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Linksys Broadband Network Bridge (Model HPES03) REVIEW

The Linksys Broadband Network Bridge is a hybrid device that allows interconnectivity between 1Mbps HomePNA (Home Phoneline Networking - (See http://www.HomePNA.com) and Ethernet networks.

For example, if you have a Cable or xDSL modem, these modems typically use Ethernet cabling, and typically they connect to your PC via a 10BaseT Ethernet connection. Many home and small business users are now taking advantage of the ease of use when it comes to connecting their home or small office PC's using HomePNA phoneline networking technology. HomePNA allows a daisy-chain type of networking, and using ordinary phone lines,

HomePNA networks require no new wiring in the common household, since phone jacks are in almost every room of the house. HomePNA can also support up to 25 PC's and can share files, printers and Internet connections without disturbing an ordinary phone conversation, since it uses a different frequency on the same phone line.

The Linksys Bridge is approximately 6 x 9 x 2 inches. The sleek purple and black molded case fits in with other Linksys products, and the built-in feet allow for easy stacking if you own multiple Linksys bridges and routers. The unit has (3) local 10BaseT ports including and uplink port, and (2) RJ-11 HomePNA compatible ports. It also has power, link, activity and collision lights to keep you informed of the bridge activity. The power supply is external and it plugs into a standard PC power cord, but can be a hassle if the bridge is resting on a desk, since the power adapter is rather short, and isn't quite long enough to rest on the ground. This tends to pull the lightweight bridge off the side of the desk, a minor problem, but something that can easily be improved by lengthening the power adapter cord from the back of the bridge.

There really are very few products like this on the market, and Linksys seems to always be one of the first to introduce these cutting-edge products. If you use both HomePNA and Ethernet for your local LAN, this is the product for you. Linksys is a company on the cutting edge of networking, and I urge you to keep a close eye on them for some exciting new products. Linksys will also For other reviews of the Broadband Network Bridge, see Tim Higgins review here

Here are some of the features of the Linksys Broadband Network Bridge:

- Super Simple and Easy setup - Plug and Go
- Both 10 MB Ethernet and 1Mbps HPNA Jacks built-in to the unit
- Works with HomePNA 1.0 and 2.0 products
- Free 24 Hour Tech support available
- Cross Platform compatibility

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars - despite poor pics in the documentation
Pros: Simple Plug and Go setup, Platform Independent, and HomePNA compatibility with 1.0 and 2.0 spec
Cons: Poor Pictures and Diagrams with the documentation.

Linksys Broadband Network Bridge - Model HPES03
Current Street Price: $79.99

Linksys - The Linksys Group Inc.
17401 Armstrong Ave
Irvine, CA 92614
(949) 261-1288
http://www.linksys.com

Available now at:
http://www.cdw.com
http://www.buy.com

TIPS for using the Linksys Broadband Network Bridge:

*This product works with both HomePNA version 1.0 (1Mbps speed) and the newer 2.0 spec that runs at 10Mbps, although the Bridge HomePNA ports only will operate at 1Mpbs. We tested the bridge with both 2.0 and 1.0 HomePNA adapters, and it performed flawlessly.

*Although this product is super simple and easy to use, the manual could use some better pictures of the product, since the manual that shipped with our review sample had very pixelated pictures that were very hard to see. You can see a PDF file of the documentation here

*Linksys recommends that you power everything down before connecting the bridge to your local Home LAN and Home Network. If you experience problems trying to get the bridge connected, power everything down and see if that helps.

*Interested in seeing how we use HomePNA technology and the Linksys Bridge? Check out our network diagram and specs to see how to utilize HomePNA, Internet Sharing software and the HomePNA Bridge in one simple, seamless network!

