Make your own network through the home's or flat's power grid

Mar 6, 2013 09:33 GMT  ·  By

TRENDnet is an expert in networking hardware, so, naturally, it wasn't about to ignore the powerline AV adapter market. Case in point, it has formally introduced two new products.

If one were to be technical about this, it would be more appropriate to say that TRENDnet has only launched one product: the Powerline 200 AV Nano Adapter model TPL-308E. The other one is actually a kit made of two TPL-308E adapters.

Still, TRENDnet advertises them as distinct products, and it makes some sense for it to do so.

While a kit of two is the minimum needed to set up a powerline network in a home, customers might not necessarily want to buy another set of two. Having the option to get extra adapters individually is very convenient.

“Connect the first adapter to your network and plug the second adapter into an outlet on your electrical system for instant high speed network access,” the company says in its announcement.

The network created by Powerline 200 AV Nano Adapter Kit, model TPL-308E2K, isn't an ordinary one. It is actually pre-encrypted (advanced 128-bit AES encryption).

The company also included the Quality of Service technology, which prioritizes video, audio, and online gaming.

Furthermore, troubleshooting is helped by the small LED displays (three on each TPL-308E).

Finally, TRENDnet tossed in the Power Save mode, which reduces power consumption by up to 70%, when the adapters are idle. With the newcomer being always plugged in, this is a very important asset.

The TPL-308E2K and TPL-308E should already be up for sale, at prices of $74.99 / 57.41-74.99 Euro and $39.99 / 30.60-39.99 Euro. Their transfer speed is of 200 Mbps, twice that of common LAN cables and cards. It will ensure that performance is high even when more than one PC, tablet, Smart TV, etc. is connected.