How Does a Homeplug Netgear XET1001 85 Mbps Powerline Network Adapter Work?

A powerline adapter uses a standard electrical outlet.

A powerline network adapter is computer networking hardware that uses a building's electrical wires to extend or to connect to a network. It is used in situations when no wired or wireless network is possible or practical.

Function

Ethernet cables are required.

Your building's electrical wiring is what transmits the network signal to the attached computer or printer. This process is only slightly slower than a standard 100 Base-T network connection. Larger buildings with more complex wiring tend to make the connection slower.

Significance

Each of the two identical units must be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. One adapter is plugged into an outlet close to a hub or router; the other is plugged in near the computer or printer that needs to be connected to the network. In both cases, an Ethernet cable attaches the unit to the computer or hub.

Warning

A powerline solution is often cheaper than either wired or wireless networks.

If you're using a powerline network adapter in a commercial setting, confirm that file sharing is turned off on all connected computers. A user in a different part of the building may be able to access your networked computers, so pay extra attention to the security of your network, routers and computers.

References

• Netgear: XET1001 85 Mbps Product Page

Resources

• Netgear: Troubleshooting the XE104 Powerline Switch Lights