and marketing consultants to sit idle while the IT guy is power cycling all the switches on the network trying to clear up whatever happy fun issue is taking down LAGs and VLANs one by one.
Sure, I could have bought a Cisco, but that drab bluegreygreen color totally clashes with my server room. Also, there is my hatred of a stable network to consider.
I'm sure if I was just using this switch to do simple layer 2 stuff my LAN would stay up longer, but since I wanted to actually break the network as fast as ARP'ingly possible, I made sure to turn on some of the features Netgear claims this box can support.
I would have given this unit a higher rating, but sometimes my network is up for nearly half a week before it dies. That's nearly two and one half days without my users sitting idle while I troubleshoot, or going home early because they can't get anything done at work.
One last advantage of using this Netgear "layer 3 switch" is their superb support team. I used to have to sit on the phone with other company's support staff, getting answers to my questions, or offers to VPN in to take a look at the situation. Now, I am all smiles as I get the same exact say statement each time I call support.
I don't have to worry anymore about getting help with the problem from a qualified network engineer type.
Could you pass the Dosas?

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Linksys WUSB11 Wireless-B USB Network Adapter v4 Review

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(More customer reviews)Make sure you are purchasing the 2.6 or 2.8 version, 3.0 and 4.0 will not work with TIVO units. Amazon does not clearly list the different versions.

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1.The Wireless-G USB Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder is a handy, pocket-sized device that combines an easy-to-use wireless network scanner with a USB-connected Wireless-G network adapter. Now you can scan for available wireless connectivity before turning on your computer.Discovered networks are listed in order of signal strength.With the Wi-Fi Finder built into the unit, you no longer need to power on your PC to determine if theres a wireless network connection available. 2.Features - High-speed Wireless-G networking for your desktop or notebook computer .Built-in Wi-Fi Finder detects Wireless-G and Wireless-B signals .Easy to read display shows network name, channel, signal strength, and security on/off .Wireless communications are protected by up to 128-bit WEP or WPA encryption .

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Zinwell 200 Mbps Digital Home Powerline Ethernet Adapters 1-port Bridge Twin Pack Review

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(More customer reviews)Literally unwrapped the two units, plugged them into two different power surge protectors in different rooms, connected the ethernet cables...and that was it. They have been operating flawlessly since then.

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1PORT Docsis 2.0 Cable Hwic Review

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(More customer reviews)UPDATED 10-13-2009. Please see: [...] for information on how to get this device working with Comcast as your Internet Service Provider.
The review below is based on my dealings with Comcast in July of 2009 when I first purchased the unit.What can I say? It would be a beautiful thing if this HWIC in my 1841 router was supported by Comcast. I could then consolidate the modem, router and switch into a nice 1U rack-mountable device that would fit perfectly into a small network cabinet in the basement.
I made some progress with Comcast. At one point cable-modem0/0/0 was pulling a DHCP address and after getting the device configured via CLI I got a workstation out to Comcast's walled garden. I was unable to get it to activate...I should have called Comcast at that point but I messed around, erased my config, rebuilt the config...spent countless hours on the phone with Comcast trying to get the HFC Mac address of the modem squared away.
Most recently, I was informed by Comcast that the HFC Mac address of the cisco hwic-modem is showing as a LEASED modem in their system...and apparently I am going to be charged for having posession of 2 leased modems at the same time until I resolve it at my local Comcast office.
In any case. Oh sorry, this is supposed to be a Cisco HWIC-Cable-Modem-D-2 review. =) I was actually a little surprised at the lack of end-user documentation for this device. Typically Cisco has a plethora of configuration examples to get a base configuration on any given device. From the limited experience I've had with the HWIC, it appears to function no differently than a typical Ethernet or FastEthernet interface when being addressed from CLI. With DOCSIS, the ISP should be providing some sort of configuration to the device through magic or whatever.
The limited information I found online through forums and discussions have stated that the HWIC-Cable-Modem-D-2 is rock solid, fewer errors than consumer-grade modems, fewer dropouts, more reliable and robust.
I just caution anyone purchasing this item in hopes of using it with Comcast as an ISP. I had no problems getting a technician to enter the HFC Mac address in on their end...but I've had nothing but problems since.


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

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(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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Cisco SD205 5-port 10/100 Switch Review

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(More customer reviews)This Linksys SD205 switch rules. First, its mesmerizing because its the same size as the Ipod. Second, it does what its advertised such as connecting other computers together and most importantly, it regenerates signal. I was seriously considering buying a repeater, but they cost a couple hundred dollars. Technically, a hub is supposed to do the same thing but who wants that passive crap. The signal in my network started to attenuate and needed regeneration. This badboy fixed it and its back to full strength. I highly recommend this product if you are needing a component to branch out your network.

