Introduction
Traditionally, home and office customers have connected equipment to their broadband router using WiFi wireless networks or Ethernet cable. This works extremely well for everyday home networking requirements such as WiFi to a laptop, or Ethernet cable to a desktop computer adjacent the router.
However some equipment - for example, a Fetchtv set top box or a VoIP telephone adapter - simply isn't compatible with WiFi, and may need to be located in a different room to the broadband router. Or you may need to locate a computer in a location that doesn't receive a strong enough WiFi signal, due to distance, interference or thick walls.
One solution is to arrange for a professional cabler to install Ethernet cabling into the desired locations, and this is of course an excellent long-term solution. However it may be quite expensive, and can be inflexible if you wish to subsequently relocate your equipment.
Recabling a house is also a problem if you are renting!
Powerline Adapters
This home networking solution involves a pair of 'plug pack' devices. These transmit Ethernet signals over your existing network of AC power cabling, to connect remote equipment to your broadband router.
The NetComm NP204 Powerline Adapter is a compact unit that simply plugs into a normal 240V AC powerpoint, and connects via a supplied Ethernet cable to your broadband router.
You then connect another Powerline Adapter (note - they come in packs of two) to a powerpoint in another room. To this you can connect any device with an Ethernet interface - desktop computers, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, VoIP telephone adapters - to the Powerline Adapter via Ethernet cable.
It's a simple as that!
Key Features
We have selected the NetComm NP204 Powerline Adapter as it has a number of key features, including:
- Performance - supports the HomePlug AV 200 Mbps standard (typical data rates realized at the application layer in a typical home are in the range of 20 to 30 Mbps).
- Filtered AC - instead of consuming a powerpoint, the NP204 has AC passthrough - you simply plug your equipment's power cord into the unit for a noise-filtered AC power supply.
- Easy to Use - plug it in and press the 'simple connect' button on each unit - job done.
- Compact - these adapters are just 100 mm x 55 mm x 47 mm and weigh in at 165 grams; with a modest power consumption of 3.4 Watts.
- Security - 128 bit AES encryption ensures the security of your data between the adapters.
- Extended Warranty - All NetComm equipment sold by Internode includes a 12 month warranty, with an additional 24 months warranty available at no extra charge by registering online after purchase.
Further technical information is available from the manufacturers website.
Pricing & Availability
The NetComm NP204 adapters are available now, via the Internode online store. They can also be ordered when signing up online for Fetchtv.
Each box contains a pair of Powerline Adapters, a pair of Ethernet cables, and a quick start guide; and have a recommended retail price of $149.95.
Example : Fetchtv Set Top Box connected with PowerLine Adapters
