Maybe you have a really large home.  Or, it could be that you need a high-speed, hard-wired connection for your video streaming devices.  It could even be because your laptop doesn't have a Wi-Fi connection.

One way or another, there's too many reasons to list why you might consider picking up a Powerline AV Adapter kit.  The XAVB101 Powerline Ethernet Adapter Kit from NETGEAR, which contains two XAV101 units, can help solve many of your networking issues.

I can sum up the Powerline kit in two words: simple and effective.

Unboxing the XAVB101

The XAVB101 arrived in the familiar NETGEAR branded packaging, in perfect condition.  Each unit was sealed inside its own baggie, complete with NETGEAR sticker sealing each opening.  The cables, manual, and CD were packaged inside as well.

The individual Powerline units felt solid yet light.

Setting up the Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit: First Steps

I have to admit that the setup of these units was virtually painless and incredibly simple.  No technical knowledge is necessary to plug in these little beauties.  Here are the first basic steps:

1.  Unbox the adapters (always the fun part.)

2.  Plug in the first adapter near your router or switch. Make sure to plug the adapter directly into a wall outlet, as plugging it into a power strip may interfere with the radio signal.

3.  Plug in an Ethernet cable from your router or switch into the first adapter.

4.  Plug in the second adapter where you would like to bridge your Internet connection (i.e., close to your Digital Entertainer, laptop, ReadyNAS, etc.)  The Powerline Adapter is built to cover up to a 5000 square foot home.

Congratulations!  You've just set up your adapters.  I was able to get a connection right away with no further action, and accessed the Internet at full speed.  It does take about 20 seconds for the adapters to sync up, but that's all.  The adapter boasts a 200 Mbps connection to maximize your speed.  If all is well, you should see the middle light on the unit as green (see picture above showing a successful connection.)  The indicator light to the right will come on and flash when you connect it to a device.

Securing your Powerline Connection

One last step that you should take is to secure the connection between the two devices.  To do this, you'll have to press the Security button on the side of the each adapter, and hold it in for ten seconds. When you perform this action, the adapters will not be able to access each other.  I had to go upstairs (where adapter #1 was located) and press the button for 2 seconds, then go downstairs (where adapter #2 was located) and do the same.  Then, the two adapters synced up with no problems.

The reason for doing this is to give each adapter a completely new security key, which will be retained even if you unplug the adapters.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a solution to bridge a hard wired connection where you don't have a wall jack, the XAVB101 Kit is a perfect fit for you.  One great example would be my personal situation, where I have a EVA8000 unit that is not near an Ethernet jack.  Before, I had to run an extra-long Ethernet cable from my switch to my entertainment center.  Now, I can plug in the XAV101 right by my entertainment center, and just run the wire from there - but there are many more examples.

The XAVB101 is designed for simplicity and ease of use.  If you're looking to create your own wireless access point, or to take advantage of Wireless-N, you may want to check out the WNHDEB111.  Either product is a great solution.

Quick Links

See the XAVB101 at NETGEAR's Official Site  |  [Shop for NETGEAR Products]

See Other NETGEAR Products at MyOpenRouter