October 16, 2007 -- Zyxel Communications has added a wireless router, wireless access point, and a 4-port Ethernet switch to its HomePlug AV Powerline family, aimed at digital home consumers and small office/home office (SOHO) users.
Zyxel's Powerline wireless router, the NBG318S, integrates Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Powerline technologies into one unit, incorporating QoS technologies designed for gaming, VoIP, video streaming and Internet access. The NBG318S can be connected directly to a modem and can also act as a broadband extended wireless gateway by connecting to a modem via Powerline technology. This feature allows users to position the router anywhere in the home and change the operation mode to use the router as a broadband extension gateway with a simple mouse click. The broadband router is designed for consumers who want to access the Internet, play online games, stream videos and make VoIP calls anywhere at home with either a wired or wireless connection. With the power cable also serving as a HomePlug AV (audio/visual) data connection, the NBG318S can also stream HD video throughout the home, overcoming most dead spots and interference. The router also comes standard with the company's DOS/DDOS SPI Firewall for advanced encryption and data protection.
The company's PLA450 Powerline Wireless Access Point is an 802.11g wireless access point with built-in HomePlug AV capability and one Ethernet port. Aimed at customers who need to extend the wireless coverage in their home, small office or in a warehouse type of environment, the PLA450 does not require the installation of additional Ethernet cabling. The company says this unit offers an extremely easy-to-use and high-performance alternative by connecting to an existing wireless network over Powerline technology.
The PLA470 is a HomePlug AV adapter with a built-in 4-port Fast Ethernet switch. Powered by HomePlug AV technology, the PLA470 Powerline switch is rated at speeds of up to 200 Mbit/sec over existing power lines. The built-in 10/100-Mbit/sec Fast Ethernet switch enables users to share Internet, printer and central storage access over the Powerline network without the need to purchase an additional Powerline adapter.
Zyxel's Powerline product family was launched last year with the introduction of the PLA400 and PLA401 Powerline Ethernet adapters (desktop and wall mount options) and the P660HWP, an ADLS2+ gateway with integrated HomePlug powerline and Wi-Fi capabilities. The products are available individually or in combination kits.
"It is well-known that Wi-Fi offers great mobility but it usually cannot cover every square foot of the home, leaving dead spots in certain places, As a result, many consumers are looking to Powerline technologies as an effective alternative to or as an add-on for their Wi-Fi networks," comments Munira Brooks, ZyXEL's senior vice president of sales and marketing.