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Powerline Networking >
TRENDnet >
TRENDnet TPL-308E2K Powerline 200 AV Nano Adapter Kit Up to 200Mbps
Greatest idea for network ever!
- Pros: Works instantly. Plug it in and you are done, no issues what so ever.
Works fast. Just as fast if not faster than any other networking I have ever had set up before. I think the speed of my internet connection from my service provider is limiting my speed.
Works with Xbox 360 and other devices that use an ethernet cable.
Makes setting up a network look much nicer if used from Modem to Router. - Cons: I can think of no issues what so ever.
I suppose that you would not be able to reach the maximum 200mbps data rate this device advertises because the connectors are only 100mbps RJ-45's. Also performance with four devices may lower your results a little, but unless you are getting over 100 mbps from your service provider, you will never notice this. The device really is great.
- Other Thoughts: I can not find a lot to type in the other sections. The device works perfectly. Everything it is meant to do it does. It is extremely simple and effective. You plug it up and you are done. I wish I had four instead of two, and in fact I am considering buying a second one. That way I can have my wireless router set up somewhere out of the way connected to the modem, and run an additional two to my desktop and Xbox 360.
I know the instructions say not to plug into power strip or extension cable, but mine is plugged into a power strip with a ton of other devices. The outlet has two power strips coming out of the wall and both are completely full. Still I don't see any drop in performance. It works perfectly. I wish I had known about these before hand, I never would have bought wireless technology for my desktops.
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Reviewed By:IInuyasha74,5/17/2013 1:44:05 PM
This reviewer reports that his/her technical understanding of this type of product is High and has owned this product 1 day to 1 week.
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Powerline Networking >
Netgear Inc. >
NETGEAR XAV2001-100NAR Powerline AV 200 Adapter Up to 200Mbps
The Little Engine That Could
- Pros: Refurbished one has been working like a brand-new ones. No complaints over a year. Bought one more refurb. set and work like a champ.
- Cons: Sorry, it is not FREE!!!
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Reviewed By:HB,5/17/2013 9:06:48 AM
This reviewer reports that his/her technical understanding of this type of product is average and has owned this product more than 1 year.
This user purchased this item from Newegg
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Categories >
Powerline Networking >
TRENDnet >
TRENDnet TPL-308E2K Powerline 200 AV Nano Adapter Kit Up to 200Mbps
A nice unit
- Pros: Let me begin by saying that I installed and tested the Powerline 200 AV Nano kit in an average sized home of approximately 2,400 square feet that is 12 years old.
I installed the fist adapter in the outlet closest to my NetGear WNDR4500 router and initially, I installed the second adapter in a different outlet on the same circuit as the first. My internet service is provided by my local telephone company and I am paying for a 5 Mbps which I actually measured to be 5.73 Mbps using a DSL speed testing utility. I saw very little, if any, difference when I tested my DSL speed from my computer going through the TrendNet TPL-308E adapter. Next, I used a freeware application, lan speed test, to measure actual throughput between two computers (one on my home network and the other on the TrendNet powerline network). Several tests were performed and I averaged close to 50 Mbps transferring a 20 MB file between the two machines. I then moved my computer to various outlets in my home and saw similar results until I got to my farthest room. In that room my connection displayed an amber LED and my throughput speed dropped to an average in the 20 Mbps range. I attribute the drop in speed to the fact that the two adapters are on different phases of my electrical supply and the signal had to go from my home to the electrical transformer and back. The transformer is a good 200+ feet from my home so I estimate the total distance to be between 500 to 600 feet between adapters when testing from that room. Even with the lower speed in the farthest bedroom the throughput is still fast enough to stream Standard Definition (SD) and some 720P High Definition (HD) content which pleased me.
I have an existing powerline network that has a mixture of 200 and 500 AV adapters. Once I finished testing the TrendNet 200 AV Nano adapters I plugged in all of my other adapters to see if these adapters would configure themselves to my existing mixture of adapters. The adapters configured themselves perfectly and worked quite well together.
The TrendNet unit came neatly packaged with a disc containing the TrendNet powerline utility, a quick install guide, and the user's manual. In addition, two 5 foot Ethernet cables were also provided. The utility performed flawlessly. I was able to view and maintain the adapters using the utility. I found a firmware update on the TrendNet website and I was able to install it using the utility that came with the units without any problems. The units were truly plug and play. I simply plugged the adapters in and they automatically configured themselves. - Cons: I really didn't find anything major to complain about with the TrendNet 200 AV Nano kit. I do wish that the manufacturers would publish the actual throughput instead of the theoretical maximums so that a consumer could make better decisions when comparing the different adapters.
Others may complain because the adapter only has a fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) connection instead of a 1 Gb connection. I believe that this complaint is warrant-less when the throughput never comes close to reaching the 100 Mbps speed anyway.
