Netgear's HDXB111 / XAVB101 powerline adapters now shipping

It took 'em long enough, but Netgear has at long last decided to ship the two powerline adapters it announced way back at CES in January. The Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101; pictured above), which is based on the HomePlug AV standard, and the UPA-based HDXB111 Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (which is obviously capable of transmitting HD footage) can both be snapped up in time for the holidays. Each set is designed for plug 'n play action and for those who'd rather network their wares via installed cabling instead of running something new. Of course, performance is always the questionable aspect of these type devices, but those with faith (and a North American address) can finally lay down their $149.99 / $169.99 and get busy. The full release and a shot of the HDXB111 can be found after the break.

NETGEAR's Award-Winning Powerline Adapters for HD and Multimedia Streaming Now Available

Innovative Powerline Devices Offer Consumers 200 Mbps Speeds with Broad Options in Technical Design

SAN JOSE, Calif. - November 17, 2008 - NETGEAR, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a worldwide provider of technologically innovative, branded networking solutions, today announced the general availability of its latest powerline adapters for turning electrical power outlets into high-speed Internet and home network connections. Fast enough to stream high-definition video, the award-winning Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB111) and Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101) provide reliable, high-speed network connections up to 200 Mbps to the home network and Internet over existing electrical wires to devices such as digital media receivers, set-top boxes, game consoles, personal computers, and networked attached storage.

NETGEAR offers a broad portfolio of networking products so consumers can choose the option that best meets their needs. NETGEAR's powerline technology products distribute high-speed, high-performance, affordable broadband throughout the home, without the need to run any cabling between rooms. Both the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit, which is based on the HomePlug AV standard, and the UPA-based Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit, provide integrated Quality of Service (QoS), to enable hours of glitch-free connectivity for high-definition video streaming, online gaming and uninterrupted Voice over IP (VoIP) phone calls. The easy operation of both products is based on a plug-in design and push-button data encryption that provides privacy and security for a trouble-free set-up. In addition, the Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit features built-in power sockets to save power outlet space.

"The increasing demand for consistent high-speed Internet connectivity throughout the entire home compels networking providers to engineer products that are not only fast and reliable, but also simple to install for the average consumer," stated Chris Geiser, NETGEAR's product line manager for Powerline devices. "Powerline's ability to use existing wiring supports the distribution of high-quality broadband connection to all areas of the home, even wireless problem areas, enabling customers to enjoy bandwidth intensive applications such as online gaming, audio distribution and HD video streaming, in any room of the house."

About the NETGEAR Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB111)
By simply plugging one stylish UPA-certified Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter into an AC outlet near a modem, gateway, or router and another near any Ethernet-ready device, consumers can instantly enjoy speeds up to 200 Mbps and access to reliable HD streaming throughout the house. Furthermore, with outlet space limited in many homes, the kit is NETGEAR's first Powerline networking device to offer innovative pass-through outlet capabilities by incorporating a built-in, noise-filtered AC plug.

As testament to its innovative design and engineering qualities, the Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit won the prestigious Best of Innovations award in the home networking category of the Innovations Design and Engineering Awards Program at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. In addition to its unique pass-through functionality, the subtle, natural shade of the Powerline kit is designed to blend into its environment and minimize the appearance of clutter.

NETGEAR's plug-and-play Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB111) is now available in North America through leading retailers, e-commerce sites and value-added resellers. It is backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. The Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter Kit, containing two Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapters, an Ethernet cable, an installation guide and a set-up CD, has an MSRP in the U.S. of $169.99. NETGEAR's Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter (HDX101) and Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter Kit (HDXB101) are compatible with the Powerline HD Plus Ethernet Adapter kit (HDXB111).

Photos and other product information can be found on the NETGEAR web site at (http://www.netgear.com/Products/PowerlineNetworking/PowerlineEthernetAdapters/HDXB111.aspx).

About the NETGEAR Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101)
Based on the HomePlug AV standard and compatible with both wired and wireless routers and gateways, consumers can simply plug one Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter into their router and another into any Ethernet-ready device to turn any electrical power outlet into a high speed Internet and home network connection. Securing a Powerline AV network is made simple with the push of a button as the kit features a 128-bit AES data encryption to ensure privacy and security.

As evidence of its reliability and user-friendly characteristics, the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit was an Editor's Choice in PC Magazine on October 21, 2008, awarded four out of five stars. Reviewer Mario Morejon wrote, "... the NETGEAR Powerline can't be beat. This is a must-have product if you need a fast and secure network for your small business and can't afford remodeling for the sake of obtaining faster network speed."

