Review: Solwise NET-PL-200AV11NRT Homeplug router

Powerline networking, of which there are various flavours including the popular Homeplug specification, uses your mains wiring as a hassle-free alternative to Ethernet or wireless.

In order to set up such a network, you’ll first need to attach a powerline adapter to your router.

This is where Solwise’s latest 802.11n router comes into play since it features a built-in Homeplug AV adapter.

This means you need only buy Homeplug adapters for the devices on your network that require powerline networking.

There’s no indication of the router’s Homeplug capabilities in its web-based interface; Solwise instead includes a separate CD containing the Homeplug software. However, unless you want to change the default encryption this isn’t really required.

You’ll need to purchase a separate Homeplug AV adapter (Solwise’s version is £52.87), and then it’s just a case of plugging in the router, attaching the device to be networked to the Homeplug adapter, and then pushing the encryption buttons on both.

Unlike Zyxel’s P-660HWP, it worked a treat first time and provided a steady TCP throughput of just over 30Mbits/sec via Homeplug. However, as always, the performance you achieve will depend on the quality of your mains wiring.

You can pick up similar 802.11n routers for around £80, which means you’re saving around £13 compared with buying a Homeplug AV adapter separately. However, the main advantage is that you won’t need a spare mains socket next to your router since everything is built in to a single power adapter.

The router’s only real drawback is that there’s currently no ADSL modem version. Those who get their broadband via a BT phone line will have to buy an Ethernet modem, which isn’t ideal.