DailyTech - New Powerline Networking Devices From D-Link, Netgear

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Hardware New Powerline Networking Devices From D-Link, Netgear
Purav Sanghani - June 27, 2006 1:43 PM

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7 comment(s) - last by Shoal07.. on Jun 28 at 7:41 AM

Netgear Powerline HDX101

Netgear Powerline HDXB101

Networked high-definition streaming over power lines

A few years ago many were skeptical of the idea of running data over regular copper power lines due to the level of interference that would exist with data running alongside electricity. Since then the technology has advanced to handle the interference and design products capable of transferring data through the power infrastructure at 100Mb+ speeds.

Netgear has decided to take the dive and add to its line of networking hardware the Powerline HD Ethernet adapters which allow the bandwidth required to stream high-definition content through your electric infrastructure in your house.

Because video, and especially high-definition video, relies on a reliable signal for smooth and steady quality in streaming applications, Netgear has built in to the adapters Video Quality of Service which will ensure consistent performance when streaming content throughout the home using DS2 powerline chips. Netgear's press release claims:

NETGEAR’s Powerline HD Ethernet Adapters turn any AC electrical outlet into an HD-streaming, high-speed Ethernet broadband connection – for real-time high-quality video, gaming and VoIP. NETGEAR’s Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter offers built-in Video Quality of Service (VQoS) for consistent performance with encrypted security, at unprecedented data rates, to seamlessly stream high-definition video throughout the entire home. The VQoS feature ensures that video and gaming traffic is prioritized above all other network traffic so that HD video streams are free of interruption from others using the network.

Retail pricing was also announced at $129.99 for a single adapter and $249.99 for a kit of 2 adapters. A switch/router are still required for connecting multiple PCs together as these adapters only eliminate the need to run Ethernet cable throughout the home. For those on a tight budget and some time on their hands, running CAT5E may be the way to go for now as picking up a few of these adapters will cost quite a bit.

Not to be left in the cold, D-Link has also made a similar announcement of its DHP-300 Powerline Ethernet adapters which also operate at up to 200Mb/sec and are available in a two adapter kit, the DHP-301. Pricing on D-Link's Powerline hardware is set to $299.99 for the kit which includes 2 adapters an Ethernet cable and an installation CD, and $129.99 for the individual adapters. It seems like there is a ~$40 extra charge for the bundle which makes no sense to us at all, but in all likelihood the street price will be much lower than the MSRP anyway.

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And so it begins...

By bunnyfubbles on 6/27/2006 2:41:00 PM , Rating: 2

A little past due, but I think this is what SkyNet needs to take over the world...

RE: And so it begins...

By Samus on 6/27/2006 4:20:06 PM , Rating: 3

Powerline technology has never been successful in the past. Siemans was the original supporter (and I believe holds the patents) of powerline, but their implementations were bad, usually 2mbps or 11mbps, and generally interfered with things like touch lamps and other sensitive electronics.

The biggest problem I had was with jumping circuits. Sometimes it wasn't reliable because the signal would get dirty.

i.e. if you plug into an outlet on one circuit, and it has to cross to another to get to an endpoint, it has to go back through your common ground (main feed from outside) and loop back into the destination circuit. The issue is that common grounds carry noise from basically everything in your house, especially cathode lighting, motors (air conditioners/fans) and laser printers.

Hopefully they worked the bugs out ;) I see the speed has dramatically improved.

Lastly, I have consistently found PNA [HomePNA] to be a viable alternative to low-traffic networking. It's very reliable, even in DSL-based phone system environments, and has enough bandwidth to print, copy small files, surf the internet, stream music/movies, etc. Typically it is 8mbps even though it is rated at 12mbps.

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Better Than WiFi?

By TomZ on 6/27/2006 5:14:22 PM , Rating: 2

I don't really understand the facination with power-line networking, when WiFi works so well. I've used 802.11a, and now pre-N, for several years, and they work great, are cheap, and don't require any cabling for my laptop.

RE: Better Than WiFi?

By Hare on 6/27/2006 5:45:49 PM , Rating: 2

This is not just LAN. At least here in Finland (in selected locations) your power company can be your ISP. Try that with wlan (and 100mbps speeds).

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Not the whole story

By mindless1 on 6/28/2006 1:51:52 AM , Rating: 2

There is an entirely separate issue.

I don't want this HF crap on my power line. It will inherantly get into everything sitting on the line that doesn't have sufficient filters and nothing (AFAIK) was designed with this noise in mind. Should other manufacturers bear the burden of cost to filter out noise introduced on common electric lines? I dont' even think it should have been legal to do this at all.

RE: Not the whole story

By Shoal07 on 6/28/2006 7:41:15 AM , Rating: 2

I'm sure the FCC had it's shot at this thing and like all other devices it had to be shown not to interfere with any other devices to get the FCC stamp of approval. Now, if this was a foreign tech not being sold here I wouldn't import it (for the reasons you mention) but that does not appear to be the case.

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