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This newly-redesigned Linksys 5-Port 10/100 Switch can significantly increase your network traffics speed. A switch serves the same function as a hub in a network design -- tying your network equipment together. But unlike a simple-minded hub which divides the networks bandwidth among all the attached devices, a switch delivers full network speeds at each port. Installing this cost-effective 5-Port 10/100 Switch can potentially increase your network speed by five times. It is the perfect way of integrating 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet devices, too. All five ports are auto speed negotiating, and have automatic MDI/MDI-X crossover detection, so you dont have to worry about the cable type. Each port independently negotiates for best speed and half- or full-duplex mode, for up to 200Mbps of bandwidth per port.

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Motorola 2247-N8 Wireless DSL Modem Review

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(More customer reviews)I replaced an older Actiontec modem as I thought it may have been the culprit in some home network problems I was having. I have Qwest DSL as a service provider and upgraded to an Actiontec PK-5000. I also have an apple tv 2g at home. I discovered however through trial and error that the PK-5000 does not support the apple tv as it should. If plugged into the router with an Ethernet cable I was fine but it would not recognize it wirelessly.
I stopped at best buy and picked this up for 98 bucks. The store associates didn't' even recognize it as something they carried. Regardless I brought it home and hooked it up.
1.The installation is not exactly flawless. You need to know your ISP's user name for your modem to access their network. (among other things)
2.The modem won't always recognize that password. If this happens after or during installation, reset the modem by holding down the reset button for 15 sec. + then find it in your browser. The address is not typical and you should look at the little book that comes with it.
3.There is only ONE phone jack in the back so unless you have a splitter you can't have DSL and your phone going through this modem.
4.The menus for configuration could certainly be a nicer interface BUT if you know your way around security protocols and have ½ a brain you should be able to fumble through and make your wireless secure.
5.It recognized apple tv 2g through its wireless connection in short order, I simply had to re-input my security key.
6.Your home laptop may tell you that your security settings don't match the wireless settings of the network. (delete the wireless connection and re-look for wireless connections) Again fumble your way through and you'll get it.
Now I will say that through all of my fumbling around I had it set up and working on my desktop, laptop, Wii, and apple tv 2g in about 40 minutes. It seems to work great, pages seem to load quickly, speed tests are averaging the same as they were before (that being said, the rural community I live in is having serious speed issues with qwest) and there is peace in the valley. It's a bit more spendy than other DSL modems but it does support ADSL2, does allow Ethernet connections (3 not 4 as one is used for your DSL connection) and it is a low profile unit that hides well in your office. The biggest drawbacks I see are the telephone jack and the price you pay for "commercial grade firewall protection" ummmm ok I saw nothing on this modem that was not on my 5 year old modem as far as security goes but it does have plenty of security that YOU MUST ENABLE it is not automatic. (Some people seem to think this is the case...weird)
I will update this review if anything changes...Happy Surfing!


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Actiontec Ethernet over Coax MoCA Adapter - Single Review

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(More customer reviews)I used this device to connection to my FIOS Actiontec router, and without a few comments from people here, you'd never get this to work properly.
First, the "quick instructions" (the only instructions as it turns out) assume that you are using a pair of these only to create an ethernet bridge over your coax. Thus, using this to connect to your FIOS router, the instructions are nonsensical.
Second, without instructions, you'll conclude you put this in between your coax cable and set top box. This will not work, even though this is apparently the way it's supposed to work. You'll get interference on your TV, things won't work, and you'll be ready to throw it in the box and return it.
In reality, you take the cable from the wall jack and get it into a coax splitter. One split goes to the set top box, the other to the device. You connect the ethernet jack to the device, and you're up and working.
If you go to Actiontec's site, they have no instructions how this will work with an Actiontec's FIOS router, despite the fact that this is probably the best use of the device!.
Anyway, once you get it hooked up, as other have said, you don't configure anything. It just works.
So it's a great product, hampered by no instructions for many people, and no help on the web site.

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NETGEAR XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge Review

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(More customer reviews)I tested these between the two units in a duplex apartment building. Each apartment has its own electrical meter and main panel, although they share the same 240Volt service from the street. Result: Works great! The speeds varied slightly depending on the outlets into which these were plugged, but were always much faster than my 3 Mb/s cable modem connection, and were also consistently faster than 802.11b wireless. Supposedly, the connection quality is not limited by distance, and the signal travels just fine across circuit breakers, fuses, and even between the two 120V legs of a 240V service connection, as I confirmed. In a big building, or one with many obstructions, wireless is a hit-or-miss solution, whereas this seems to be rock-solid.

