NetGear XE102 Bridge

Pros: Simple to install, excellent connectivity, inexpensive

Cons: The configuration software (and drivers) can only be run on Windows (98/2000/ME/XP)

The Bottom Line: The Netgear Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge is an excellent alternative to wireless networking. Before frustration makes you run CAT5, definitely consider this product!

Review: In the 3+ years that I've been reviewing products on this site, I think I can count the times that I ...

Pros: Easy to install, good performance, network anywhere! No interference problems like you get with wireless.

Cons: Limited to 4-5Mb/s actual throughput. Might be slower in a house with old wiring.

The Bottom Line: One of the easiest and highest performing ways to connect things together without running wire. Can also be cheaper than wireless. HIGHLY recommended devices.

Review: I've used home phoneline networking, 802.11a/b/g wireless, and run cables to network the homes I've owned over the last few years. The HomePNA phoneline stuff works pretty good. Wireless has a lot of flexibility, especially if you're using a laptop. ...

Pros: plug and play, consistent, fast

Cons: price

The Bottom Line: Absolutely recommended for anybody in a home where a wireless signal does not reach all areas.

Review: My parents have cable modem broadband, but the only cable jack in the house is located in the family room. I installed a wireless router there a few years ago, but wireless connectivity has always been limited on the second floor of the house. The ...

Pros: Extremely fast compared to WiFi wireless. Easy to install. Inexpensive.

Cons: Need two units to hookup one computer.

The Bottom Line: In my opinion this is a remarkable breakthrough for wireless networking and would highly recommend anyone with problems with their USB adapters give this a try.

Review: Since there was only one review of this product I was sceptical about trying it. I was using a NegGe ...

Pros: True Plug and Play, excellent throughput.

Cons: Honestly, none that I can think of.

Review: Plug and Play finally means something. I connected one of these units to my router, plugged it into the wall, then plugged another in the wall upstairs in my wife's office and connected it to her Ethernet port. That's it. Everything worked. Total inst ...

Pros: Instant setup, absolutely nothing to install.

Cons: Does not dispense cash or beer. (Just kidding.) No objections.

Review: This comes with a CD and a manual, but I didn't need them. There is no required software to install. I timed myself, and it literally took four minutes from when I had the boxes open (you need at least two) to when I had a functioning network. I ...

Pros: Works reliably Easy Setup

Cons: High price

Review: I have a large home and the wireless connection is spotty even with an external antenna on my computer. I was trying to use a Soundbridge to stream music off my computer. The only way I could get it to work consistently was by using the netgear ...

Pros: Solid adapter for sharing an Internet connection.

Cons: Low throughput performance. Can't stream large media contents in local network. Pretty expensive.

The Bottom Line: Although it's a bit expensive, the Netgear Powerline adapter is a great and easy way to get computers to share an Internet connection around the house.

Review: When I was at my old condo complex, I had a bunch of wireless users around in my area. I saw like 5 available wireless access points in my area and I was afraid if I purchased an wireless router, people near me would accidentally connect to my network, ...

Pros: When used in standard wiring situations, works great! Does work with Mac systems.

Cons: Cannot be used with powerstrips or powerstrip type wiring.

Review: Works great - but not everywhere! The caveat is that these adapters CANNOT be used with powerstrips (that is shown in the set-up diagrams) or with wiring that acts like a powerstrip (not stated in the book)! I have two offices that use modular wiring ...