Entered CNET Catalog: 01/19/2007
SKU: 0745883578788
Manufacturer: Cisco Systems Inc.
Manufacturer description
The Linksys PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter Kit PLK200 is the perfect solution for high-speed, "no new wires", home or office networking. The Powerline AV Ethernet kit comes with two Powerline AV Ethernet Adapters and two Ethernet cables. The first adapter can connect with the included Ethernet cable into a broadband wired or wireless router via the LAN port on the router, then the adapter plugs into a power outlet in the wall. The second Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter can then be plugged into a computer other networked device with the Ethernet cable via the Ethernet port and the other end of the adapter is then plugged into a power outlet within the home. The need for two power line adapters are required to share a broadband connection and access other devices connected to the network. Up to 16 other computers or devices on a network utilizing a PowerLine AV Ethernet Adapter can access the Internet connection or each other.Product summary
The good: Easy to set up and maintain; fast throughput; 128-bit encryption; 24-7 phone support.
The bad: Pricy compared to setting up a wireless network; adapters are a bit bulky and may block adjacent outlets.
The bottom line: The Linksys PLK200 Powerline AV Ethernet Adapter Kit is one of the easiest ways to set up and maintain a home network that's fast enough to stream HD video content, but it's a bit of a strain on the pocketbook.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17out of 17 user reviews
Worst. Product. Ever. (by Cisco)
Pros: Simple set up, uhh -very lightweight? - nice putty color? - readable labels?
Cons: It stops working after about a month. Wish I could give it less than a half-star.
out of 17 user reviews
I needed a connection from a distant point in my house
Pros: Plugged it in a two family house with different electric meters. I was connected in seconds, with great speed.
Cons: I guess price was the only fault I found
out of 17 user reviews
how slow can you go?
Pros: easy setup
Cons: really, really, really slow
out of 17 user reviews
Great product, works out of the box
Pros: Very easy to install and use
Cons: Somewhat clumsy, Ethernet cables are a bit on the short side
out of 17 user reviews
Works well with minimal setup.
Pros: Effective, simple, enough throughput to stream HD media.
Cons: None that I can mention
out of 17 user reviews
Easy installation and reliable connection
Pros: Easy installation; Works where wireless failed; High speed connection
Cons: A little expensive, but prices have fallen and there's no hassle.
out of 17 user reviews
Cisco should be ashamed of its sub
Pros: Easy to Use
Cons: Runs too hot
out of 17 user reviews
Poor support from Linksys
Pros: Poor setup instructions
Cons: Works eradically over two seperate 200 amp services
out of 17 user reviews
Great product, just bought additional units
Pros: easy to set up and use
Cons: nothing, great product
out of 17 user reviews
Awesome, Worked as expected
Pros: VERY Simple and Fast Setup, Awesome Speed
Cons: None at this time
out of 17 user reviews
Great range, and very easy setup
Pros: Easy setup, + 400 feet of geographic range, high speed data
Cons: conection intermittent on some plugs (could be due to long distance)
High throughput, very easy...Great. In one wall outlet tested, the connection would drop periodically, possibly older wiring in that part of the house, or some interference, but in another outlet, the system works great.
out of 17 user reviews
For what they do, they are great!
Pros: Instant Network!
Cons: Other devices can interfere with signal.
First, the two (or more) locations the devices are plugged into must be on the
same electrical circuit. If the outlets are not connected to each other, it can’t work.
Second, it can not be behind a surge protector, ups, line conditioner or any device that would impede the signal.
Third, no devices that pollute or interfere with the signal can be between or adjacent to these devices on the electrical system or they will interfere.
Sound like a long list? Not really. It can all be easily summed up as plug these things directly into the wall and put all your other nearby devices on a surge protector.
Personally my favorite use for these babies is in concert with my wireless network. I have a wireless router plugged into my cable modem upstairs and another downstairs wireless router, plugged into my upstairs router via the Linksys Powerline AV units. (Do not use the WAN port on the second router) Use the same SSID and Security on both routers; disable DHCP on the downstairs one and presto! Full house coverage!
The only reason I didn't give a 10 is they are bulky and awkward.
out of 17 user reviews
CNET Gets it Wrong Again!
Pros: Cheaper than upgrading wireless, and it works!
Cons: None so far.
Sometimes I wonder if CNET editors and reviewers have any clue what consumers are actually looking for in a product.
out of 17 user reviews
Where Wireless Just Won't Work
Pros: Easy to set up; great Linksys name & support; smooths out the "peaks & valleys".
Cons: Easy to set up; great Linksys name & support; smooths out the "peaks & valleys".
Then I heard about homeplug devices and that Linksys was re-introducing their Powerline product. After researching the different other various homeplug devices, I settled on Linksys for two reasons...first, the Linksys reputation and the fact that I've never had a problem with any Linksys product. Second, from reading various reviews, Linksys seemed to be the only supplier that provided free tech support.
I ordered the PLK200 kit (2 units) and an additional PLE200. Set up was fast and extremely easy and I say this as a complete newbie when it comes to doing anything like this. The set up wizard took about 2 minutes per unit and you instantly had a "wired" network using the house wiring.
I have used the Powerline adapter now throughout the weekend, trying it in every area of our large house and signal strength and availability has been constant throughtout. These products have really solved my problem and I would recommend them to anyone.
Terry155
out of 17 user reviews
There was no option for a 0 rating
Pros: Easy set up
Cons: Will not work unless the units are on the same breaker circuit!
I also noticed that within 20 minutes both units were fairly hot. This may lead to early failure in the units.
By the way, I boxed these up after two hours and a session with Linksys support. The solution from Linksys was to try to get the units on the same line.
I have trusted Linksys for years but this product really disappointed me.
out of 17 user reviews
Linksys PLK200 works when CAT5 cable is unavailable.
Pros: Even though it's a bridge it works when CAT5 cable isn't available
Cons: You may need to add a multi-outlet adapter in some cases
out of 17 user reviews
RMA Nightmare
Pros: It was good while it worked.
Cons: Apparently has already been discontinued.