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The NETGEAR XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge 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.
True Plug and Play Installation To extend a network using the electric lines in your home, you need two XE102 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 any wall outlet that is electrically connected to the first and you have an instant Ethernet port to plug a computer, gaming console, or other networkable device with an RJ-45 Ethernet plug. You can create as many network connections as you need by connecting more XE102 units. The device has easy-to-read icon LEDs for status information at a glance.
The XE102 has a 10BASE-T Ethernet jack and supports the 10 Mbps HomePlug 1.0 standard. It uses Forward Error Correction (FEC) and Automatic channel adaptation to ensure the integrity of the data. In order to enable encryption, you need a computer with Windows XP, 2000, ME or 98.
The NETGEAR XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge is backed by a 3-year warranty.
What's in the Box XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge, installation guide, Ethernet cable, resource CD, and warranty/support information card.

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Leviton 47605-28W SMC Structured Media Enclosure with Cover, 28-Inch, White Review

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(More customer reviews)Like most others have found in renovating an older home, the myriad of wiring in this house looked like a circus act gone bad. The timing could not have been better when given the opportunity to test the Leviton 47605 Media Box. Here are my thoughts.
Out of the box, I noticed immediately that this unit's interior is prime time 20 gauge steel. The screw mounted cover is 18 gauge steel. Weighing in at 17lbs its not one of those light weight knock offs by any means. It measures in at 29.32"H x 15.62"W x 3.68"D. I like the fact that it can be surface mounted or installed in a recessed cutout. I like the mounted tab feature. The tabs prevent the unit from falling through the studs during installation. There are multiple knockouts on both top and bottom for easy cable routing. The cutout in the base allows for mounting single and double J boxes and power modules.
As others know from working in older properties, installation is not going to be a one and done thing. Its all about location, location and location. Another is having the right tools for the job. The plastic punch down tool that comes with the box isn't going to make the job easier. Besides a drill or saw (depending on your choice of mounting) a wire stripper, plugs, punchdown tool, crimper and cable tester are needed. Once I found the spot, it easily installs with a nice clean fit into the drywall. Running Cat6 lines throughout an older home had its usual hiccups but in the end it was great to have one central organized point of distribution. After all is done, one thing is obvious. This unit is roomy.
If there was an improvement to made on the Leviton 47605 Media Box it would be to option for a hinged cover vice the screw mounted variety. Other then that Leviton is a name to remember when it comes to quality home and office installations. This box will last a lifetime.

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Accommodates up to three full-width pre-configured structured cabling panels delivering audio/video, voice and data to any room of the home or office. Secures interior components from dust and dirt, and can be mounted with either right or left-hand opening.

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NETGEAR Powerline AV+ 200 Adapter Kit XAVB2501 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When I saw this item, I leapt at the opportunity to get my hands on a set of these, in hopes that this Netgear Powerline AV+ 200 Adapter Kit would give me a stronger Internet connection than I was getting wirelessly to my Wii. I've only just recently begun subscribing to Netflix, and the signal that I've been getting wirelessly has left something to be desired with regards to image quality of downloaded media from the Instant queue.
When I received my package, I couldn't wait to get these in place and put them to use. Luckily for me, setting these up was a breeze. The adapters themselves are pretty tall, and fairly wide, as you probably determined by the photo - about 2.5" wide, 5" tall, and about 1.75" deep. They fit VERY snugly into the outlets (I placed each of mine in the bottom outlet, so I could still access the top outlet), so be prepared to apply a little force to the adapters if you're trying to get them into outlets that are in an awkward spot to get to.
The instructions also clearly state that these adapters need to be placed in the wall outlets themselves, NOT into a power strip that items are then connected to. Looking at them, it's pretty obvious to me that the recommendations are wisely made. I simply wouldn't want to fry these adapters out if I put them into an outlet that didn't look adequate for them. So, I unplugged the power strip that I'd had plugged into each outlet that the adapters were going to be occupying, connected one of the enclosed Ethernet cables to each adapter, popped the adapters into the outlets, looked for the LED indicators that showed that these were working well where I'd put them, plugged the power strips into each adapter's built-in outlet (ingenious!), and I was in business! It was then as simple as connecting the Ethernet cable from the adapter near my computer to a port on my wireless router, and then connecting the Ethernet cable from the adapter near my entertainment center to my Wii and its LAN USB adapter, to create the network connection.
When I first got my Wii and was considering my Wii-Internet connectivity options, I'd thought about buying a ridiculously long Ethernet cable to wind around my apartment and its walls, and the challenge it would be to staple/nail around the cord to keep it in place. I could've done that, but I knew how unsightly it would be, so I opted to go for the wireless router that I now have (and still use and enjoy), and connected my Wii to the 'net that way. It was more than adequate, too, until I started my Netflix subscription, and could literally see that my wireless signal was lacking, for Netflix-viewing purposes. Thanks to this adapter kit and a Wii-compatible LAN adapter, though, I've now got the best picture that I've seen on the Netflix Instant queue accessed through my Wii, and a super-strong connection to the Internet with it. Long story short, I couldn't be more pleased by just how well these adapters do what they say they will. I remember originally thinking, "there's no way that these things can make an Internet connection without them being directly connected to each other with a cable." Netgear, you've proven me wrong, and I'm thrilled that you did! Two thumbs up!
* UPDATE*
It's knocking on a year after my install of these NETGEAR Powerline AV+200 adapters, and I'm still happily using them. Perhaps even better, I'm still LOVING them! They continue to provide a strong and consistent signal to my Wii, which I still use daily to watch TV/movies on via Netflix.
If you happen to be having any viewing quality issues, be sure that you've got fast enough Internet service. The NETGEAR adapters will transmit everything they possibly can, as reliably as they can, but if your Internet is just not fast enough, your viewing quality might be a bit on the grainy/pixellated side. I had been using such low-grade Internet when I initially installed these that it wasn't even listed in my cable provider's options - I had to specifically request it in a sales call with them - but I've since bumped my service up to one of the top two options, and that totally fixed the issues that I had with viewing quality.
These NETGEAR adapters were great last May when I first got them, and, eight months later, they're still keeping my entertainment center up-to-date with the latest technology, and doing so beautifully! Good stuff!

Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR Powerline AV+ 200 Adapter Kit XAVB2501

NETGEAR's Powerline AV 200 Adapter extends a high speed Internet connection to any power outlet (2 units required, can purchase 2 unit kit in part# XAVB2001) , Perfect for connecting HDTVs, Blu-ray players, DVRs, PCs and game consoles to your home network and the Internet, Compact design with push-button security, Just plug into any electrical outlet.NETGEAR Green Features: Automatically powers down when not connected or not in use, Disable LEDs to help save energy,Packaging manufactured with at least 95% recycled materials.Disclaimers:1 Requires use of HomePlug AV compatible Powerline devices (two XAV2001 devices included).

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NETGEAR Home Theater Internet Connection Kit (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have only had this for a few days, but hookup is a breeze (took about 5 minutes from openning the box to fishing wires under my furniture behind the TV), and it is much faster than wireless G. I am streaming Netflix through my TivoHD without undue buffering, and at the claimed Netflix full HD quality. The utility software included with the product allows the user to turn off the three LEDs on the four port switch, implement security on the devices, and create network priorities if there are multiple adapters on the network. The utility software scans the powerline network and details the speed at which the network is operating. My speeds vary between 72 mpbs to 88 mbps in my 3,100 sqft house that is about 7 years old. My network router is upstairs and my home theater is downstairs. Longevity of the device is yet to be determined since I have only had it a few days, but so far I am very pleased with the product.
***UPDATE***
I had a lamp that operated by touch to turn it on and off. It kept turning on by itself after installing the netgear powerline adapter. Well, after unplugging the lamp from the wall, I am getting about 160 mbps transfer speeds on my network to my home theater. Its fast, stable, and streams video like crazy.

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Turn Any Electrical Outlet into a High-Speed Home Network Connection NETGEAR's Home Theater Internet Connection Kit (XAVB1004) is a convenient solution for extending your home network by using standard electrical outlets. This kit delivers the devices you need to set up an Internet connection in any room without running new wires.The XAVB1004 connects up to four (4) devices to your network: Game consoles including Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 Networked attached storage devices including: NETGEAR ReadyNAS, Notebook PCs, Wired and wireless routers, TiVo, AppleTV,VUDU box, Desktop PCs, Slingbox, BD Live enabled Blu-ray player Features Turn a power outlet into a high speed Internet and home network connection Connects up to 4 devices Delivers fast 200 Mbps speed, fast enough to stream HD videoFor use with both wired and wireless routers and gateways Simply plug an XAV101 into your router and connect as many as 4 Ethernet-ready devices to the XAV1004 Port-based Quality of Service (QoS), ensures that the highest priority applications are allocated more bandwidth Red, yellow, green status LEDs indicate maximum data rate 128-bit AES data encryption ensures privacy and security, secure your Powerline AV network by just pushing a button Supports Windows Vista HomePlug AV compatible

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