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Actiontec MegaPlug A/V 200 Mbps Ethernet Adapter | List Price: $169.99
Discount Price: $95.00
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Brand: Actiontec
Binding: Electronics
Warranty: 1 year warranty
Features: - Supports HomePlug AV speeds up to 200 Mbps
- Great for distributing TV signal or high-bandwidth content through power lines
- Co-exist but not interoperable with 14 Mbps and 85 Mbps HomePlug devices
- 128-bit AES Link Encryption with Key Management
- Compatible with any router or gateway
Works great [Posted on 2008-07-27]
I bought this so I could connect my Xbox 360 to my network and so far they've worked flawlessly. You pay a little more than a wireless adapeter, but in the end its worth it. You get faster speeds than wireless and it's soooo simple to setup. You just plug them into your outlet, plug in the Ethernet cables, and boom...it works just like that. I've dealt with the wireless adapters before and they are just a hassle to get working properly. These are simple and easy to work with. Definitely recommend.
Easier than running cables [Posted on 2008-07-29]
I have my Xbox 360 set up in a part of my apartment that would be extrememly difficult and ugly to run ethernet cables to. I tried hooking the xbox directly to my modem, and using wireless for my main computer, but that was WAY too slow. After buying these and plugging them in, my internet speeds quadrupled from wireless. Now, I can even stream videos without a hitch.
One tip: DO NOT try plugging these into a extension cord; only plug these directly into the wall. Otherwise, your internet will be at a snail's pace.
These are truely the most hassle free way to network your home! Worth every penny.
Actiontec powerline ethernet adapter [Posted on 2008-08-03]
I bought this item because I was having trouble maintaining a solid wireless connection to my Appletv. My wireless modem is in the basement and the Appletv is on the 2nd floor with no hope of connecting them via an ethernet cable. I plugged these items in an ac socket, connected them via ethernet cables to the modem and Appletv and instant success. I can purchase an HD movie from Apple and begin to watch within 30 seconds of starting the download. What more can I say, I'm a happy guy thanks to Actiontec.
NICE DEVICE!!!! [Posted on 2008-09-06]
Well as all the reviews stats, setup is simple and fast!!! Just plug in and go-5 minutes. I live in a 1931 English Tudor and some wiring was updated many,many years ago, but still live with a central fusebox-no circuit breakers. With thick plaster walls and heavy timbers, place was built to last several lifetimes. Wireless "G" standard was impossibly slow between downstairs and upstairs. Plugged these devices in and response has been excellent!
Would have given 5 stars, but the plugs are big and can block access to a single two hole wall outlet. Ended up plugging a six (6)outlet adapter over the two hole wall outlet. This provided sufficient room for the adapter and also permitted me to activate a power strip which has room for six additional devices (computer, printer, lamp, etc.). Did this in two locations. But cannot access any other ports in the six (6) outlet adapter. Did not use any power surge protected power strip. The main modem is also ACTIONTEC (FIOS/VERIZON).
For those who like numbers, a speed test showed 10.09 Mbs download and 1.80 Mbs upload. Regardless, much, much faster than wireless "G".
Excellent product [Posted on 2008-09-29]
I've owned two of these for over a year now and have no complaints about their functionality/reliability. I quickly and easily get a solid connection between gigabit ethernet devices on my network. Of course, this is limited to 200 Mbps, but that's faster than 10/100.
The key to remember here is that even on a Gigabit (1000 Mbps) network, you'll never see throughput that high. There are too many other bottlenecks, including in the computer NIC itself, that slow the speeds down. Typical Gigabit network transfer speeds don't exceed 100 Mbps, but regular 10/100 networks don't even approach that fast. The idea is to eliminate as many bottlenecks as possible.
As far as usage goes, this is as simple as it gets. You plug one Megaplug into an electrical outlet and plug an ethernet cable into the bottom of it. Then take the other and plug it into any other outlet on the same circuit, up to 300 meters away, and plug another ethernet cable into it. Instant network extension.
It's much more stable than WiFi (which I also use) and much faster on average. No need for software, though you can "install" these and alter the built-in encryption password (128-bit) to prevent anyone else from plugging another Megaplug into another outlet on the same circuit and accessing your network, but how likely is that in your own house? It's potentially a risk in apartments or dorms, but then you have the software at your disposal to adjust the security settings and isolate your network.
This is expandable as well, such that you can add a third or fourth Megaplug to extend the network into other areas and turn any outlet into, essentially, an ethernet plug. You'll still need a router somewhere to route the traffic and assign network addresses if you have more than one device on the network, but it's a cheaper solution than wiring your entire house and faster and more stable than WiFi connections.
The only downsides I can think of are the expense and the fact that it covers up one of the outlets. Fortunately, this will work through powerstrip/surge protector devices, too.
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