HPB200 PhoneLine
10M Network Bridge
link
Score: 2 out of 3
Review Type: Hands On
Reviewer: Chris
Kaminski
Date: Mar 30, 2001
The Linksys HPB200 Ethernet to
PhoneLine network bridge takes us one step closer to making 10Mbps HPNA
2.0 a part of everyone’s home networking solution. Unfortunately, the
price of this product will keep it out of the reach of home networks
needing a ‘value’ solution.
What it does.
Many of us have Ethernet networks in our homes.
Unfortunately, there’s always a computer or two in another room across the
house that we would love to be networked. Running Ethernet cable through
the walls is an option, but not a pretty one. PhoneLine networking is
another option, but it will not directly communicate with our existing
Ethernet network. In steps the HPB200 network bridge.
 The HPB200 creates a link between an Ethernet
network and an HPNA PhoneLine network. Once connected, the two networks
operate as a single network. Computers from both networks appear in your
‘Network Neighborhood’ for file, print and Internet connection sharing.
The HPB200 is simple to configure and operate. Plug
one cable into your phone jack (for your HPNA PhoneLine network) and one
cable into your ethernet hub, switch, router, or other device. Link lights
on the front of the bridge show you if the connections are working. As
long as you get link lights, your bridge is working - no configuration
necessary.
The HPB200 operates exactly as it is supposed to,
plug it in and it works.
NOTE: HomeNetHelp suggests that the Ethernet
device the HPB200 plugs into is a switch and not a hub. With a switch, you
are ensured that your 100Mbps Ethernet traffic is staying away from your
10Mbps phoneline network whenever possible. Plugging this device into a
hub may cause your Ethernet network performance to degrade.
The price
In an industry where home computers are only 5 or
600 dollars and broadband routers are less than 100, the price of the
HPB200 is too high.
I have considered dropping a value priced PC in my
kitchen or next to my TV for web surfing and MP3 playing. Connecting this
new PC to my existing Ethernet network has kept me from doing this.
PhoneLine networking would be perfect, but $150 or $200 is just too much
money to get a single value priced PC connected to my existing Ethernet
LAN.
Summary
I understand that there is a volume/price issue with
new products like this, but very few of these units will sell until the
price comes down below $100 US. Other than the price, this unit is great
and fills a much needed void in the home networking arena. HomeNetHelp
gives the HPB200 a score of 2 out of 3.
| 
Linksys HPN200
Menu:
Linksys 
