Rating: 
Summary: Good Product
Review: I have a home network using a Netgear wireless router. Two computers are wired, and the desktop in my den is wireless using a Netgear MA101 USB Adapter. The computer in my den often suffered signal drop-out, and I would lose my network connection. I decided to try the Netgear XE102 Powerline Ethernet Adapter, based in part on the reviews. I have had the devices connected for 3 days now, and no more signal drop-outs. The device works as advertised. So far, I am very satisfied with the product, and I would recommend it for easy home network set-up.
Rating:
Summary: Relief from spotty wireless speed is finally here
Review: I have been a huge fan of wireless for a few years now. The flexibility of going anywhere with my laptop and still being connected was great. However, I have been performing a lot of remote work which requires heavy duty two-way processing of X-window and Java traffic. I stared to notice severe bottlenecks in the throughput. I tried expanding my wireless network by getting better antennas and enhancers with no luck. I tried to have a WEBEX demonstration and the results were not good.I then started looking at the cost of having someone wire my entire house. The expense of this was staggering. Finally, I stumbled onto what I now consider the best option that you can have for a true HOME network. The XE102 Powerline Ethernet Adapter from Netgear is my answer. It turns any electrical outlet in your home into a access point into your network and grants you access to the Internet through your cable modem, dsl or dial up. This device is ten times faster than wireless in my observations. It requires a minimum of two devices (one plugged into a wall outlet by your internet access point and one anyplace in you house where you want to connect). I was so pleased with the speed of this that I even tried the WEBEX demonstration again, IT WORKED GREAT.
Rating:
Summary: Wow, I love these Powerline products!
Review: I have been using wireless products for the past year but was having problems with my network everytime my wife would get a phone call on our 2.4 GHz cordless. To make matters worse the microwave seems to interfere with it as well. I had heard of these powerline products that communicate over the house wires so I bought two Netgear XE102 ethernet bridges. I must say I am pleased because I just plugged them in and they worked. Now I just bring one of the XE102 with me thougtout the house and I can get Internet access without the interference of wireless. Next I am going to buy a powerline router.
Rating:
Summary: Simple and fault free
Review: I have had my two Netgear XE102's for about an hour now. They are connecting my laptop to an ethernet hub that my dial-out PC is connected to. My detached home office is 50 feet and 2 circuit breaker boxes away from my house so I first I tried having both adapters plugged in near each other on the office - they worked perfectly, I could barely tell both computers weren't still plugged into the hub! Then I moved the laptop to the other end of my place - an outlet on the front porch. Not only did it still work but the connection times between the two computers was identical. This is far far better than the two 802.11b systems I've tried - I've got thick plaster walls, tin roofs and a bunch of metal appliances blocking access to most remote places I'd like to work.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing Results
Review: I looked forward to excellent performance from these devices as an alternative to running additional cable in my home, based on the generally good reviews on this site. The devices seemed to work well, right out of the box, for distances of two rooms away. However, they would lose connection whenever the computer was turned off and then turned back on later. The only way to restore ethernet input to my computer was to unplug and plug in again the nearest XE102. This is not the unsatisfactory reliability my wife and I desire from our internet connection. Even when the two adaptors were plugged into AC receptacles in the same room (as a best-case test), they would not continue to provide ethernet input to my computer if it was turned off and then on again later. My attempt at telephone support from Netgear was fruitless ("call back later"). When I used their online service center, I initially received a general list of possible problems back, but nothing that addressed this specific problem. When I asked for more specific help, after five days I finally received a response which said the problem I reported was "a limitation of the devices." In other words, this was the best performance I could expect.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing Results
Review: I looked forward to excellent performance from these devices as an alternative to running additional cable in my home, based on the generally good reviews on this site. The devices seemed to work well, right out of the box, for distances of two rooms away. However, they would lose connection whenever the computer was turned off and then turned back on later. The only way to restore ethernet input to my computer was to unplug and plug in again the nearest XE102. This is not the unsatisfactory reliability my wife and I desire from our internet connection. Even when the two adaptors were plugged into AC receptacles in the same room (as a best-case test), they would not continue to provide ethernet input to my computer if it was turned off and then on again later. My attempt at telephone support from Netgear was fruitless ("call back later"). When I used their online service center, I initially received a general list of possible problems back, but nothing that addressed this specific problem. When I asked for more specific help, after five days I finally received a response which said the problem I reported was "a limitation of the devices." In other words, this was the best performance I could expect.
Rating:
Summary: Reliable alternative to wireless
Review: I moved from an apartment with all hardwired Ethernet to a townhouse with computers on every floor. I tried wireless but it didn't work well in the basement and was not reliable or consistent. I looked into HPNA but couldn't find any kits to purchase. I decided to give Netgear's xe102 a try. First, as others have stated - you CAN literally just plug it in and go BUT I wouldn't advise that. It's very important to set up the encryption software and change the network password. One simple step that can help protect your network but so many people don't do it. This is more important for users that live in multi-dwelling homes like apartments/condos/townhouses. Super Ease of use - This device is very easy to set up: plug it in, run the cd, change the password on each device and poof you are networked. The manual that comes with the device has step by step directions with screenshots too. Reliable - I have never once had a problem with connectivity to my LAN using these devices. I not only have my Ethernet over power lines but I also use extended phone jacks that work through the power lines too. Even using those jacks at the same time as being on the network - nada - no degradation at all. Great Support - Netgear is a fantastic company that puts out some darn good products. I haven't ever had to call regarding this device, but I have contacted them in the past for support on their routers and they were very helpful. When deciding on this product or other homeplug networking products, I chose Netgear because of my positive experiences with them. I have tried many other networking products by other companies and it's hard to find good service out there. When you find it, stick with it.
Rating:
Summary: Works Great
Review: I needed to extend my wireless network into my basement and couldn't find a decent wireless solution, so I bought two of these devices, plugged one into my DSL router on the second floor and plugged the other into an outlet in the basement. Then I plugged a wireless access point into this powerline converter, and voila, it worked great. Really easy install!
Rating:
Summary: It didn't work for me
Review: I tried using it to connect two medium sized rooms that were right next to each other. It only worked reasonably well for a little while after I plugged both of them in (or unplugged them both and re-plugged them in). It might have worked for non-internet networking, but I just wanted to have net access and that wasn't happening except for a brief period after resetting the power as I mentioned. It seems to have gotten a lot of good reviews, so maybe it was just my place that was the problem, but for what it's worth, it wasn't the magic it sounded like it was.
Rating:
Summary: It didn't work for me
Review: I tried using it to connect two medium sized rooms that were right next to each other. It only worked reasonably well for a little while after I plugged both of them in (or unplugged them both and re-plugged them in). It might have worked for non-internet networking, but I just wanted to have net access and that wasn't happening except for a brief period after resetting the power as I mentioned. It seems to have gotten a lot of good reviews, so maybe it was just my place that was the problem, but for what it's worth, it wasn't the magic it sounded like it was.
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