D-Link is now shipping new 200Mbps PowerLine switches

With the D-Link PowerLine HD Network Starter Kit, every contiguous power outlet becomes a potential network port for easily connecting digital media devices, game consoles, print servers, computers and network storage devices throughout the home.

No new cables or wires are needed since the kit adapters take advantage of ordinary AC power and ever-present wall sockets for transferring data.

Network-enabled devices can easily be added to a home network using the D-Link PowerLine HD 4-Port Switch (DHP-342), or the D-Link PowerLine HD Ethernet Adapter (DHP-312), each sold separately. D-Link is also offering the PowerLine HD 4-Port Starter Kit (DHP-341) that includes an HD 4-Port Switch bundled with an HD Ethernet Adapter (DHP-342 and DHP-312).

The new D-Link desktop series PowerLine Network Switches and Adapters are capable of delivering up to 200Mbps, a rapid transmission speed suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications such as HD video streaming, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls, and lag-free online gaming experiences.

In addition, the switches' embedded Quality of Service (QoS) technology prioritizes traffic, ensuring that multimedia applications will not experience performance degradation while web surfing and file downloads are in progress.

"Our PowerLine networking solution makes it even easier for consumers to enjoy the benefits of a true digital home designed for high-definition media streaming, online gaming and other next-generation applications,"

said Harrison Albert, Regional Sales Director at D-Link Middle East.

"The technology is fast, extremely easy-to-use, and is a natural complement to our popular wired and wireless home networking for moving data into areas of a home where it may be difficult to run a cable or achieve a strong wireless signal," he added.

D-Link's new desktop series PowerLine Network Adapters plug directly into a wall outlet, with either one or four LAN ports to connect multiple devices and network them with other D-Link PowerLine Adapters throughout the home. The network ID on the device can be quickly and conveniently configured at the push of a button, enabling secure encryption which helps protect the PowerLine network from intruder wire-tapping.

The adapters also feature D-Link Green technology with a power saving mode to help conserve energy. If no data transmission or reception occurs during a specified time period, the adapter will automatically go into sleep mode to save power.