Pros: To be totally transparent, I need to recant my earlier review, raising the eggs to 4. I RMA’d this device because I couldn’t get it to connect to the existing network and the two LEDs which indicate the unit was getting power would go out. As it turns out, the replacement unit did the same thing. However this time I was a bit calmer and again reviewed the manual on the enclosed CD only to discover buried deep in the bowls of the PDF was an explanation that since this was a “Green” device (I’m beginning to hate “green” equipment) it goes to sleep. In order to come out of its funk, there needs to be an Ethernet cable plugged into a working device in order for the adapter to “wake up” and detect/look for the connection. Once I completed all the connections, I got flow.

Cons: To prevent unnecessary returns, ZyXEL needs to be a clearer in their directions and not bury subtleties like this behavior deep in their manual. I’m sure others returned their devices for similar reasons. Something like this should be mentioned in the Quick Start Guide.

Other Thoughts: Kudos to Newegg for their fantastic return policy, even when the customer is at fault. I had no problems with the RMA process.

Pros: I own the kit (two units) and they work satisfactorily, but I doubt I’m getting even close to the advertised throughput because the Homeplug LED flashed more amber and red than green.

Cons: I read the 3 reviews (two from the same person giving 1 egg). I was hoping the negative evaluation was an anomaly as I had called the vendor and read the manual to verify/confirm that a third adapter would connect to the existing power line network. So I thought I’d give it a go as I had purchased the PLA5215 kit last year and was very pleased. The unit arrived very quickly (big thumbs up Newegg on the fast shipping) but I was concerned that the unit I received was previously returned because the package wasn’t sealed and the warrantee card was missing.

Following the directions I plugged the PLA5215 directly into the wall socket, the center and left LED lit up. I went upstairs pressed the encrypt button on the primary device (the one at the router) for approx. 2 seconds and by the time I got back downstairs (about 20 seconds) the LEDs had gone out as if the unit didn’t have power. I unplugged the unit and plugged it back it, the two LEDs lit again and I repeated the process. The unit never had a chance to connect because it won’t stay powered on. I even tried it in another wall socket.

Other Thoughts: I will RMA the device and give Newegg one more chance to ship a good unit and if that fails, I’ll RMA for a refund. I’m finding it difficult to find retailers that carry the PLA5215. I wonder if this model is inherently defective and not being carried much anymore.

Pros: The adapter model is the same as those included in the PLA5215KIT I purchased.

Cons: I purchased a PLA5215KIT and a PLA5215 single adapter in hopes that this would be an easy installation since all units were the same. I installed the PLA5215KIT first with no issues and the kit was operational immediately! secondly I installed the 3rd PLA5215 adapter but it will not connect with the PLA5215KIT adapters. I downloaded the current users guide and software utilities from ZyXEL's web page and installed the software. I have come to conclusion the software utilities are worthless! This has been my third day of trying to complete this install and have failed to get the network to accept the 3rd adapter. I have tried following the users and troubleshooting guides with out success. Either this 3rd adapter is a non functioning unit or the PLA5215KIT is not compatible adding a 3rd adapter to its network. It appears my only recourse is to return the units and hard wire my own cables instead. For a systems that touts simple plug and play setup this has been a very frustrating and disappointing experience!

Other Thoughts: Save yourself the expense, frustration and stress. Hard wire your system instead of try to use these units. Seems to me that these easy quick fix items need more engineering to work out the problems/design flaws before they push this junk out to the consumer! Very difficult for hard wired system to go wrong.

Pros: Bought this as a add on 3rd Powerline adapter along with the PLA5215 Kit because it was the same model adapter as the units in the kit.

Cons: Totally Worthless! installed the PLA5215 kit with absolutely no problems at all. Just plugged them in and the units began to work right off the git-go. Next tried to add the 3rd PLA5215 Adapter and cannot get the matched set to accept this 3rd adapter. Have been trying for 3 days now to get this to work with no success. I downloaded the current software utilities from the ZyXEL sight and have determined the software is worthless also. I have followed all the procedures in the users guides and the troubleshooting guides in the web page and now am at a loss as to how to get this all to work! I am wondering if either this 3rd adapter is non-working unit or is not compatible as an add on to the matched adapters in the PLA5215 kit. Very disappointed that something touted as so simple has taken up so much of my time and cannot get it to function. Guess I'll try and return the units and hard wire the connections instead.

Other Thoughts: Save yourself the frustration and hard wire your connections instead!

Pros: I'm getting about 10-15% greater throughput with these than I did with a competitor's 500 Mbs powerline kit (about 50-70 Mbs actual) and can stream 30-40 GB movie files from server to TV without buffering now. And it's more reliable than my wireless connection to the TV.

Cons: A bit big, partially blocks the other wall socket. Can plug in a standard 2 blade plug into the unused wall socket, but larger 3 blade types might not fit. Power pass-thru socket on the adapter works fine though.

Other Thoughts: It appears that real world, usable bandwidth is about 10-15% of rated bandwidth with this type of product, and this one gives me just enough to get it done.