Send Ethernet over Power Lines with Gefen

If your house isn’t already wired with CAT5/CAT6 cables, you know what a pain it can be to retrofit your home with cabling for a multi-room Ethernet network. Computer and A/V connectivity company Gefen, however, has come up with a simple solution that allows users to access the internet from any room in the house by extending Ethernet connections over in-wall power line cables.

According to a company press release, the GefenTV Ethernet over Power Line Bridge is capable of sending Ethernet up to 1000 feet from the “Sender” box to the “Receiver” box.  To begin operation, users simply connect an Ethernet cable to the Sender box (using RJ-45 ports) and then connect the box to a nearby power outlet. Next, plug the receiver box into the power outlet in the desired destination location and voilà, Ethernet sans cables.

The release goes on to say that four Ethernet runs can be sent through the Bridge simultaneously, which means that four computers can be simultaneously hooked up to the Receiver box and access the internet. All 10/100BASE-T Ethernet protocols are passed through the Bridge at speeds of up to 200Mbps, making it faster than some wi-fi networks.

The release adds that Gefen also builds a version that works over coaxial cables, instead of power lines.

Pricing: $200

For more information, visit www.gefen.com.