Hands-on review: Corinex Gamenet Powerline Adapter

Here's the situation: You own multiple gaming systems, a high-end desktop computer rig, broadband modem, and a media center PC—all the elements that provide an awesome entertainment experience. There's just one problem.

They're not all in the same place.

That is the exact problem that I face in my current living situation. My broadband modem is on one side of the apartment, and my gaming epicenter is on—you guessed it—the other side. Wireless isn't a particularly solution in my case either. There are four walls in-between the access point and my entertainment center, and the connection just isn't stable enough for online gaming (and everyone knows, the best gaming connection is always pure copper—not wireless).

I got my hands on the Corinex Gamenet adapter, a plug-and-play Powerline networking solution specifically designed for gaming. I was always skeptical of Powerline-type technologies, but I've heard through the grapevine that they've come a long way, so I decided to give it a shot.

Installation was an absolute breeze. The box claims a two-minute setup, but I actually had it up and running in less time. All it required was simply plugging each device directly into a power outlet (no surge protectors/power strips), and then plugging each network cable into each device. Boom—my Xbox 360 was online seriously in under 120 seconds. (My electrically outlets are all linked up in one series circuit, so your mileage may vary. Suggestion: Research your home or office's electrical system before going with powerline.)

I tested a few downloads on my PC and through Xbox Live, and speeds were very good. However, when I started to play some Call of Duty 4, I ran into slight choppiness that occurred at very random intervals. After running a few ping tests on my PC, I realized that my connection was heavily lagging or dropping about 18% of my data packets, which probably explains the random choppiness. I don't know if it is related to the adapter or the old wiring in my San Francisco apartment, but there was definitely some interference somewhere along the line.

Overall, I am pleased with the product—installation was incredibly easy. It quickly and easily solved my Internet connection dilemma, however the connection wasn't perfectly stable. If you need to add a simple Internet connection to a far area in your home for casual gaming, browsing the web, or getting media downloads, this is an excellent alternative to a wireless setup. But if you're a hardcore gamer rabidly looking to reduce those milliseconds in latency, you're probably better off sticking to the 100-foot network cable laying across your gaming "domain."

Link: Corinex Gamenet Homepage