If wireless network connectivity is causing a problem, there is an alternative. The MicroLink dLAN Highspeed Starter Kit makes use of an already existing feature found in homes - that of the standard electric cabling. The MicroLink kit consists of two blue adapters which plug into electrical power sockets; two three metre length Ethernet cables; and a CD. You also get a poster explaining how to create a network.

Setting up a MicroLink network is straightforward. You start by plugging one of the adapters into a power socket and then connecting it to the Ethernet port on a computer. The next step involves installing the devolo software which consists of drivers, a configuration wizard and some utilities. Your device will be automatically recognised and you can then add a second device using the other adapter.

This second element of the network can be another computer or any device with an Ethernet port such as a modem, Xbox, PlayStation 2 or set-top box. You will need to enter an ID identifier, which can be located on the second adapter. With additional adapters, you can build up a network to suit your needs. A series of lights on top of each adapter will flicker to indicate when network activity is detected.

The claimed maximum supported data rate for this kit is 85MB/s. However my tests fell far short of this figure. The best I was able to achieve was 26MB/s. This should still be adequate for most setups though. Data is automatically encrypted with 56-bit DES encryption.

Utilities are supplied with the package that enable you to file share, communicate over the network, delete specific files produced by Internet Explorer and check out information about any devices making up the network. Printed documentation is limited to the previously mentioned poster but there is a PDF file on the CD and a video about using this kit.

The MicroLink dLAN system is easy to set up and the data transfer rate is reasonable for most home use. However, it is not the cheapest solution available. The original starter kit is priced around £115 while additional adapters will cost in the region of £69 each.

Devolo

Devolo

£115

n/a

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