Solwise NET-PL-200AV11NRT review

Solwise's NET-PL-200AV11NRT is the first router we've seen with built-in HomePlug, which allows you to use your existing mains wiring as a network cable.

The benefit of having HomePlug built into the router is that only one power socket is needed for power and a network link between the router and the mains wiring.

To use powerline networking, you'll have to buy separate adaptors, as none is included with the router. The router uses HomePlug AV (a certified standard), so you can use any adaptors that use this standard. Solwise's NET-PL-200AV-PIGGY adaptors (What's New, Shopper 244) can create a secure, encrypted HomePlug connection at the touch of a button - a feature shared by this router. They cost £54 each.

The router performed well in our powerline test (using Solwise's NET-PL-200AV-PUSH adaptor), with an average transfer speed of 72Mbit/s. That's the fastest we've seen from any HomePlug device.

Sadly, Draft-N wireless performance was atrocious. The fastest transfer speed it achieved using our Centrino 2 laptop, even after we tried various wireless channels, was 38.14Mbit/s at a distance of 1m. This fell to 18.11Mbit/s at 10m and 11.6Mbit/s at 25m.

The web interface is well laid out, but has an inconsistent menu system. Some options are underscored links, while others show a pop-up menu when you hover your mouse over them. All the usual features are present, and we were pleased with its DDNS support. It lists more hosts than most routers, including easyDNS.com and EuroDynDNS.org.

StreamEngine Quality of Service (QoS) automatically prioritises time-sensitive data packets such as VoIP and streaming video over your internet connection. WISH does the same for transfers on your local wireless network. You can customise these settings to set the priority of transfers from specified IP addresses and ports, but this is a complicated and arcane procedure.

If you're concerned about how your network is being used, you can set up an access scheduler to prevent users accessing specific addresses, such as an online game, either permanently or during the hours you specify.

Although its Draft-N wireless performance is among the worst we've encountered, built-in HomePlug makes this a good buy if there are places in your house that cannot be reached by Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi. It is expensive, but a HomePlug 200AV adaptor costs around £50, which makes this router better value than it first appears. Having said that, most users will find that a combination of D-Link's DHP-301 and SMC's SMC7904WBRA-N produces similar results for less money.

Author: Kat Orphanides