![]() Although the adapter is reasonably compact, it's too wide to use in a side-by-side outlet without blocking adjacent ports (as with outlet expanders that convert a single outlet to three or more). The back of the adapter houses only the electrical prongs. Three blue LEDs adorn the front, and a single Ethernet port sits on the bottom. ![]() The Linksys adapters are 4 inches wide, 5.5 inches tall, and 2 inches thick. You can purchase additional adapters individually as well (model PLE200). You'll need at least two adapters to start a power line network, and the PLK200 provides those. The HomePlug A/V products are not interoperable with older HomePlug 1.0 (such as the Netgear Powerline HD adapters) or HomePlug 1.1 products, but they can share the same electrical network and run separate LANs. The PLK200 adapters are based on the HomePlug A/V specification, which specifically addresses the quality of service (QoS) issues and higher throughput needs of HDTV and high-definition video streaming. Any Ethernet-equipped device (PCs, TiVos, and digital media adapters, among others) that's connected to a power line adapter is part of the power line network. Power line networks use the electrical system as a network, with each electrical outlet serving as a node. Of the power line products we've reviewed recently, we like the Linksys offering the best for its combination of fast speed, large network potential, and generous support. ![]() It's a potentially expensive network, especially if you put one adapter in each room of your house, but it's also far easier to install and maintain than a wireless network. The adapters are priced on par with Zyxel's-about $100 per adapter, or $200 for the PLK200 kit. The PLK200 is the faster of the two HomePlug A/V-based adapters we've reviewed, the other being the Zyxel PLA-400 adapter, but the PLK200 is a little slower than the Netgear Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter, which is based on the HomePlug 1.0 standard. Power line technology lets you use your home's electrical system to transmit data signals, so if you're tired of dealing with wireless networks but don't want to have Ethernet cables professionally installed, a power line network is a compelling option. Linksys-not one to sit out a networking category-has released its contender in the HomePlug A/V power line arena: the PLK200 Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit.
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