- Other Thoughts: The user's manual indicates that you can have a maximum of 4 adapters hooked together. I find this quite interesting since the powerline specs indicate that you can have a maximum of 64 total nodes on a given network. They recommend no more than 16 nodes to insure good throughput, but that is still more than 4. I guess that TrendNet is simply being conservative. I tested with more than four and saw no degradation of throughput so, in case your interested, the units will work with more than 4 nodes in the network.
I believe that powerline networking definitely has it's place. If you have a need to establish a connection that is normally more stable than wireless then the powerline network may be the answer. The TrendNet 200 AV Nano kit is a good start if you are on a limited budget. It will permit you to stream most HD content to locations when wireless simply doesn't work. If you are looking for better performance then you may look at the Powerline 500 AV kits, but the cost is considerably more than the 200 AV Nano kit.
I have a hub plugged into a powerline adapter with my satellite receiver and Blu-Ray player connected to the hub. Basically, my home entertainment center is connected to the internet using the powerline circuit. I am very pleased with how it performs.
I would be remise if I didn't mention that my home was built before the National Electrical Code was changed in 2002 requiring AFCI breakers in outlets in the bedrooms of a home. AFCI breakers are constructed two different ways. One way uses inductors in it's construction which has little impact on powerline networks. The other way uses capacitors which can reduce the powerline throughput by 50% or more. If you plan to install a powerline adapter in a circuit with a AFCI breaker you may want to investigate whether or not your breaker is homeplug friendly. If the breaker is not homeplug friendly it is a simple matter for an Electrician to change the breaker with one that is homeplug friendly.
Now, having said that, I believe that the TrendNet powerline 200 AV Nano kit is a well constructed and a well documented kit. It is refreshing to see a company that provides this level of support. I would not be hesitant to buy this kit from TrendNet.
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Reviewed By:SnakeMan,5/17/2013 8:32:50 AM
This reviewer reports that his/her technical understanding of this type of product is Somewhat High and has owned this product 1 day to 1 week.
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Categories >
Powerline Networking >
TRENDnet >
TRENDnet TPL-308E2K Powerline 200 AV Nano Adapter Kit Up to 200Mbps
Works as Advertised!
- Pros: Finally! A powerline network adapter that just works.
Having suffered through earlier efforts of this concept of getting a network signal over power, I had low expectations for this but was pleasantly surprised.
This product is also a good option to recommend to those with not much technical ability.
Just plug it in and go! - Cons: None!
My most minor gripe is that you still lose an outlet, but that is a minor gripe considering that you gain a network signal where there wasn't one before.
- Other Thoughts: Where this product really shines is using it as a range extender when paired with a wireless access point.
In this particular instance, network over power was my last remaining option in a large house with a lot of EM interference.
Good Job TRENDnet!
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Reviewed By:Jimbo,5/17/2013 2:13:23 AM
This reviewer reports that his/her technical understanding of this type of product is High and has owned this product 1 week to 1 month.
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Categories >
Powerline Networking >
Netgear Inc. >
NETGEAR XAVB5201-100PAS Powerline 500 Nano Adapter Up to 500Mbps
Nice adapters
- Pros: Easy to set up, just open the box, plug in to a power outlet by your router, plug the ethernet cable into the router and adapter, go to the other room you want internet it, plug into the outlet and plug the ethernet cable into the computer and adapter. Done, you now have a pretty fast connection.
Each adapter has 3 green LED's on it to show status, not too bright or annoying.
They work with other brand's adapters (at least with my TP-Link ones). - Cons: Pricey for what you get. There as similar products from other makers that do the same thing for a lot less. Not really sure of the price premium for these.
If I had to make a choice based on price and performance, the TP-LINK TL-PA4010KIT I have is almost 1/2 the price and I noticed no difference in the performance.
- Other Thoughts: These work well and do what they are supposed to. Easy to set up and secure if you want. Decent speeds (not as fast as my hardwired home gigabit, but much easier and faster for apartment dwellers who can't run cable and want better stable speeds than wireless).
If these were on sale for around $50, sure, but at full price, there are better cheaper options.
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Reviewed By:Blu,5/16/2013 8:04:59 PM
This reviewer reports that his/her technical understanding of this type of product is High and has owned this product 1 week to 1 month.
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Categories >
Powerline Networking >
TRENDnet >
TRENDnet TPL-308E2K Powerline 200 AV Nano Adapter Kit Up to 200Mbps
It works out-of-the-box
- Pros: -It works out the box within seconds of plugging the adapters to electrical outlets.
-It performed as well as more expensive units.
-Small profile, as small as my smartphone charger and it won’t block an adjacent outlet like the ZyXel PLA-407 which is 3x bigger.
-It even worked plugged into a power strip.
-It plays nice with other brands. I was surprised to find out that this device works with another POE brand. I have left the other brand plugged to an outlet and unexpectedly lights went on when I plugged the TRENDnet. I was able to use both brands and there was not even a noticeable difference in performance when working together.