NETGEAR's Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101) is now available worldwide through leading retailers, e-commerce sites and value-added resellers. It is backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. The Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit, containing two Powerline AV Ethernet Adapters, an Ethernet cable, an installation guide and a set-up CD, has an MSRP in the U.S. of $149.99. NETGEAR's Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter (XAV101) is compatible with the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit (XAVB101), and can be purchased as a single unit.

Photos and other product information can be found on the NETGEAR web site at
(http://www.netgear.com/Products/PowerlineNetworking/PowerlineEthernetAdapters/XAVB101.aspx).

"With today's ever-advancing technology, the production of innovative, fast, reliable, and easy-to-use networking solutions is key to providing consumers with the ability to connect to a wide-range of Ethernet-enabled applications, from personal computers to digital media adapters and gaming consoles," said Michael Cai, director of digital media and gaming with Parks Associates, which specializes in research and analysis for digital living technologies. "High-speed Powerline devices are able to support this growing bandwidth demand while also transmitting high-quality broadband Internet to the wireless problem areas of the home."

[bob sakamano @ Nov 17th 2008 10:39AM]

is it just me or are the plug-holes giving us all a nasty look

[giuliop @ Nov 17th 2008 10:43AM]

I'd say more surprised than nasty.

Anyway, they've earned an Editor's Choice at PCMag (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2333005,00.asp), so they should be pretty good.

[bob sakamano @ Nov 17th 2008 10:46AM]

http://www.thinksamir.com/2008/11/17/the-humans-are-dead/

[bill cant fart @ Nov 17th 2008 11:07AM]

That's what she said?

I gotta stop saying that...

[From My Cube @ Nov 17th 2008 10:42AM]

I love that my internet comes over my powerlines...i was unsure of it at first but its easy as hell to use....need an ethernet port nearby? Slap an adapter on ANY wall socket and away you go...saved my ass $100.00 from having to buy the Wifi adapter for my Xbox 360

[BluVoodo @ Nov 17th 2008 12:28PM]

But this solution costs more than $100. That's the reason I went with Airport Express (wifi adapter) for
streaming music and video.

[From My Cube @ Nov 17th 2008 12:16PM]

these are expensive but the electric company gave me two ethernet port jacks and I bought a wifi router off them for $35.00

[Oli D @ Nov 17th 2008 1:25PM]

airport extreme for me, yes i know expensive, not actually a modem, but you can do just about anything with it.

[scape @ Nov 17th 2008 10:43AM]

using your home electricity for anything other than providing electricity to devices just seems iffy to me...what's wrong with wireless? I used to stream a dvd movie from one computer's dvd drive to a laptop via 802.11a, streaming hd over wifi is almost a non-issue...

[dagamer34 @ Nov 17th 2008 10:49AM]

Wireless sucks for transferring large amounts of data because the transfer speed always fluctuates up and down. Constant speeds are FAR better for streaming HD video and what not.

[Chad @ Nov 17th 2008 10:59AM]

It's not a whole lot different than running the internet over the phone line (DSL) or coax (Cable). All three have a signal at one frequency and the network traffic uses a different frequency on the same line. As long as the two frequencies don't interfere with each other everything is fine. I think the fact that a 120V 60Hz signal can physically hurt you and a phone and cable signal generally won't (they can but it is rare) is what gives people the "iffy" feeling. Wireless can be hijacked by anyone close to the signal and is subject to interference by many common household items. In the end it's just another way to connect to your network. You're free to choose what works best for you.

[Major4Play @ Nov 17th 2008 11:31AM]

@Chad

Except your phone line or co-ax are designed for sending information, home wiring lacks proper insulation.
If you plug these in all around your house you are outputing ALOT of RF noise. Doesn't really bother most people but any CB radio lovers in your area will be out for your blood because technically you are drinking their milkshake for the sake of a few WIFI adapters.

@ dagamer34

Sadly these adapters also fluctuate pretty badly since your home wiring is usually logically wired to supply electricity. There is ALOT of noise and interferance.

Any I have tryed (in several different houses, Netgear and a few other brands) usually worked fine to start with then stoppped then started. Not the most reliable of connections if you want to share anything beyond the internet.
Maybe the latest standard is an improvement but personally (and professionally) I stick with draft N.

[superfresh @ Nov 17th 2008 10:52AM]

I have a pair of the previous model in my home. Cable modem in the basement, wireless router in the upstairs office for laptop, desktop, ps3... Good times.

[dchill @ Nov 17th 2008 10:57AM]

These things work great. My wireless signal couldn't get through my aluminum siding so these worked great in getting a signal out to my garage. It sounds iffy but works awesome.

