May provide an easy way for ISPs to connect a broadband modem to HomePNA networks.

by Wayne Kawamoto [March 1, 2001]

D-Link recently launched its DHN-1000 HomePNA Phoneline to Ethernet Bridge that connects a home DSL/Cable Modem to an HPNA home phoneline network.

D-Link claims that its DHN-1000 gives home Cable/DSL subscribers the ability to connect their broadband Internet access to multiple computers while using their pre-existing telephone wires. Furthermore, the company says that its DHN-1000 HomePNA to Ethernet Bridge provides ISPs the easiest way to connect a Home Phoneline network to an Ethernet network.

The DHN-1000 has a single NWay Auto Sensing 10/100 RJ-45 port for connecting standard Category 5 Ethernet cabling and a single RJ-11 port for connecting a normal telephone line to a HomePNA device. Once connected, the bridge uses rate adaptive technology that is supposed to sense and negotiate the highest possible speed.

The bridge is a self-contained unit that doesn't require drivers or management software to use. Users should be able to plug the bridge in and let it do its job. By using a Broadband router with the DHN-1000, a network of HomePNA enabled computers may be connected to a Broadband Internet connection. Since the DHN-1000 uses a different signal than that used by analog telephone and DSL signals, the services shouldn't interfere with HomePNA data that is being transferred across the phoneline.

According to D-Link, its DHN-1000 strictly complies with the latest 10Mb HomePNA 2.0 standards, as well as the Ethernet IEEE 802.3 specifications, and creates a seamless connection between Ethernet media connected to a DSL/Cable Modem, or a router and a HomePNA network.

"High-speed DSL & Cable Modems require an Ethernet adapter to communicate with the Internet," said Steven Joe, President of D-Link. "This HPNA to Ethernet Bridge really is the easiest way to connect a phoneline network to a high-speed DSL/Cable Modem."

Availability and pricing
The DHN-1000 Ethernet to HomePNA Bridge is available now through authorized retail, reseller, and distribution partners at an Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $179 and an Estimated Street Price (ESP) of $149

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