Western Digital has introduced the Livewire Powerline AV kit, a HomePlug AV-compatible networking system that sends data throughout a home via electrical outlets. The system provides a way for users to configure a high speed network without running wires or relying on Wi-Fi signals.
The company claims its Livewire kit is capable of supporting connection speeds of up to 200 megabits per second in ideal conditions. The bandwidth can be used to share a broadband Internet connection between multiple computers, while also transmitting 1080p video to a television.
The kit ships with two Livewire adapters, each fitted with four Ethernet ports that can be connected to Internet-compatible TVs, storage systems, computers, or other devices. Data is automatically protected using 128-bit encryption, without requiring users to remember a password.
WD’s Livewire Powerline AV kit is now available with an MSRP of $140