[heydavila @ Nov 17th 2008 11:47AM]

I've got a similar system and it's worked fine for me for almost two years. I just wish there was a similar thing for a coax cable signal.

[Brian! @ Nov 17th 2008 12:50PM]

There are. In fact, there are a few products on the market that run Ethernet over Coax. I just did a google search and I even found a press release for Netgear:
http://www.netgear.com/About/PressReleases/en-US/2008/20080304.aspx

It is somewhat buried in there, but it seems that a product should be shipping soon:
The MoCA 1.1 Ethernet-to-Coax Bridge Kit (MOEB1001), the first industry-standard and MoCA Ethernet-to-Coax Bridge based upon the MoCA 1.1 specification, is designed for high-definition video streaming and online gaming applications, enabling consumers to use their existing in-home cable TV outlets to distribute high-definition digital video and multimedia content, at a raw data rate of 270Mbps, to high-definition televisions, digital and Internet set-top boxes, computers, and other networked devices. The MOEB1001 will be available in mid 2008.

[Chris Geiser @ Nov 17th 2008 6:23PM]

As Brian notes, NETGEAR will be releasing a MoCA solution in the next few months.

[Harvey @ Nov 17th 2008 11:49AM]

Netgear's specs for both of these adapters shows that they each have one 10/100 Ethernet port. How is it possible to transfer data at the claimed 200 Mbps speeds when the Ethernet ports are limited to a maximum (theoretical) 100 Mbps?

[emagius @ Nov 17th 2008 11:56AM]

Duplexed 100 Mbps ethernet is often referred to as 200 Mbps, misleading as that may be.

[Brian! @ Nov 17th 2008 12:53PM]

I could be way wrong on this, but I think that means the maximum datarate with all the devices on the powerline network. So if you have 2-3 computers, they share that 200Mbps.

Also, don't be fooled, that rate is under ideal conditions. The quality of wires in your home, the type of circuitbox you have, etc... all affect the performance. I have a pair and they work great (older model) but I know for a fact I am not getting 100baseT performance from them. I never bothered really testing it (I should actually) but it is plenty good enough for throwing media around the home and definitely faster than my internet connection. Very low latency too, good for gaming.

[inteller @ Nov 17th 2008 12:08PM]

HD-PLC is still faster. I dunno why people didn't jump onto that standard.

[Patriks7 @ Nov 17th 2008 12:17PM]

OH-EM-GEE!
Such an Airport ripoff! It's partly white!

(I just saved all the Apple fans a couple posts..)

[Twist @ Nov 17th 2008 12:24PM]

Was considering getting one of these to use with the Xbox 360 when I take it into the living room but I think I will just drill a hole through the wall instead ;)

Seriously though I am still hoping to see this built into routers and PSU's and other network enabled devices using a single plug/cable for power and networking. If it becomes more supported without needing so many of those wall-warts it could be a really cool technology.

[Chance @ Nov 17th 2008 12:36PM]

I like having my desktop hardwired in the back of my house and didnt want to worry with a wireless adapter for the 360. When I am gaming I like to have a direct line so thats one more step I can take out of the equation to try to reduce lag. My Ethernet over power has worked flawlessly so far. If anything sucks.... Its Comcast in my area.

[tgvail @ Nov 17th 2008 1:00PM]

I'm pretty sure it's Comcast in ANY area.

[totoro @ Nov 17th 2008 12:36PM]

Do they have a Wi-Fi version? Would be potentially a nice way to extend wireless networks without having to use WPS.

[Brian! @ Nov 17th 2008 12:46PM]

You can always plug in a cheap WiFi access point into one and configure it as an extender to your existing wifi network.

[Brian! @ Nov 17th 2008 12:45PM]

I have a pair of the powerline units, the model just before this one. It works like a charm. I have them run to a computer in my basement and another to a computer in the far upstairs of my house, both of which get lousy WiFi reception.

The Powerline delivers a solid connection, never drops out, and is far faster than Wireless-N I have been using for a couple other devices. It is no gigabit connection, but it does not claim to be either.

Also, I get no radio interference. Since I plugged these in, you wouldn't know. No other device seems to react to their presence at all. My cell phone is the device that causes other units around it to freak out. Interesting side fact, if you have an older iPod, it can be totally tweaked out if you put it next to a cell phone that is transmitting.

Oh, the only thing is, if you add more adapters, you really need to make sure they are compatible. There are 2 or 3 different chipsets for ethernet over power and they are not all compatible. So be careful there. I found that out the hard way when adding in a line. Had to return it and order a new one.

