ZyXEL, TRENDnet Release New Powerline-based Adapters

ZyXEL has launched a four-port adapter for its 500 Mbps HomePlug AV series while TRENDnet has released a compact, space-saving adapter for its 200 Mbps Powerline Adapter series.

Last week, TRENDnet revealed a new 500 Mbps Powerline Adapter featuring four integrated gigabit ports, allowing users to pipe network connectivity from a router to four connected devices via a local electrical system. Now ZyXEL Communication has also launched a similar four-port adapter for its 500 Mbps HomePlug AV series for networking Ethernet-based connections by way of an electrical outlet.

"ZyXEL's 500 Mbps HomePlug AV switch addresses the growing need for a networking solution that instantly connects multiple HD entertainment devices to the big screen TV," said Steven Joe, executive vice president of channel business for Americas at ZyXEL. "Our new powerline switch is plug-n-play simple and lets families connect their living room without having to add any new wiring."

As indicated, the PLA4225 adapter can create a secure home network in minutes by pumping network communication up to 500 Mbps across a home or office electrical system. Consumers merely need an additional 500 Mbps HomePlug AV adapter bridging the network's router to an electrical wall outlet. Both also need to reside on the same electrical system in order for the powerline-based network to work. All 500 Mbps HomePlug AV products boast line filtering to negate the impact from other electrical components operating in the house, and feature 128-bit AES encryption for network security.

"The PLA4225 is environmentally friendly, capable of reducing power consumption costs via its built-in power saving technology," the company said. "Like ZyXEL's PLA4205 500Mbps Powerline adapters released last month, this 4-port switch is based on the latest version of HomePlug AV (Audio Video) standard designed specifically to stream HD media with the steady high-throughput that is necessary for such applications. The devices are backward compatible with earlier HomePlug AV adapters."

The PLA4225 will be available in October through all ZyXEL resellers, retailing for $109.99 USD.

In related news, TRENDnet said that it launched the 200 Mbps Compact Powerline AV Adapter, model TPL-306E, which connects computers and network-enabled devices such as Internet televisions, NVRs, and game consoles to the Internet using existing electrical lines.

On a whole, this series is cheaper than TRENDnet's 500 Mbps Powerline AV Adapter series, pumping network connections across the home or office electrical system at a slower 200 Mbps. The new compact adapter may only offer one port, but its small form factor saves space when plugged into a crowded electrical outlet.

"LED displays convey device status for easy power management and troubleshooting," the company said. "Embedded power saving technology lowers power consumption by up to 70-percent in standby mode—resulting in measurable power savings, given that the device is always on."

TRENDnet's new 200 Mbps Compact Powerline AV Adapter will arrive this December as a single $54.99 unit, or as a two-adapter bundle for $99.99.