Wireless power line connections available

Vancouver-based Corinex claims to offer the region's first wireless products using existing electrical wires to create LAN access, transmitting data, audio, video and VoIP at 14Mbps from 200 metres away.

Jonathan Soon, CEO at ASX-listed SkyNetGlobal, said Corinex was the industry's leading innovator and manufacturer of power line communications products.

“We are pleased to be appointed master distributors and extremely excited about the prospects of long term partnership,” Soon said.

SkyNetGlobal plans to market Corinex products to Australian enterprises, businesses and consumers through a reseller network, including system integrators and major retail chains.

The vendor will also sell direct to wireless hotspot operators, such as carriers and ISPs. “One of the most expensive parts of deploying a wireless hotspot is the cost of connecting the wireless transmitter to the switch where Internet access is provided. By using [wireless power line technology], hotspot operators can reduce infrastructure costs by at least 50 percent using existing electricity wiring,” according to a media release issued by Corinex.

The Canadian vendor said power line networking products began shipping in the US from November 2002 and sales are tipped to hit $US600 million by 2006. Six percent of consumers will eventually use power line technology for networking purposes, becoming the third preferred connection method after Ethernet and wireless, the company said.

Corinex Intelligent Powernet Ethernet and USB adapters are available now in Australia at a recommended retail price of $299 each. Corinex Wireless 2 Power line access point and diagnostics kits will ship in August and retail for $299 to $349 each.