http://www.maximumpc.com/tags/network_adapter used for category lists, takes arguments en http://www.maximumpc.com/article/Netgear-HDX-B101 <!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/sites/future.p2technology.com/files/thumbs/Netgear_HDXB101.jpg" alt="Netgear_HDXB101.jpg" hspace="5" align="left" />Brace yourself for this one, folks: The HDX-B101 powerline networking hardware actually delivers on its performance claims. Take a moment to breathe.</p> <p>The bottom line is that the HDX-B101 is fast enough to stream video—even high-definition video—from your media server to your living room. </p> <p>We successfully streamed video content—including 1080i WMV movies—across the powerline network. UPNP packets even cross the powerline segment flawlessly—our UPNP-dependent streaming boxes worked without a hitch. Even the bandwidth hungry Media Center Extender and Xbox 360 worked with nary a hiccup or dropped frame.</p> <p>If you’re interested in the actual performance numbers, the HDXB101 compares favorably to 100Mbit Ethernet—with an average throughput of 15Mb/s. It’s certainly not Gigabit Ethernet speed, but it’s fast enough for video. Even with the improved hardware, powerline networking isn’t totally bozoproof. In order to get HD-capable throughput, we had to experiment with several different outlets in our computer room an our living room—and using a surge suppressor borked the signal completely. For best results, you’ll need to plug this directly into the wall. After a little experimentation, though, we managed to find outlets in every room that delivered top-tier performance. We do, however, miss the convenience of the integrated four-port Ethernet switch, which Netgear’s XE104 included. </p> <p>The box for the HDX-B101 tells an interesting story. Instead of listing a wildly inflated theoretical maximum bandwidth, Netgear makes one simple promise: “Stream HD video over Powerline.” The company delivers on that promise with the first HD-streaming solution that doesn’t require running Ethernet. Bravo, Netgear.<br /> <em><br /></em></p> <p><strong>Month Reviewed:</strong> October 2006</p> <p><strong>+ HD TV: </strong>It works. It really works. And you can even stream HD.</p> <p><strong>- HD OPTICAL DISCS: </strong>Where's the integrated Ethernet switch? Twitchy at maximum speed. </p> <p><strong>VERDICT:</strong> 9<br /> kickass=yes</p> <p><strong>URL:</strong> <a href="http://www.netgear.com/">www.netgear.com</a></p> http://www.maximumpc.com/article/Netgear-HDX-B101#comments Hardware Reviews Networking From the Magazine Good hardware Netgear HDX-B101 network Network Adapter Powerline Networking reviews October 2006 2006 Thu, 21 Sep 2006 18:12:09 -0500 Will Smith 715 at http://www.maximumpc.com