Netgear releases new wire-free home networking kit

Netgear has released a new version of its Powerline home networking devices. They help turn electrical power outlets into high-speed Internet and home network connections.

As a 2009 CES Innovations Award winner, NETGEAR's Home Theater Internet Connection Kit (XAVB1004) makes it possible to connect multiple Ethernet-enabled entertainment devices - such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, HDTVs and media streaming set-top boxes - to the Internet and the home network simultaneously. Previously you needed an outboard box to split the main signal from the NETGEAR into multiple lines for use in multiple devices.

Through a high-speed powerline connection of up to 200 Mbps, this powerline kit enables high-performance applications such as HD video streaming, Voice over IP (VoIP), Internet gaming and large file transfers to networked devices in the home theater.

The kit, which goes for $179.99, contains one Powerline AV Adapter with 4-port Ethernet Switch (XAV1004) and one Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter (XAV101). This "no new wires" powerline technology enables customers to carry high-speed data network traffic on their existing electrical wiring - using affordable, simple to install adapters. Additionally, advanced energy management capabilities provide automatic port- and device-level sleep modes and wake-on-activity functionality to reduce overall energy usage. The kit also incorporates several ease-of-use features: port-based Quality of Service (QoS) to ensure that the highest priority applications are allocated more bandwidth; Push-N-Secure to secure the Powerline AV network with the push of a button; and Pick-a-Plug, a multi-color LED to determine the strength of the powerline connection without having to look at a computer.