Zyxel Homeplug AV Router - TechRadar UK

Getting your AV kit networked is a logical extension of using compressed music and downloaded video from the Internet. But it's not without its problems. Wi-fi is flaky and bandwidth limited, which makes it a poor conduit for video. It's also just not always possible to wire up all areas of your home.

This is where PowerLine comes into its own. Using 200Mb Ethernet adaptors, you can shuffle even hi-def video through your existing electricity mains, extracting it wherever you have a power point. This integrated router solution goes one further.

It combines a 200Mbps PowerLine output with BT-approved modem and wi-fi enabled router. The system is both powerful and versatile. It's best paired with Zyxel's own 200mbps adaptors. If you need to upgrade just a couple of components, it makes a lot of sense.

Highs

It looks smarter than a BT Homehub. The router offers four Ethernet connections and is neatly finished in fashionable gloss white.

Integrated PowerLine into the router/modem is a wizard idea and goes some way to justifying the cost of the unit.

Lows

Setup is not as intuitive as you might hope.

It's not possible to successfully mix the Zyxel PowerLine adaptors with those from other brands (for example, they wouldn't hook up with 200Mb Netgear adaptors).