Nathan Davis07 February 2007, 9:53 PM
Netgear has finally launched the 200Mb/s Ethernet-over-mains power adaptor in Australia. As convenient as they may be, however, there is an ugly catch.
 Netgear's HDX101: Packed with an electrifying warranty. |
Netgear has released its 200Mb/s mains power networking adaptors in Australia -- quite unexpectedly, we must admit.
Several months ago we asked a Netgear spokeswoman if it was about to release an Aussie 200Mb/s edition, as it had just surfaced in the UK. "NETGEAR does not have plans to release the HDX101 in Australia," I was told.
Apparently Netgear changed its mind -- either that, or it was doing subtle misdirection in an attempt to keep the competitors at bay.
In terms of features, it says "Configurable QoS is ... accessible to advanced users and encrypted security protects the network from hackers." Netgear doesn't mention what form of encryption this is, however you will require either Windows 2000 or XP "to modify encryption and settings."
Each adaptor, dubbed a 'HDX101 Powerline HD 200Mbps Ethernet Adapter,' will set you back a hefty $229. Alternatively, the 'HDXB101 Powerline HD 200Mbps Ethernet Adapter Kit,' which is a collection of two adaptors, will demand $429, docking $14.50 from each.
Considering their somewhat high-voltage design, the warranty deserves some attention. Netgear recommends you plug the adaptors directly into the wall for best performance. This sorta kills off surge protectors.
What happens if your network adaptors are damaged through a power surge (including the ones in your computers, consoles, etc.)?
Netgear's response to APC didn't exactly allay our concerns: "Any damage resulting from an event like this would be the customer’s responsibility."
Certainly something to keep in mind.
Netgear says the adaptors can transmit "a fast and stable network connection into corners Ethernet cabling won’t reach."
Reach isn't really the issue here, but convenience certainly is, as it beats hanging cable all around the place. Well, unless you're crazy enough to not mind that sort of thing. Hello.
Don't roll up and toss out the good stuff just yet, though. The inherent problem with mains power-based networking gear is the separate circuits of your house.
Naturally, jumping from one circuit to another isn't going to happen. This is why, when you turn on that blasted faulty toaster, the entire kitchen might go out, but the lounge is still fully juiced.
Unless you're quite familiar with the layout of your home's circuits, in order to check for accessibility, it's really just a matter of plugging in these units and hoping for the best. You could treat it like an expensive lucky draw.
Or, and this is probably a better method, you could turn off the circuits at the mains box one by one and discover how the circuits are arranged. We'd suggest you do this before buying these adaptors and getting all miffed because the toilet is on a different circuit to your bedroom.
Interestingly, these units won't actually connect at 200Mb/s. Each adaptor features a single 10/100Mb/s Ethernet port, which is undoubtedly a slight setback.
If you bought into Netgear's previous line of mains power networking gear, the 85Mb/s ones, unfortunately this flash new beast won't so much as peep at them -- the adaptors need to be the same type to make a connection.
This might be worth having a look at if you're after the speed of Ethernet without the mess. Mind that nasty warranty, though.