Introduction
Over the past year or so, I have checked out many a 200 Mbps powerline adapter. While I have seen 500 Mbps and 1Gbps adapters being mentioned on the ‘net, I have not seen many being actually available.
Until now.
Recently, I received 500 Mbps powerline kits from two manufacturers to check out. Obviously, I am quite curious how the higher bitrate capability of these adapters would effect throughput. First up today is a kit from TRENDnet in the form of the model TPL-402E2K.
For those who may not be aware of what a powerline adapter is or what it can do, I will repeat my short synopsis of networking alternatives:
Wired Ethernet networking provides the fastest and highest quality signal. However, running cable can get quite expensive to run in homes that do not lend itself to running cable. It also severely limits the mobility of mobile computers such as notebooks and netbooks.
Wireless networking allows one to “cut the cable”. While wireless has improved greatly over the years, particularly with wireless-N technology, limited range along with “cold” spots have hampered it’s success for streaming media.
Powerline networking is basically another form of Ethernet cable networking. The difference is that powerline networking uses the electrical wiring in a home to duplicate the function of routing Ethernet cable to areas that would not be accessible otherwise. It is there to provide Ethernet cable quality networking for steaming media. It is not as fast as Ethernet cable, and it not as flexible as wireless networking; it is simply an alternative when the other options are not feasible.
The TPL-402E2K Powerline AV Adapter Kit is one product that falls into that last networking method. As I stated above, I am quite curious how the higher bandwidth capability of a 500 Mbps adapter over a 200 Mbps adapter will effect throughput.
What’s In The Box?
The TPL-402E2K adapter kit comes in a consumer oriented package. A once-around the packaging gives one a very good idea of what is in the box and what the product can do for you.
Digging down into the inner packaging, you find the adapters well seucred for the trip from the factory to your home or business.
Once the contents have been removed, you will find a pair of adapters, Ethernet cables, Quick Installation Guide, a couple of product catalogs, and a Resource CD.
A few close ups of the TPL-402E adapters.
