200Mbits/sec mains network kit unveiled

Netgear adapters use DS2 rather than Home Plug chips to turn power plugs into
Ethernet ports.

Netgear's 200Mbits/sec data-over-mains kit for creating fast, simple networks around a home are now available.

The HDX101 Powerline Adapter uses a chip from Spanish company DS2, which some claim is better than the equivalent from the dominant Home Plug Powerline Alliance.

It allows you to set up a near instant network by plugging Ethernet adapters into a mains socket. The real throughput will be less than 200Mbits/sec but 140Mbits/sec has been reported on the DS2 chip.

With its faster speed of 200Mbits/sec, these plugs will be able to stream high definition content around a home.

UK prices are not yet known but a kit containing a pair of the Netgear HDX101 Ethernet adapters has a US price of $US250.