[lg @ Nov 17th 2008 1:20PM]

i bought 2 netgear, 2 dlink... both died in a month... your mileage may vary. These things tend to fry quick!

[TNP @ Nov 17th 2008 1:55PM]

From the Netgear webpage mentioned in the story:

"Outlets must be electrically connected in order for Powerline devices to provide a network connection between them."

To me that means both outlets have to be on the same circuit as in sharing the same circuit breaker. So the only situation this system might work is for two rooms that share a common wall and electrical circuit. This is reinforced by their webpage graphic showing that exact room layout.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like if your computer is on a different circuit than your Home Theater setup, never the twain shall meet.

Plus, the issue of older houses with two-conductor wiring (no ground wiring) is never addressed.

[zephxiii @ Nov 17th 2008 6:00PM]

TNP, it should work with other circuits on other breakers if the circuits are pulling from the same "Hot leg" in the breaker box, i should imagine.

[Finley @ Nov 17th 2008 2:07PM]

Soo Cool!~

[Gus Jenkins @ Nov 17th 2008 3:18PM]

So, I can use this to plug into the back of a Blu-Ray Player without running additional CAT5 cable from one side of my house to the other?

[Chris Geiser @ Nov 17th 2008 6:29PM]

Absolutely! BD live! players require you to have an internet connection in order to receive "extra content".

[palehorse @ Nov 17th 2008 3:20PM]

whatever happened to the D-link Ethernet-to-coax adapters that were supposed to be out in Q3?http://www.dlink.com/press/pr/?prid=410

The DXN-220 and DXN-221 kits are nowhere to be found...

[KrisL @ Nov 17th 2008 4:49PM]

FYI, I've got a few of Netgear's 200mbit adapters. I've done tests with my AppleTV, and my 802.11g network's actual throughput is 2-3 times that of the powerline... so I'm somewhat disappointed.

[aaron @ Nov 17th 2008 5:13PM]

What keeps your signal from going out onto the city grid? i.e. Can I plug one in my office and one in my neighbors office and share?

If I can put power back into the grid, why not internet?

[pauleddie @ Nov 17th 2008 8:40PM]

How about the Slinglink Turbo?

[Chris Geiser @ Nov 17th 2008 6:27PM]

NETGEAR manufactures a wireless extender called a WGXB102. It's a HomePlug 1.0 device with a Wireless G access point. Alternatively, you could take an XAVB101 pair and put it BEFORE your wireless router -- esentially allowing you to put your wireless router in the most optimal place in the house for wireless coverage (rather than where the cable or DSL installer put the demarcation point).

[Blond Angel @ Nov 17th 2008 6:26PM]

SlingLink Turbo sounds like a good alternative.

[Chris Geiser @ Nov 17th 2008 6:32PM]

In most (but not all) cases, HomePlug AV will outperform 802.11g -- particularly over long distances. It all depends on the environment you put the home in -- distance, wiring, electrical noise, multiple phases -- all affect the quality and speed of the Powerline connection. Similarly, in the case of wireless, different construction types and distance will degrade the wireless connection. It's all a matter of physics.

[Chris Geiser @ Nov 17th 2008 6:34PM]

SlingLink Turbo is a HomePlug 1.0 Turbo device -- based on the same technology as NETGEARs XETB1001 or XEB1004.

[Chris Geiser @ Nov 17th 2008 6:36PM]

Multiple Phase wiring does indeed degrade performance of Powerline networks. In most cases, it will work across multiple phases, but at a notable (but usually not unacceptable) loss of overall throughput.

[lens42 @ Nov 18th 2008 1:41AM]

I can't believe all the glowing comments on these things. My experience is that they don't work worth a damn. I tried them for a run that Wifi couldn't quite handle. I kept having to unplug and replug them every other day because they would loose sync. That means they *do* work 99.9% percent of the time, but it's still annoying as hell. The other thing is they get quite warm, meaning that if you have two or more of these socketed 24/7 you will be burning quite a few watts. I finally bit the bullet and dragged CAT5 through the attic.

[minist @ Nov 18th 2008 2:48PM]

I have used Linksys PLC adpaters (PLE200) since I moved to a new place. (A year ago)
I have wifi router but the distance from my cable modem to my PC is too far, so it couldn't detect any wifi signal.
PCL was my choice and average speed is 120mbps. There's no speed fluctuation and no downtime at all.
I pretty happy to use this.

[Matt Sholtz @ Nov 18th 2008 4:43PM]

What if my internet connection is in one house and i want to put the bridge in my guest house that has a seperate fuze box on a seperate bill? Will it not work? Does the electricity need to be on the same fuze box?