Wrapping up Netgear’s CES 2010 launch this morning was the announcement of two new lines in the company’s Powerline Networking range. The Powerline 200 AV Adapter Kit (XAVB2001) and the Powerline 200 AV+ Adapter Kit (XAVB2501) provide speeds of up to 200Mbps and provide a passthrough power socket (on the AV+) to ensure that the adaptor does not use up a socket unnecessarily.
This time around, Netgear have reduced the size of the device itself, rather than increasing speeds which is a bit of a blow – I was expecting Netgear to start competing with Belkin’s “Gigabit” powerline range this year.
Features include:
- Effective throughput and speeds up to 20 percent better than competing solutions over extended locations; a typical coverage area is up to a 5,000-square-foot home.
- Multi-colored “pick-a-plug” LEDs indicate current network performance, so the customer can determine the strength of the powerline connection without having to look at a computer.
- Advanced energy management and standby capabilities provide wake-on-activity functionality to reduce overall energy usage.
- Prioritized Quality of Service (QoS).
- Simple “push-and-secure” functionality enables average users to easily install and secure the devices with 128-Bit AES encryption— no software configuration, no knowledge of networking, and no PC required, all with the push of a button.
- Compatibility with other HomePlug AV products from NETGEAR, as well as HomePlug AV-certified products from other vendors.
Both units will be available worldwide in February with a list price of $169 (Powerline 200 AV+ Adapter Kit) – single units will be listed at $89.
More Info: Netgear
