NETGEAR® Launches First 2-in-1 Powerline Network Extender To Enable Powerline Networking on NETGEAR Routers

NETGEAR®, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTGR), a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking products, today announced availability of its Space-Saving Powerline Network Extender (XEPS103). Compatible with other NETGEAR HomePlug 1.0 Powerline devices, the Space-Saving Powerline Extender enables consumers to seamlessly extend secure home network connections from a wired or wireless router to any electrical outlet in the home. Its innovative 2-in-1 design replaces the router’s existing power adapter and supplies both power to the router or gateway and an 85 Mbps network extension via Powerline — greatly reducing AC electrical outlet clutter without impacting Ethernet performance. A kit version of the Network Extender (XEPSB103), bundled with NETGEAR’s 85 Mbps Wall-Plugged Ethernet Adapter (XE103), will be available in early summer 2007.

“As a means for consumers to extend their Internet connections around their homes, Powerline devices have been extremely popular due to their reliability and simplicity,” said Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal analyst at Parks Associates, a Dallas-based market research firm that specializes in residential and small office technology analysis. “Companies such as NETGEAR that offer effortless, uncluttered solutions for connecting PCs, game consoles and other Ethernet-ready devices are in an excellent position to capitalize on a profitable market opportunity.”

“Powerline is undoubtedly one of the easiest and most effective ways to connect devices around the digital home,” stated David Henry, NETGEAR’s director of product marketing for consumer/home products. “As the market leader in Powerline networking solutions, we pay close attention to our customers who love the benefits of utilizing their home wiring to extend their Internet connections, but desire a less cluttered solution. Our innovative Space-Saving Powerline Network Extender, incorporating both a router power adapter and HomePlug 1.0, is ideal for those who want the speed and performance of Powerline without occupying an additional electrical outlet.”

The Space-Saving Powerline Network Extender comes ready for simple plug-and-play installation, with a space-saving 2-in-1 design that reduces clutter by requiring only one plug to supply both power and a network extension. This novel device provides power to the power input of the NETGEAR router or gateway. It also provides an Ethernet connection to Ethernet port of the router or gateway, thus extending a secure 14 or 85 Mbps network connection to any electrical outlet. It is compatible with NETGEAR’s existing family of HomePlug 1.0 Powerline devices including the Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge (XE102), 85 Mbps Wall-Plugged Ethernet Adapter (XE103), and 85 Mbps Powerline 4-Port Ethernet Adapter (XE104). The Powerline Network Extender incorporates a 12V / 1A power supply that is compatible with most NETGEAR routers or gateways including RangeMax™ NEXT Wireless-N Routers (WNR834B/M), RangeMax Wireless Router (WPN824), Wireless-G Router (WGR614), and ADSL gateways (DG834N/PN/G/GT).

“NETGEAR’s innovative HomePlug-enabled Powerline Network Extender is an ideal complement to their extensive product offering, providing instant and robust multimedia networking with no new wires,” said Bill Casby, vice president of Sales at Intellon Corporation. “We are pleased that NETGEAR has selected Intellon’s globally-proven HomePlug ICs for this important application where easy installation and reliable connectivity are essential to customer satisfaction.”

Backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support, the NETGEAR Space-Saving Network Extender (XEPS103) is available now via leading retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites and value-added resellers, at a suggested retail price of $79.99. High-resolution photos are available at: http://www.netgear.com/Products/PowerlineNetworking/PowerlineEthernetAdapters/XEPS103.aspx