NETGEAR XE103 85 Mbps Powerline Network Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I like hard data as well as opinions, and could not find much on this device. I tested these units for my own benefit, and provide the test, analysis, and my opinion to assist you.
Description/Test Setup/Notes
Description:
Determine Netgear XE103 throughput in real life situation.
Comparison with 802.11B wireless throughput in the same test situation.
Test Setup:
Two Windows XP SP2 endpoints with intervening switch.
XE103 Route - Computer1:Switch:XE103:Power Wiring:XE103:Computer2
802.11B Route - Computer1:Switch:802.11B AP:Air:802.11B PCMCIA:Computer2
Test based upon transfer of folder from Computer1 to Computer2.
Size of transfer = 376 MB (395,129,843 bytes).
No other devices on network, except those described.
No other activity on test computers, other than transfer monitoring.
Test results will be time of transfer.
Transfer monitored by network bandwidth monitoring software.
Netgear Encyption Utility, supplied with XE103, displays connection rates.
The XE103 devices are using maximum encryption supported, 56-bit.
The 802.11B devices are using maimum encryption supported, 128-bit.
All values recorded for comparison and analysis.
Notes:
The XE103 devices are affected by household wiring.
Quoted 85Mbps rate will only be found where devices in very close proximity.
Computer2 is located close to AP for 802.11B maximum rate and signal
reliability.
Computer2 is not located in same room as Computer1, power line routing
unknown, but not a great physical distance.
The XE103 provides extra security and network partitioning by using a
network identifier. All devices that will communicate together are
configured by the user to use the same network identifier.
Special Notes:
When comparing bps and Bps, there are some general rules of thumb.
In wired LAN environments, rule of thumb is 10 bits per byte, resulting in a 10:1 ratio between bps (bits-per-second) and Bps (bytes-per-second).
In wireless LAN environments, rule of thumb is 20 bits per byte (extra framing overhead, encryption), resulting in a 20:1 ratio.
Though not exact, you may find these values useful in comparing products.
In both wired and wireless cases, manufacturers quote highest rate possible at the lowest communications level.Test Results:
XE103
Netgear Utility displayed rate between XE103 devices = 42 Mbps
Bandwidth Monitor displayed rate = 1.2 MBps
Transfer time = 372 seconds = 1,062,177 Bps802.11B
Device setup utility displayed maximum signal and rate = 11 Mbps
Bandwidth Monitor displayed rate = 462 KBps
Transfer time = 985 seconds = 401,147 BpsTest Analysis:
The XE103 performed 2.65 faster over the 802.11B in a timed comparison.Product Opinion:
I have noticed that the Netgear Utility shows flunctuating rate values during different time periods. The lowest rate has been 18 Mbps, highest 45 Mbps.
The XE103 is at a premium price when compared with other powerline models.
If similar test data can be found, it may be more cost effective to use a less expensive model (manufacturer quoted as 14 Mbps).
If Internet surfing is main desire for the remote computer, then comparison of ISP provider rate to these tests results should be done.
For highest security and speed, nothing will surpass a wired network.
Powerline and wireless are a great convenience.
Judge which is best by comparing your needs and desires for speed and
security.
I hope that this helps in your research.


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The NETGEAR XE103 85 Mbps Powerline Network Adapter lets you easily extend a network using just the existing electric lines of your home, eliminating the need to run unsightly Ethernet wires all over your house or apartment. At 85 Mbps, you'll have more than enough speed to download music, stream videos, and make internet telephone calls without any hiccups.
True Plug and Play Installation Extending a network using the electric lines in your home requires two XE103 units. Simply plug one of them into a wall outlet and connect it to your router with an Ethernet cord. Plug the second one into the wall outlet where you need a network connection and connect it to any Ethernet-ready device. That's it. There's no software to install. You can create as many network connections as you need by connecting more XE103 units wherever you need them. The device has easy-to-read icon LEDs for status information at a glance.
Fast Performance The XE103 supports speeds up to 85 Mbps which is enough for multiple video streams without interruptions. The XE103 has a 10/100 Ethernet port with which you can connect a PC, gaming console, Slingbox, DVR, NETGEAR's SC101T Storage Central Turbo or ReadyNAS NV+, or another networkable device. In order to enable encryption, you need a computer with Windows Vista, XP, or 2000.
What's in the Box XE103 85 Mbps Powerline Network Adapter, installation guide, Ethernet cable, setup CD, warranty/support information card.

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