Netgear debuts first next-gen powerline network kit

IEEE 1901 adaptor launched

CES 2012

Netgear is upgrading its compact powerline Ethernet adaptor line to 500Mb/s operation - not only that but the next-gen powerline spec IEEE 1901 into the bargain.

The Powerline Nano 500 isn't Netgear's first 500Mb/s adaptor, but it is rather smaller, taking up 67 per cent of the space that the previous model does, launched this time last year.

The Nano 500 is based on the HomePlug AV spec, as are Netgear's previous 500Mb/s powerline products, but is compatible with the next-gen IEEE 1901 standard.

1901 is one of two competing specs - the other is G.hn, which was this week backed by Motorola - for next-gen powerline communications.

Netgear also touted the Nano's ability to auto-test the connection at any electrical outlet and display the results in the form of color coded LEDs to ensure that users can pick a specific electrical outlet in order to ensure the highest possible performance.

The XAVB5101 adaptor goes on sale as a two-unit kit later in Q1 for $160 in the US. There's no word on UK availability yet. ®