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Netgear integrates HomePlug and Wi-Fi

Pitches 500Mb/s powerline too

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CES 2011 Netgear is to merge wireless and wired powerline networking, pitching at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) a "hybrid" 802.11n Wi-Fi router with an AC adaptor that doubles up as a HomePlug AV adaptor.

It also launched what it claims is the first ever 500Mb/s powerline adaptor.

First, the hybrid box, the N3200 - model number WNXR2000 - which allows you to extend your network's reach out into wireless cold spots by roping in mains wiring. It has basic 200Mb/s HomePlug AV support integrated into its mains adaptor - just plug in a separate HomePlug AV adaptor to create the link.

You could use Netgear's new Internet Adaptor For Home Theatre adaptor - aka the XAVB5004 - a four-port unit that also supports 200Mb/s Homeplug AV.

But use the bundled router-end adaptor and the XAVB5004 will establish a direct link that runs at up to 500Mb/s. The inevitable caveat applies: don't expect anything near 500Mb/s in real-world usage.

That's particularly so if you use more than one of the four Ethernet ports on the back, each colour-coded from green through yellow to orange according to the priority the gadget assigns to packets passing through them.

The proof of Netgear's speed claim wil be in the eating. Belkin, for one, already offers a gigabit powerline adaptor that uses proprietary tech from Gigle to take the link past the limits of 200Mb/s - also an "up to" bandwidth - HomePlug AV.

Finally, Netgear also took the wraps off its Powerline AV 200 Nano, a diminutive 67 x 55 x 34mm 200Mb/s adaptor the company claims is the smallest in the world - handy if you're fed up with the space most 200Mb/s powerline adaptors take up.

No word yet on pricing and availability this side of the pond. ®

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I'm skeptical of this,

having just bought an n router touting a 1km range that barely reaches the 2nd floor (approx 10m) then it's fair to divide those figures by 100 at least IMO.

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Depends on what its traveling through

Floors with reinforcement bar will attenuate your signal.

Had one mounted in our workshop in one building. No one in the workshop used the network (all big clanky hammers and stuff) but it was the only place where both floors of the building could get a signal. Put it on one floor of the office block and the flooring would stop the signal going up or down. Put it a distance away and everyone could see it via the thin wall.

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First 500Mbps adapter, I don't think so.

Eh? Netgear are late to that pary[1] - hopefully their units don't suffer the same duff firmware as the Trendnets based on Atheros (Qualcomm?) chippery..

Also, how do you make two 200Mbps 200-AV adapters hit 500Mbps? Utter nonsense, they're either 200-AV units, or they are 500-AV units. Which is it?

1. http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/lanwan/lanwan-reviews/31361-500-mbps-not-trendnet-tpl-401e2k-500-mbps-powerline-av-adapter-kit-reviewed

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