Netgear (http://www.netgear.com) has introduced the Powerline AV+ 200 Nano Dual-port Set, which features a tiny adapter that plugs into any electrical outlet and provides two Ethernet ports for connecting Internet-enabled devices such as TVs, computers, Blu-ray players and video game consoles to home networks.
‘Powerline networking, which makes connections through a home’s existing electric wiring, is ideal for reaching rooms beyond the range of WiFi signals, without the cost and complication of installing Ethernet cables, according to Fred Guiot, senior product line manager for Powerline Products at Netgear.
One adapter from the kit is plugged into a wall outlet near the home router/gateway, with an Ethernet cable connecting the router to the adapter. The other adapter can be placed in any outlet in the home and makes an automatic connection to the home router at up to 200 megabits per second (mbps). This adapter has two ports for connecting nearby Internet-enabled devices through Ethernet cables.
The adapter has a “pass-through” power outlet, so that other electrical devices can share the same outlet. The adapter also filters electrical interference from any device plugged into the pass-through outlet so that network performance is maximized, says Guiot.
The Netgear Powerline AV+ 200 Nano Dual-port Set will be available in France in October and in Germany and the rest of Europe in November for Euro 109.90. The product will be available worldwide in early 2012.
