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­­­Turn Your Electrical Outlet Into A Wired Network Connection Email This
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Computers & Electronics
August 2010 • Vol.21 Issue 8
Page(s) 25 in print issue
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­­­Turn Your Electrical Outlet Into A Wired Network Connection
Plaster Networks Reinvents Powerline Technology
Many of us struggle with reception in our wireless network from poor or inconsistent signal quality, but the obvious alternative—running Ethernet cable across rooms and through floors—isn’t appealing. Plaster Networks™ powerline networking gives you an option that helps your network reach rooms that get weak wireless signals. This technology uses the existing power lines in your home to transfer high-speed Internet and video. Plaster Networks has also improved upon traditional powerline technology to provide products that are both easy-to-use and reliable.

What’s New?

In the past, users with earlier technologies may have had bad experiences with powerline network setups. The new PLN3 adapters from Plaster Networks provide dramatic improvements in reliability and performance, featuring a dedicated network processor that helps identify and isolate potential problems. The adapters include specialized software to adjust network configuration and parameters for optimum network throughput.

Getting Started

To set up a powerline network, you will need at least two adapters. Plaster Networks sells a bundle of two for the reduced rate of $129.90. You can purchase additional adapters from Plaster Networks for $64.95. The adapters are also compatible with the HomePlug AV standard, so they can work with many existing powerline adapters.

Plug-And-Play

The beauty of powerline networking is its ease-of-use. Just plug one of the PLN3 adapters into a wall outlet near your router, and then connect the adapter to one of the router’s Ethernet ports. Similarly, you’ll plug the second adapter into a wall outlet near the device you want to add to your the network (desktop PC, gaming console, BD player, or HDTV to name a few). Run the supplied Ethernet cable between the adapter and device, and the device will have immediate access to the network. Each of the Plaster Networks PLN3 adapters features two ports, so you can connect a second device as needed.

Wired Benefits

With a reliable network connection to each device, you’ll be able to stream video and audio from your favorite media sites without suffering through choppy playback. Streaming set-top boxes (like Roku) and Internet-connected BD players and HDTVs are ideal candidates for a powerline connection. Online gamers will also benefit from the steady Internet access for their Xbox, PlayStation, or Wii, because you’ll greatly reduce the chance of dropped connections that can ruin the gaming experience.

Complement Your Wireless

Another practical use for powerline networking is to extend your wireless network. Combining a PLN3 adapter with a wireless access point allows you to extend the WiFi signal beyond the range of your current wireless router. First, locate the access point (connected to a Plaster Networks adapter) where you want to extend the wireless signal. Next, connect a second Plaster Networks adapter to your router. The WiFi access point provides a more reliable wireless connection for the computers and other devices that are out of your wireless router’s range.

For a limited time only, visit www.plasternetworks.com/smartcomputing and get free shipping on your order. Just enter coupon code SCM0810.


(650) 329-9203 www.plasternetworks.com





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