Product Reviews

Until now, the big problem with powerline networking has been that each plug uses up a wall socket, because they cannot be plugged into multiway adaptors if you want the best performance. Solwise's new HomePlug AV-compatible adapters have a pass-through that allows you to plug any device, including a multiway adaptor, into the socket on the front.

Another feature we've not seen on previous HomePlug devices is a button on the front of each adaptor. Solwise calls this SimpleConnect, and it aims to make powerline networking even easier.

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One of the pitfalls of using mains wiring is that your neighbours' wiring might be connected to yours - especially in a block of flats. To overcome this, HomePlug adaptors support encryption, but this has to be enabled and configured using software. SimpleConnect lets you create a secure, encrypted connection between two adaptors simply by pressing a button.

As long as buttons are pressed within two minutes of each other, a connection is established using 128-bit AES encryption. You can add extra adaptors later without resetting the whole HomePlug AV network. Useful status LEDs let you know when a secure connection exists.

Performance was very good in our tests. The adaptors managed a throughput of 69.91 Mbit/s. This is considerably faster than D-Link's similar DHP-301 adaptors (What's New, Shopper 236), which managed just under 60Mbit/s. Both speeds are still more than enough for watching two HD video streams simultaneously.

Each adaptor costs £55, which is a relatively high premium for mains pass-through and push-button security. If you're short of wall sockets, though, they're a good choice.