TRENDnet Releases Powerline Networking Kit Too
Here's another powerline-based networking solution.
Seemingly not wanting to be outdone by Amped Wireless' launch of the PLA2 Powerline network adapter kit released earlier this week, TRENDnet launched a powerline-based kit of its own, the Powerline 200 AV Nano Adapter kit. The company doesn't claim "world's smallest," but does promise more available space at an electrical outlet thanks to the "nano" form factor.
As with the Amped Wireless kit, TRENDnet's kit comes packed with two adapters, the TPL-308E, which are pre-encrypted right out of the box. However, unlike the Amped Wireless models, these do not come equipped with a pass-through electrical plug, only offering an Ethernet port each, one of which must connect to a router.
The beauty of this kind of networking means packets are not tossed through the air, but instead pass through the power lines in a home or office. This means network connectivity can reach into areas where wireless signals cannot. The only drawback is that the adapters must be on the same electrical grid, meaning a house with two separate circuit breakers may not qualify (depends on the router's location). The speed is also limited, up to 200 Mbps which is roughly between Wireless G and Wireless N max speeds.
To use this kit, the customer simply plugs one adapter into an electrical socket, and then into a router via an Ethernet cable. The other adapter can be plugged into an electrical outlet anywhere in the house or office to automatically receive the signal. It then passes the network connection on to an Ethernet-based device like a gaming console or desktop.
"Power Save mode reduces power consumption by up to 70-percent, when the adapters are idle—this is a big benefit since the adapters are always plugged in," the company said on Tuesday. "Quality of Service technology prioritizes video, audio, and online gaming. LED displays convey device status for easy troubleshooting. Advanced 128-bit AES encryption secures your network. This adapter is ideal for use in buildings that interfere with wireless networking signals."
The Powerline 200 AV Nano adapter kit, aka the TPL-308E2K, is now on sale for $74.99 USD right here. The company also sells extra Powerline 200 AV Nano adapters for $39.99 each which can be purchased here.
Contact Us for News Tips, Corrections and Feedback
Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.
Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
-
thecolorblue the 200mbps speed limit is not an issue.Reply
HDDs are capping out @ below 50mbps.
i'd think data security would be a bigger issue -
TrendNet has been making these for quite a while and in my honest opinion are the highest in quality. Some of those other brands won't last long and burn out for whatever reason but TrendNet has been rock solid. These work great in apartments and can also be used in houses. Houses circuit breaker panels are usually broken up into two legs. There is a device (bridge) you can buy that connects both legs so certain frequencies can communicate between those legs (like X10). If you use the bridge it should work fine.Reply
-
lamorpa The missing pass-through electrical plug is a show stopper. Often, one of the plugs on an outlet is switched. That mean, without a pass-through, the entire plug is used up. No place to plug in the router, etc. And don't say, "use a power strip"; These devices work best plugged directly into the outlet.Reply -
chiphead lamorpaThe missing pass-through electrical plug is a show stopper. Often, one of the plugs on an outlet is switched. That mean, without a pass-through, the entire plug is used up. No place to plug in the router, etc. And don't say, "use a power strip"; These devices work best plugged directly into the outlet.Reply
Um, not often...One plug on a Dual-Plug outlet would be switched in a bedroom. Just plug it into another outlet in the room and run a Cat5 cable to it. Or if your house is already wired you could use any plug in the house, check your circuit, then plug the other one. Perfect for getting internet connectivity in the garage. I put a 32" TV on the garage wall and a PC and speakers. It is awsome to work on the cars now. I have a sling box too. Music, sports, and I can look up parts and how to's. Love it! -
Wisecracker Normally, it's the top socket on an outlet that is 'switched' so the unit may be installed in the lower socket.Reply
The only other issue that can affect performance -- an electric panel has 2 x 120v 'legs' Sometimes, the unit will only operate via circuits on the same 'leg' of the panel.
(and the first poster is confusing Mb/s with MB/s)