*For other great reviews of the Linksys HPES03, see http://www.TimHiggins.com



	07/05/08


Linksys Broadband Network Bridge PRODUCT REVIEW "The Linksys Bridge allows instant connectivity between HomePNA and Ethernet Networks" "This product is so simple to install, there is no configuration, just plug in and go!" "Linksys also makes an 8 Port version for Larger Offices, Hotels and other large HomePNA installations" "The sleek purple and black molded case fits in with other Linksys products, and the built-in feet allow for easy stacking if you own multiple Linksys bridges and routers"
			Linksys Broadband Network Bridge (Model HPES03) REVIEW The Linksys Broadband Network Bridge is a hybrid device that allows interconnectivity between 1Mbps HomePNA (Home Phoneline Networking - (See http://www.HomePNA.com) and Ethernet networks. For example, if you have a Cable or xDSL modem, these modems typically use Ethernet cabling, and typically they connect to your PC via a 10BaseT Ethernet connection. Many home and small business users are now taking advantage of the ease of use when it comes to connecting their home or small office PC's using HomePNA phoneline networking technology. HomePNA allows a daisy-chain type of networking, and using ordinary phone lines, HomePNA networks require no new wiring in the common household, since phone jacks are in almost every room of the house. HomePNA can also support up to 25 PC's and can share files, printers and Internet connections without disturbing an ordinary phone conversation, since it uses a different frequency on the same phone line. The Linksys Bridge is approximately 6 x 9 x 2 inches. The sleek purple and black molded case fits in with other Linksys products, and the built-in feet allow for easy stacking if you own multiple Linksys bridges and routers. The unit has (3) local 10BaseT ports including and uplink port, and (2) RJ-11 HomePNA compatible ports. It also has power, link, activity and collision lights to keep you informed of the bridge activity. The power supply is external and it plugs into a standard PC power cord, but can be a hassle if the bridge is resting on a desk, since the power adapter is rather short, and isn't quite long enough to rest on the ground. This tends to pull the lightweight bridge off the side of the desk, a minor problem, but something that can easily be improved by lengthening the power adapter cord from the back of the bridge. There really are very few products like this on the market, and Linksys seems to always be one of the first to introduce these cutting-edge products. If you use both HomePNA and Ethernet for your local LAN, this is the product for you. Linksys is a company on the cutting edge of networking, and I urge you to keep a close eye on them for some exciting new products. Linksys will also For other reviews of the Broadband Network Bridge, see Tim Higgins review here Here are some of the features of the Linksys Broadband Network Bridge: - Super Simple and Easy setup - Plug and Go - Both 10 MB Ethernet and 1Mbps HPNA Jacks built-in to the unit - Works with HomePNA 1.0 and 2.0 products - Free 24 Hour Tech support available - Cross Platform compatibility Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars - despite poor pics in the documentation Pros: Simple Plug and Go setup, Platform Independent, and HomePNA compatibility with 1.0 and 2.0 spec Cons: Poor Pictures and Diagrams with the documentation. Linksys Broadband Network Bridge - Model HPES03 Current Street Price: $79.99 Linksys - The Linksys Group Inc. 17401 Armstrong Ave Irvine, CA 92614 (949) 261-1288 http://www.linksys.com Available now at: http://www.cdw.com http://www.buy.com TIPS for using the Linksys Broadband Network Bridge: This product works with both HomePNA version 1.0 (1Mbps speed) and the newer 2.0 spec that runs at 10Mbps, although the Bridge HomePNA ports only will operate at 1Mpbs. We tested the bridge with both 2.0 and 1.0 HomePNA adapters, and it performed flawlessly. Although this product is super simple and easy to use, the manual could use some better pictures of the product, since the manual that shipped with our review sample had very pixelated pictures that were very hard to see. You can see a PDF file of the documentation here Linksys recommends that you power everything down before connecting the bridge to your local Home LAN and Home Network. If you experience problems trying to get the bridge connected, power everything down and see if that helps. Interested in seeing how we use HomePNA technology and the Linksys Bridge? Check out our network diagram and specs to see how to utilize HomePNA, Internet Sharing software and the HomePNA Bridge in one simple, seamless network! *For other great reviews of the Linksys HPES03, see http://www.TimHiggins.com

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