DS2 announces 400Mbps powerline networking
by Evan Blass 
posted Oct 19th 2007 at 10:18AM
Forget 200Mbps powerline home networking -- and don't even mention your poky 85Mbps setup -- because industry leader DS2 has just made all current gear obsolete with its introduction of technology that will enable 400Mbps theoretical speeds over standard electrical wiring. Capable of pushing five simultaneous video streams, the zippy new tech will be key for applications such as PVR networking and multi-room HD IPTV, and should start appearing in "next generation" devices slated for 2009. Luckily 400Mbps products will actually be backwards compatible with 200Mbps gear according to DS2, meaning that you should be able to reuse some of your existing adapters and extenders instead of relegating them to the gadget graveyard.
Filed under: Networking
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ben @ Oct 19th 2007 10:28AM
So real world speeds will be like 2MB/sec now?
aoeu00 @ Oct 19th 2007 10:36AM
I bought the 200mbps version by Netgear a couple of months ago. It's not "too" bad. But wire distance does make a big difference. The way I have it connected, I get 60-80mbps. However, before, I had one plug on another GCFI circuit, and I dropped to about 20mbps. Honestly, if I could go back, I'd just runs wires.
HineyWipe @ Oct 19th 2007 10:40AM
Meh.
"Honey, the toaster keeps burning downloads!"
House wiring, security and surges all play a part in whether you will see 2Mbps or 20Mbps. GFI, surge protectors, grade of wiring, age of wiring, QC of hardware (I had three setups go bad after a year...).
Don Aker @ Oct 19th 2007 10:42AM
i looked into powerline networking when i moved into my new home back in March. I decided against it because of the need for everything to be on the same circuit to achieve the max speeds. I chose to go with a mix of wired and pre-N wireless.
Kizorblade @ Oct 19th 2007 11:25AM
Ahh. Now my porn will arrive faster and much much warmer!
Landlocked @ Oct 19th 2007 11:30AM
Oh man, now a virus will trip my circuit breaker!
Rob @ Oct 19th 2007 12:18PM
This is all beautiful in theory. But, in reality, they have plenty of work to do. Oh, and please make it reasonable for mere mortals. Not everyone has a business account with the MS or Apple logo on top.
newgalactic @ Oct 19th 2007 12:24PM
I wish they had titled it "Powerline Home Networking". When I first read this, I thought it was an article for internet access. I was uber excited for a 400Mbps powerline ISP.