I tested the device for several days browsing and streaming movies. You might not see any differences compared to a very good wireless connection or even when connected to a router.
Transferring a 155 MB folder with several files took an average of 21 seconds from location 1 (main circuit, one floor down) and 29 seconds from location 2 (basement two floors down on subpanel)
Transferring a 3.38GB file took an average of 7 minutes 12 seconds seconds from location 1 (main circuit, one floor down) and 10 minutes 27 seconds from location 2 (basement two floors down on subpanel).
It took half the time to transfer the same files over wireless N (150Mbps). - Cons: I was not able to stream a HD movie form a NAS while downloading a file online. Playing became choppy and even stopped. I was able to accomplish the task over wireless N (150Mbps).
- Other Thoughts: This is a very good solution when a wireless signal is weak or non-existent.
If you stream movies while downloading files you might need a faster 500Mbps unit.
Windows 7 was used and all devices had Gigabit Ethernet.
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Reviewed By:jojesa,5/15/2013 10:50:46 PM
This reviewer reports that his/her technical understanding of this type of product is Somewhat High and has owned this product 1 day to 1 week.
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Categories >
Powerline Networking >
Netgear Inc. >
NETGEAR XAVB5201-100PAS Powerline 500 Nano Adapter Up to 500Mbps
Excellent device, but price maybe a bit high
- Pros: It's packaged excellently and works very well right out of the box. There's no hassle, no need for reading instructions even (perhaps minus the part where you don't plug it into anything other than a direct outlet - no extension cords, no power bars).
So far as I can tell it works as advertised with good speeds (see other thoughts).
There's really not much else to be said, it's fast, simple, and works. - Cons: The only major con I notice is that there are competing models that work just as well as this, if not better, from other companies that are a much lower price. I like Netgear enough to usually go with them by brand name alone, but it cannot justify doubling the price tag to other competitors.
- Other Thoughts: I was able to test this with the best of what equipment I have available. My internet connection speed is not "top of the line," but it's definitely considered "average or better." I had no speed loss from the internet speed, and it worked fine in any room of my house. Again, my house isn't huge, around 1100 SQ. FT home, but testing from the furthest outlets apart, I had no issues and no signs of quality degradation. Other reviews have remarked that this can be an issue, but I can only hazard a guess that they live in much bigger homes, in cities with better internet speeds, near other homes that could possibly have interfering devices.
Bottom line, top notch product, maybe a little expensive, but would definitely recommend it as a good solution for someone in need of a Powerline Kit.
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Reviewed By:Locke,5/15/2013 8:45:12 PM
This reviewer reports that his/her technical understanding of this type of product is High and has owned this product 1 week to 1 month.
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Categories >
Powerline Networking >
TRENDnet >
TRENDnet TPL-308E2K Powerline 200 AV Nano Adapter Kit Up to 200Mbps
Not Bad at all !!
- Pros: Good internet speeds.
Much less drop out or drop downs than wireless.
Download speed the same with the powerline 200, wireless or hardwired.
Easy to use, reliable so far. - Cons: The only issue with this is if you want to transfer files across a network I do not recommend using one of these. Transfer speeds are extremely slow. See other thoughts.
- Other Thoughts: I started by testing internet speeds with this using my basic N150 router. Across the board equial to hardwire. Then I tried transfer speeds via my net work and whoops.
with wireless I got about 4.5 Mbs, with this I did see a an inprovement at about 6.2 or 6.3 but hardwired to the router I got almost 12. Next I used a Gigabit switch and using this Powerline 200 I got the same as before, 6+ Mbs but hardwired to the switch I got 60Mbs transferspeeds. Much better.
Summation - This is a great option if you are frustrated with wireless ot working right but if you're needing to do anything but surf or game, I.E. fill transfers and the such this is not a good option.
All in all well worth the $ if wireless ticks you off.
P. S. Do not use surge protectors with this. Most will interfere with the signal.
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Reviewed By:Devildog83,5/15/2013 6:49:57 AM
This reviewer reports that his/her technical understanding of this type of product is Somewhat High and has owned this product 1 week to 1 month.
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Categories >
Powerline Networking >
D-Link >
D-Link PowerLine AV 500 Adapter Starter Kit (DHP-501AV) Includes 2 Adapters, Up to 500 Mbps
Disappointed.
- Pros: Cheap. w/promo, $33 shipped.
- Cons: Slower than wireless.
- Other Thoughts: Wanted to improve wireless speed 130 Mbps. Instead, got lower yet speed 100 Mbps. Note DHP-311AV phased out of production. Better bet, shop for DHP-501AV for up to 500 Mbps (gigabit).
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Reviewed By:Netrider,5/15/2013 5:32:03 AM
This reviewer reports that his/her technical understanding of this type of product is Somewhat High and has owned this product less than 1 day.
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