February 12th, 2006
Hands-On Review: Netgear XE102 Wall-Plugged Internet Adapter
By Alice Hill
RealTechNews
I love WiFi, but there are instances when reception can be a problem. My original 802.11b network barely reached the TV room where I often worked and also connected my TiVo Wirelessly. When I upgraded to 802.11g, the problem went away, but the range is still not 100% across my home. That’s where this little product comes in. (It also is a must for a Slingbox.)
Networking via electrical power lines as a technology concept is not new. I remember writing about various schemes and plans back in the early 199o’s, but this a product you can buy right now that simply works. You plug one adapter into a wall socket (not a surge protector) and attach it to your router via an Ethernet cable, and then take a second adapter to some other part of your home and plug it in and in less than three seconds you are networked and happily surfing the net.
We Say: This is a simple plug and play solution for anyone having trouble with WiFi reception. It’s also secure which means you don’t have to fiddle with WEP and all the other WiFi security protocols. The downside is the slightly better than 802.11b transmission speed of up to 14mbps and the fact that you only get one adapter in the box - they should be sold in pairs. But for $50 per adapter, this may be your best hope of getting high speed connections into places where the WiFi just won’t reach.
Effortless
Networks your PCs and shares a Cable/DSL Internet connection using existing 110V electrical outlets in your home. Automatic rate adaption chooses the best data rate depending on the level of interference caused by other electrical appliances. Compatible with 10 Mbps or 10/100 Mbps Ethernet products, and it also works seamlessly with NETGEAR Cable/DSL routers.Ideal
Boasts Ethernet-like data rates of up to 14 Mbps. Works across multiple phases and circuit breakers to provide complete coverage in your home. Ensures privacy and security over the Powerline network with 56-Bit Data Encryption Standard (DES).Conventional
Saves both time and money, since there’s no expensive new wiring to install or modify. Plugs directly into your wall outlets, preserving valuable desk space, and works with two and three-prong standard 110 volt electrical outlets. Allows you to remotely connect popular gaming consoles to your cable/DSL Internet connection, and features distinctive status LEDs. Source: Netgear
David Johnston says:
I bet you could also hook an access point up to this thing and get a secondary wireless network going too
February 12th, 2006 at 12:32 pm
Alice says:
That’s a great idea - instant range extender that actually works and at half the price.
February 12th, 2006 at 12:35 pm
Quaz says:
This one runs at 85 Mbps
http://www.netgear.com/products/details/XE104.php
February 12th, 2006 at 2:30 pm
MarcosV says:
That Netgear XE104 sells for $76 each at NewEgg. User comments suggest throughput is a lot less than advertised though. Another user comment talks about needing electrical noise suppression if you use this thing near A/V equipment. That could get expensive.
I do still hope it works well. I’m using a wireless bridge to connect the Tivo the rest of the home network and the limited bandwidth is really annoying. It would be worth $100 to $140 if this technology is at least twice as fast as my current 11g setup.
February 12th, 2006 at 6:09 pm
Gizmowatch says:
Netgear XE102 Wall-Plugged Internet Adapter
If your Wi-Fi network is giving you problems, hook on to Netgear XE102 Wall-Plugged Internet Adapter to melt them down. Free from all Wi-Fi security protocols the secure adapter connects you via existing 110V electrical outlets. The data transfer rate …
February 12th, 2006 at 11:55 pm
David says:
Had a set of similar ones. One problem no one mentions (and I suspect this set works similarly) is that if one room is on one circuit, or electrical leg, and the other room is on a different circuit, they won’t be able to talk to each other.
February 13th, 2006 at 4:53 am
John says:
If one room is on one circuit, or electrical leg, and the other room is on a different circuit, they won’t be able to talk to each other.
Shouldn’t be a problem unless they’re on different transformers/meters.
February 13th, 2006 at 1:46 pm
Alice says:
I agree with John - I tried it on different circuits and it worked fine.
February 13th, 2006 at 3:41 pm
Lockergnome's Tech News Watch says:
Hands-On Review: Netgear XE102 Wall-Plugged Internet Adapter
I love Wi-Fi, but there are instances when reception can be a problem. My original 802.11b network barely reached the TV room where I often worked and also connected my TiVo wirelessly. When I upgraded to 802.11g, the problem went away, but the range i…
February 13th, 2006 at 4:48 pm
Robert Levine says:
My problem that I have not yet solved (is the XE102 the solution) is that althogh my wireless router enables me to download the TIVo program guide It does not work with other features of the TIVO Desktop ( i.e., transferring photos) I have a Motorola router and a Netgear TIVO compatible adapter connected to TIVO. I keep getting mmessage that the TIVO cannot find the network.
February 14th, 2006 at 12:38 pm
Alice says:
Robert - I had that problem until I installed the TiVo desktop software again from scratch. It works now.
February 14th, 2006 at 3:27 pm
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