Trendnet TPL-408E2K
Accessories
Inside the box, we're provided the two powerline adapters, two RJ-45 cables, a quick-start guide and a software utility disc.
Specifications
Standards-wise, Trendnet specifically calls out HomePlug AV2 compliance. Here again, though, we're missing a ground pin, and thus MIMO support. Data rates reach up to 600 Mb/s (PHY), with the operating range listed as falling between 2 and 68MHz. A power consumption rating max of 3.9 watts means this Powerline adapter is on the less power-hungry end of our round-up.
In the HomePlug Alliance Certified product list, the TPL-408E is found with the HomePlug AV search filter applied, but not with the HomePlug AV2 filter. Looking at the product packaging, the HomePlug Certification Mark is clearly displayed on the front, just below the product label, "Powerline 500 AV2 Adapter Kit." Either the HomePlug Alliance dropped the ball in publishing the fact that the TPL-408E is HomePlug AV2-certified or product marketing ran with the AV2 terminology, referencing it in the product name without having the back-end justification in place. Again, this creates confusion for the consumer. We're left with the question: is this product considered compliant or certified with the HomePlug AV2 standard or not?
General Observations
From a depth-perspective, the TPL-408E reaches out about the same distance as the D-Link DHP-600AV, making them the two shallowest powerline adapters in this round-up. The outlet overhang is also similar to D-Link's DHP-600AV. Weight-wise, the TPL-408E felt the lightest, and plugged in to the outlet, seemed most likely to tip slightly up or down if bumped. A third prong might help the next iteration of these models stay seated.
The lights on this model behave similarly to those on the D-Link adapter in that the powerline LED changes from green to amber to red, depending on transmission rate. Unfortunately, the support documentation doesn't clarify what rates correspond to each color, though we may be able to retrieve that info from the advanced configuration utility.
On this model, the button next to the Ethernet port is labeled Sync, which lets you add an additional powerline adapter to an existing Trendnet Powerline Network after you've changed the default passwords.
Management
The company includes a CD containing the advanced configuration utility, though it's also available for download via the support site. When you load the software, it displays the local adapter and remote units, including MAC addresses and firmware versions. The Network Type is labeled as Public, which indicates that the default Network Membership Key is active.
The Detailed view option lets you select a Trendnet powerline adapter and print out a report about its details, while the Device Setup menu option allows you to set the Powerline Network Name.
The Advanced menu option is where you can set VLAN tags and TOS bits, as well as upgrade or reset the adapters to factory defaults.
Tear-Down
Unlike others in this review (at least up to this point), the case for Trendnet's TPL-408E2K is easily taken apart.
There is a single screw in the back, and it is actually visible and not hidden under the label. From there, eight clips need to be pushed in before you can pop off the case cover.
The parts list is beginning to look pretty familiar at this point.
We again observe the Qualcomm Atheros QCA7450/AR1540 and the Qualcomm Atheros AR8035-A chipsets. We can also identify what appears to be something similar to the Cosmo 1010 phototransistor/photocoupler as well as the 250V fuse.
What I couldn't make out was the logo on the chip to the right of the Ethernet connector housing. I tried prying off that square, gray block sitting on top, but no luck. If anyone happens to recognize the logo, please let me know!
Panning over to the left near the transformer, we find this guy, an AC/DC converter made by Power Integrations (datasheet).
