Networking

Belkin's website for details nearer the time.

Networking the computers and gadgets in your house with Wi-Fi is all very well, but some people, especially those with thicker walls or larger houses, can find that their house gets in the way of their Wi-Fi signal. One solution to this problem is to use a HomePlug system, which utilises your existing electrical wiring to create a home network between plug sockets, rather than relying on potentially flaky radio waves.

The downside is that Wi-Fi has been around for longer, so there are far more manufacturers supporting it and, as a result, the choice of gadgets you can add in to do other things - like stream music to your stereo system or video to your TV - is much wider.

HomePlug manufacturer Devolo has gone some way to redress the balance, however, with its latest range of products, to be launched next month. Its new super-fast (200Mbps) dLAN 200 AV Starter Kit, is aimed at those looking to stream audio and video around their houses and we'll be featuring a full review in issue 156 of Web User, on sale 1st March. This is to be supported by two more products: the dLAN Audio Extender, which can plug directly into your stereo for streaming MP3s off your hard-disk based digital music collections; and the dLAN 200 AVeasy, which aims to make this faster networking as simple as pushing a button.

Also in the pipeline is the dsl+ 1100 dLAN, which combines a broadband modem and router with a HomePlug device so you can easily share your broadband connection between devices; and the dLAN Wireless Extender for those who've already got some Wi-Fi gadgets and want to integrate the two networks.

For more information on prices and to find out exactly when you can start purchasing, keep an eye on Devolo's UK website.