Tuesday, June 26, 2007
I Really LIke The IOGEAR Powerline Networking Kit (GHPB32W4)
I've had a lot more time to play with the IOGEAR Powerline Networking Kit that we got from TigerDirect.com for $75, and I've got to say I think it's great!
To reiterate, all you do is:
1. Plug one unit into a wall outlet.
2. Connect that unit to your router or hub.
3. Plug the other unit into a wall.
4. Connect that unit to your computer's network adapter.
It's as simple as advertised, but we've actually been getting peak transfer speeds above the 14 Mbps on the box, as well as good sustained rates. While, it's not necessary, since our company has such modest networking needs, it's still nice to know the bandwidth is available and the Homeplugs are working as advertised.
We keep them plugged in all the time, which is notable because several people who have used other brand Ethernet-over-powerline adapters told us they get VERY hot, and need to be unplugged when not in use. The IOGEAR units don't get very hot at all. They only get a little above room temperature, so we have no qualms using them all the time.
One of our guys are the warehouse got a set of these to connect his game consoles, after he heard me talking about the unit. He brought his set over, so we could see if we could crack in, but were locked-out as advertised. Without the custom password used on the two units, there was no way another Homeplug could reasonably connect. Of course 54-bit DES isn't bulletproof, but it's plenty tough for most home and small office usage.
Unless your network demands are really REALLY steep, or you're working with absolutely top-secret data, I heartily recommend the IOGEAR Powerline Networking Kit as a low-cost simple way to extend your network, when other means aren't as easy or inexpensive.
To reiterate, all you do is:
1. Plug one unit into a wall outlet.
2. Connect that unit to your router or hub.
3. Plug the other unit into a wall.
4. Connect that unit to your computer's network adapter.
It's as simple as advertised, but we've actually been getting peak transfer speeds above the 14 Mbps on the box, as well as good sustained rates. While, it's not necessary, since our company has such modest networking needs, it's still nice to know the bandwidth is available and the Homeplugs are working as advertised.
We keep them plugged in all the time, which is notable because several people who have used other brand Ethernet-over-powerline adapters told us they get VERY hot, and need to be unplugged when not in use. The IOGEAR units don't get very hot at all. They only get a little above room temperature, so we have no qualms using them all the time.
One of our guys are the warehouse got a set of these to connect his game consoles, after he heard me talking about the unit. He brought his set over, so we could see if we could crack in, but were locked-out as advertised. Without the custom password used on the two units, there was no way another Homeplug could reasonably connect. Of course 54-bit DES isn't bulletproof, but it's plenty tough for most home and small office usage.
Unless your network demands are really REALLY steep, or you're working with absolutely top-secret data, I heartily recommend the IOGEAR Powerline Networking Kit as a low-cost simple way to extend your network, when other means aren't as easy or inexpensive.
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