Review: Powerline networking - can it deliver?

by Michael Harries on 6 August 2008, 05:20

Tags: ZyXEL

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qaoma

Add to My Vault: x

ZyXEL PLA401 HomePlug AV adapter




In addition to the P660HWP router, ZyXEL also seeded HEXUS with the PLA401 200Mbps PowerLine HomePlug AV adapter for us to test the router's Ethernet-over-powerline support.






There's the usual stuff; quick-start guide, warranty card and utilities CD.



Finished in the same reflective glossy white as the router, the PLA401 certainly looks chic.


Much like the Corinex AV200 units, the PLA401 plugs directly into a wall socket. On the sticker you can see the device's serial number, MAC address and DAK password - needed to reconfigure network settings. With the DAK password being hidden away when the device is connected and not noted elsewhere in the box, it's a good idea to scribble it down before plugging it in.



Yet again we see a 10/100BaseT Ethernet port, precluding the ability to achieve 200Mbps performance.



Stylish as it may be, the PLA401 is still bulky and will, again, prove bothersome with some multi-gang power adapters.

Further details for the PLA401 can be found here.