SlingLink and HomePlug Network Over Power
I’ve had the opportunity to try out SlinkLink recently and have been evangelising it to my colleagues simply because… well… it just works, exceedingly well.
I will also be getting my grubby paws upon some similar devices from Solwise for comparison and compatibility testing.
The general idea behind SlingLink, which uses the standardized HomePlug technology, is to allow you to utilise your existing household power cables as network cables.
Whether you use it to bridge two wireless routers together, hook up a printer in another room, move your wireless router away from your cable modem or connect an isolated PC, SlingBox or other WIFI-lacking network enabled device to your network, HomePlug just seems to work as easily and reliably as if you were just connecting the two points with a simple network cable.
Obviously the big difference is that you do not have to drill holes and trail ugly cables throughout your house in order to achieve connectivity; it was already done when your house was built or your wiring was modernized.
Keep your eyes peeled for complete reviews of the SlingLink and the HomePlug solution from Solwise. If you’re considering buying either of these products for any of the above reasons then rest assured that you will not be dissapointed. There is a slight downside, however, in that the 85Mbps chipset versions obviously can not do 100Mbps and will rarely reach either 85Mbps theoretical maximum speed. However, with many people still rocking a paltry 54Mbps of wireless coverage this shouldn’t be an issue for all but the most hardcore of home network builders.