Netgear announces XE102 ethernet bridge

Netgear today announced the launch of its next-generation high-speed, compact networking adapter, the XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge.

Housed in an attractive new portable wall-plug casing, the XE102 allows users to access the Internet through ordinary electrical outlets at speeds of up to 14 Mbps, eliminating the need to installnew wires for networking while providing a compliment to wireless networks that may not provide the necessary coverage.

Netgear has improved this next-generation product so that it doesn’t require any software configuration, and is simply plug-and-play. In addition to extending existing networks, the XE102 is ideal for providing reliable Internet connectivity to emerging Internet enabled entertainment devices including gaming consoles, digital video recorders, and radios. The XE102 is especially suited for console based online gaming applications where adding connectivity must be fast and seamless for the user.

“We believe that Netgear’s wall-plugged Ethernet bridge is an innovative solution for extending high-performance, reliable Internet-connections anywhere in the home among multiple PC’s and other Internet enabled entertainment devices like gaming consoles, digital video recorders, and radios,” stated Patrick Lo, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Netgear. “By utilizing existing wires and eliminating the need to install software drivers, Netgear’s next-generation Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge is a plug and play solution that further simplifies home networking.”

The Netgear XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge, certified by the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, provides reliable network connectivity at data transfer speeds of up to 14Mbps. When combined with a cable/DSL router, the XE102 allows plug-and-play access to the high-speed cable or DSL connection through electrical outlets in an up to 5000 square foot home.

Backed by a two-year warranty and 24/7 technical support, the Netgear XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge is available now at an estimated street price of $79.95 via systems integrators, retailers, catalogues, and e-commerce sites.