Wednesday, 31 August 2011

NETGEAR Introduces Nano-sized Powerline Adapter with Two Ports

The new Powerline AV+ 200 Nano Dual-port Set quickly and easily connects two Internet-enabled devices, such as TVs, PCs and video game consoles, to home networks

Bracknell - August 31, 2011 - NETGEAR, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today introduced the Powerline AV+ 200 Nano Dual-port Set (XAVB2602) here at IFA, one of the world's largest consumer electronics trade shows, where NETGEAR is exhibiting in Hall 12, Booth 102, of the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds. The Powerline Nano Dual-port Set features a tiny adapter that plugs into any electrical outlet and provides two Ethernet ports for connecting Internet-enabled devices such as TVs, PCs, Blu-ray players and video game consoles to home networks.

Powerline networking, which makes connections through a home's existing electric wiring, is ideal for reaching rooms beyond the range of WiFi signals, without the cost and complication of installing Ethernet cables.

Getting started with the Powerline Nano Dual-port Set is quick and easy, with no need to configure or install software. One adapter from the kit is plugged into a wall outlet near the home router/gateway, with an Ethernet cable connecting the router to the adapter. The other adapter can be placed in any outlet in the home and makes an automatic connection to the home router at up to 200 megabits per second (mbps). This adapter has two ports for connecting nearby Internet-enabled devices through Ethernet cables.

Unlike earlier generations of powerline adapters, which were so bulky that they often blocked two wall outlets, the Powerline Nano Dual-port adapter is a very compact 4.5 inches high by 2 inches wide by 1 ¼ inches deep (114 x 55 x 33 mm) - small enough to not block a second outlet, while fitting behind home furniture or entertainment centers.

The adapter has a "pass through" power outlet, so that other electrical devices can share the same outlet. The adapter also filters electrical interference from any device plugged into the pass-through outlet so that network performance is maximised.

The Powerline Nano Dual-port Set is part of the NETGEAR Green program, with an energy-saving mode that reduces power consumption to less than one watt when there is no network traffic.

"For many places in the house, it's no longer sufficient to have one Ethernet port. The Powerline Nano Dual-port Set makes it easy to support two devices - such as a TV and a video game console, or a Blu-ray player and a PC - in the same room," said Fred Guiot, Senior Product Line Manager for Powerline Products at NETGEAR. "With speeds of up to 200 mbps and almost no latency, the Powerline Nano Dual-port Set is ready for demanding network tasks such as multi-player games and streaming high-definition video."

Pricing and Availability

The NETGEAR Powerline AV+ 200 Nano Dual-port Set (XAVB2602) will be available in France in October and in Germany and the rest of Europe in November for €109.90 (Euros). The product will be available worldwide in early 2012.