Solwise NET-PL-200AV-PIGGY review

Verdict:

Review Date: 18 Apr 2008

Price when reviewed: inc VAT

Reviewed By: Jim Martin

Our Rating 4 stars out of 5

Review
Specs

Until now, the big problem with powerline networking has been that each plug uses up a wall socket, because they cannot be plugged into multiway adaptors if you want the best performance.

Solwise's new HomePlug AV-compatible adapters have a pass-through that allows you to plug any device, including a multiway adaptor, into the socket on the front.

Another feature we've not seen on previous HomePlug devices is a button on the front of each adaptor. Solwise calls this SimpleConnect, and it aims to make powerline networking even easier. One of the pitfalls of using mains wiring is that your neighbours' wiring might be connected to yours - especially in a block of flats. To overcome this, HomePlug adaptors support encryption, but this has to be enabled and configured using software. SimpleConnect lets you create a secure, encrypted connection between two adaptors simply by pressing a button.

As long as buttons are pressed within two minutes of each other, a connection is established using 128-bit AES encryption. You can add extra adaptors later without resetting the whole HomePlug AV network. Useful status LEDs let you know when a secure connection exists.

Performance was very good in our tests. The adaptors managed a throughput of 69.91 Mbit/s. This is considerably faster than D-Link's similar DHP-301 adaptors (What's New, Shopper 236), which managed just under 60Mbit/s. Both speeds are still more than enough for watching two HD video streams simultaneously.

Each adaptor costs £55, which is a relatively high premium for mains pass-through and push-button security. If you're short of wall sockets, though, they're a good choice.

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