With an increasing number of AV devices emerging from manufacturers equipped with Ethernet ports and online features, the need for simple and convenient high speed networking has never been more pressing. The 802.11n wireless networking standard has done much to support media distribution around the home – a high speed wireless connection is ideal for music, pictures and standard definition video but to ensure your high definition content streams well, a Powerline connection is second only to fully wired Ethernet.
Indeed, if you’re averse to drilling holes and lifting carpets, Powerline is the perfect route for connecting your TV, Blu-ray and other AV equipment to your home network. The concept will be familiar to many of you, but for the uninitiated, Powerline utilises your existing electrical cabling to carry data between your router and AV devices. Plug one adaptor into a power socket in the lounge and connect to your AV equipment, then plug the second adaptor into a power socket near your router and connect the two with an ethernet cable, and in theory, you’re hooked up.
Powerline equipment has been in the market for some time now, and much like the improvements seen in wireless networking equipment, network speeds are slowing increasing, quality of service is improving, as is ease of use. Additional features are also being bundled as the networking manufacturers seek to differentiate their kit.
Germany’s Devolo have specialised in Powerline equipment since 2002, and this year celebrated shipping their 10 millionth adaptor. Their rather clumsily named dLAN 200 AV Wireless N HomePlug AV Starter Kit sits at the mid-point of their range in terms of speed (two faster 500 AV models have been launched this year) but unlike its competitors, offers an extra trick – an integrated 802.11n Wireless LAN access point helping to extend your Wi-Fi coverage around the home, or in the case that your home router is wired only, boom! Instant Wi-Fi. If you’re attempting to connect up a far flung corner of the house, where wireless coverage is patchy or slow, the theory is that you can kill two birds with one stone.
Features and Specifications
- Easy set-up of WLAN zones (WLAN access points) in the dLAN® home network with support of the WLAN “802.11n” high-speed standard.
- 200 Mbps (gross) connection for fast data transmission, 300 Mbps (gross) in WLAN operation (“802.11n” standard).
- Three integrated network ports (RJ-45) for cabled connections of computers and network-compatible devices (e.g. PlayStation, television and Blu-ray player)
- Supports a cable length up to 300 metres
- Compact socket adapter with two integrated antennas
- Integrated encryption for WLAN (WPS) and dLAN at the touch of a button.
- Separate on/off switch for WLAN operation. If WLAN is not needed, it can be switched off easily.
- LED status display for information about operating state and WLAN and dLAN connectivity.
- Greater security with integrated timer: the operating times of the WLAN can be configured individually using the software.
- Supports Windows (XP, Vista, 7), Linux and Mac OSX
- Homeplug AV 2.0+ compatible
- 3 year warranty
What’s in the Box?
Designed for the home user, the Starter Kit ships in a nicely branded package that’s similar in size to a router box. Open up and you’ll find:
- 1 x dLAN 200 AV Wireless N adapter
- 1 x dLAN 200 AVmini adapter
- 1 x Network cable
- CD containing software and documentation
- Hard copy of installation guide
- 3-year warranty certificate
Compare the explanation of how the Powerline concept above and the listed box contents, and the sharper amongst you will notice a problem. We mention connecting a cable at both ends of the network – from adaptor to AV device, and at the other end of the network, from adaptor to router. But devolo are only shipping one network cable in the box. With an 802.11n Wi-Fi access point on board, there’s no strict requirement to connect your AV equipment to the adaptor with a cable (unless it lacks Wi-Fi support, of course), you’re probably going to want to – boo to devolo for penny-pinching on the cost of supplying a second Ethernet cable.
