Fast, reliable LAN network without the wires (Zyxel PLA-401 Starterkit)

Member Name: retainedstatue

Product:	Zyxel PLA-401 Starterkit
Date:	29/12/08 (12 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, works perfectly

Disadvantages: Encryption awkward to set up, initial difficulty with ip address selection

Bought 2 of these (so 4 plugs) in an attempt to rid myself of wi-fi as far as possible and get proper media streaming working around the house. I have always toyed with the idea of a proper LAN network, and thought i`d give these a go as an easier, no cable option. The packaging advertises "plug and play" functionality, although I found this wasn`t quite the case. Having attached one to my router (netgear) and one to my PC (running vista home premium 32bit) I only got "limited connectivity" because the pc was trying to assign the same ip address to the plug it was attached to as it was the router ip. Easily fixed, although I am fairly PC literate. After that it was plain sailing, PC, XBox 360/PS3 and satellite receiver connected to a separate plug (via switch) and works like a dream. Stream HD content without any glitches and performs faultlessly. Manual not great and encryption functionality seems a bit hard to set up (although why you`d need to encrypt a network contained within your own house defeats me). All in all very impressed and would recommend to anyone.

Summary: A very good alternative to a fixed LAN network for those wishing to move away from Wi-Fi

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