Networking experts TRENDnet launched on Tuesday a new addition to its Powerline 500 AV series, the TPL-4052E. It's ideal for connecting media centers to the network, offering four 10/100 Ethernet ports in a single solution for wired HTPCs, consoles, HDTVs and other Internet-needy devices. Best of all, it plugs directly into a wall socket so that the network pipeline passes through the building's electrical system instead of through the air or across long network cables.
Of course, this new four-port adapter is only part of the equation. To create a Powerline-based network, customers will need another Powerline 500 AV adapter that connects to the network's router via an Ethernet cable. This adapter, when plugged into a single electrical socket, will send a network signal up to 500 Mbps through the local electrical system which is then received by the other adapter.
However, the Powerline 500 AV device connected directly to the router does not need to be the TPL-4052E, but it can be any one of these TRENDnet models capable of up to 500 Mbps. To maintain 500 Mbps Powerline speeds, all networked adapters need to be 500 rated. "For additional security, press the Sync button to change existing encryption keys," the company said. "Embedded power saving technology lowers power consumption up to 70 percent in standby mode -- resulting in measurable power savings, given that the device is always on."
The specs show that the new adapter can be placed up to 300 meters away from the primary adapter receiving the signal from the router. There's no software needed to set up a Powerline network, and all adapters auto-connect with other TRENDnet Powerline adapters. Additional features include 128-bit AES encryption, an optional software utility on CD-ROM that's packed with the adapter, a three-year limited warranty and more.
"People are learning how easy it is to install Powerline. Simply plug in Powerline adapters and they auto connect over an encrypted signal," stated Zak Wood, director of global marketing for TRENDnet.
For more information about TRENDnet's Powerline 500 AV series, head here. The new four-port adapter is available now for $53.99 USD.
