Wired Adapters/NICs

The Bottom Line: If you're not on the wireless bandwagon, you don't have to forgo a home network or pay to have a network professionally installed. With the Panasonic HD-PLC power-line Ethernet adapters, you can have a wired home network up and running in minutes.

Specs: 70 Mbps, Wired

The Bottom Line: If you're not on the wireless bandwagon, you don't have to forgo a home network or pay to have a network professionally installed. With the Panasonic HD-PLC power-line Ethernet adapters, you can have a wired home network up and running in minutes.

Specs: 70 Mbps, Wired

The Bottom Line: Gateway's power-line adapter is well suited for networking in homes or small offices.

Specs: 14 Mbps, Wired, USB

The Bottom Line: Siemens's SpeedStream 1022 wireless USB adapter is a good choice for anyone looking to connect a desktop to an 802.11b network, but consider a PC Card adapter for your notebook.

Specs: 11 Mbps, Wired, Wireless, USB

The Bottom Line: The Siemens SpeedStream 2501 power-line USB adapter is a good solution for networking through USB connections, but it's not as fast as power-line Ethernet adapters we've tested.

Specs: 14 Mbps, Wired, USB

The Bottom Line: The PLUSB10 is a good choice for connecting to a power-line network through a USB connection, but its bulk can make it difficult to plug into outlets in tight spaces.

Specs: 14 Mbps, Wired, USB

The Bottom Line: The Netgear XE102 is one of the most compact power-line Ethernet bridges on the market, making it ideal for outlets in cramped corners or along baseboards.

Specs: 14 Mbps, Wired

The Bottom Line: The XE602 is a flexible choice for home users without Ethernet or phone wiring in every room.

Specs: 14 Mbps, Wired, Ethernet

The Bottom Line: This USB adapter offers an easy way create a home network.

Specs: 10 Mbps, Wired, USB

Specs: Wired, Wireless