Do you have a need to connect a few computers together in a secure simple manner without running new wires? This is one of the new devices using (PLC) powerline carrier to send the data on the network in a secure manner along your power wiring. Powerline communications is a new standard (HomePlug 1.0) of communicating without having to run new wires. This is the simplest way of communication for household devices since they always have an AC plug. I suspect that in the future this will be the way your toaster will talk to your fridge (why they would talk to each other is another topic altogether).

This unit just plugs into any wall outlet and your PC. If two computers are connected to the home wiring you are able to share files, printers and your internet connection. This is a simple solution as you do not need a hub to connect 2 or more computers together as the system will support up to 16 devices on the powerline network.

Above is a drawing of a three computer network sharing the DSL/cable modem to the internet. All that is needed is a network card in each computer ( two in the first computer) and Internet connection sharing (windows ME/NT4/XP). This is just example of the many uses for these units. I added one of these to my existing switch and used it to connect my laptop to my network without running a long network cable. Since most of the time I use the laptop with the power adapter anyway there is no inconvenience with plugging the NeverWire 14 into the wall. The user’s manual has many examples of configurations that should guide you in your setup.

The NeverWire 14 devices are very simple to setup with just a 10base-t network connection, a switch for the network hub and a switch for security. Just plug in the first unit and push the security button. Then go and plug in the other units and push their security buttons. This will set up the 56 bit security encryption so no one on the same wiring can tap into your network. The security will stay set on the units even if you unplug them.

I have used these units for a few weeks and no problems at all. The bandwidth of the shared AC wiring network is 14Mbps and since you only get 10Mbps through your network card there should be no problem having many of these on the same ac wiring. This is a great simple way to get network connection anywhere were there is an ac outlet without the cost or complexity or security problems of a wireless system.

Here are some specs:

• 14 Mbps maximum bit rate - Comparable to Ethernet speeds

• Ethernet interface

• Supports up to 16 nodes per network

• Customer installable external device

• Requires no computer disassembly

• One button, 56 bit DES encryption/decryption ensures security and privacy

• Phonex proprietary protocol facilitates upgrades and service diagnostics

• HUB/PC switching allows the NeverWire 14 to connect directly to cable modems or PCs

MSRP = $129 per unit.