Linksys Instant PowerLine USB adapter
Starting at: $35.94
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Matt Lake
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: Fast data-networking rates; user-friendly configuration utility; compatible with HomePlug 1.0 networks.
The bad: Larger than other compact power-line adapters; works with only later Windows-based USB connections.
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.
The bulky size of the adapter is particularly galling because you can't use surge-protected power strips for power-line networks (they block the network signal along with the power surges), so the HomePlug standard places a premium on wall-mounted power sockets. You may want to measure to ensure that you have enough clearance to accommodate the PLUSB10 version 2. Three inches by three inches by five inches ought to do it.
WPC55AG 802.11a
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WPC55AG 802.11g
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WPC55AG mixed
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Siemens power-line Ethernet adapter
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Linksys PLUSB10 version 2
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Siemens power-line access point
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Netgear XE102
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As its benchmark, CNET Labs uses NetIQ's Chariot 4.3 software on a console system with clients running NetIQ's Performance End Points 4.4. Our throughput tests measure the transfer speed of a file that a user might send across the network. This is known as the payload throughput and does not include packet errors and other data that might be transferred over a network. Payload throughput can vary widely from the bandwidth speeds vendors advertise and is a much better gauge of what you're likely to experience with a standard file transfer. For more details on how we test networking devices, see the CNET Labs site.
Performance is the PLUSB10's strong suit. This USB power-line bridge delivered throughput on a par with that of Ethernet power-line bridges we have reviewed. Although it couldn't quite match the transfer speed of the SpeedStream power-line Ethernet adapter, it ran circles around the Netgear XE102. With a maximum throughput of 5.2Mbps, the PLUSB10 version 2 runs at about the same speed as wireless 802.11b devices, but it's much slower than wireless gear based on the 802.11g and 802.11a standards. Still, the PLUSB10 version 2 is much faster than most broadband Internet connections and should offer plenty of speed if your objective is to share an Internet connection among two or three computers.
Linksys supports the PLUSB10 with a one year warranty--half that of the slower Ethernet-based Netgear XE102--and toll-free technical support around the clock. You can also find FAQs, manuals, and drivers on the Linksys Web site. For computers without an Ethernet card installed, this is a speedy and well-supported product. Hide Review
User Reviews
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Showing 3 of 19 reviews
"Worthless, worthless, worthless" By Sat Kartar
Pros: None, nada
Cons: Constant reboots of network required
Summary: Suffered with this piece of junk for 2 years, constantly had to reboot router, dsl modem, and computer. Multiple reboots every day, would freeze when other computer sharing dsl connection was used. Total nightmare! Switched to the Netgear XE102 around 6 months ago and have found nirvana! Virtually no need ... Expand full review
"I've installed 20+ works!" By
Pros: No more fishing the wires and non of the wireless security issues.
Cons: little bit hard to set up.
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Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Data transfer rate: 14 Mbps
- Connectivity technology: Wired
- Networking interface type: USB
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