A separate free utility is available for updating the adapter firmware. This enables you to view the link speeds, rename the adapters, configure quality of service (QoS) parameters for networked clients, and also turn off the three status LEDs if they annoy you. However, Netgear's excellent free powerline utility (for Windows or Mac) can be downloaded from the website.
There are two short network cables provided in the box, but there's no software included. This makes it easy to plug them into a double wall socket. These well-built adapters are the smallest we've seen to date, and are no wider than a standard UK mains plug. We also paired one adapter with a 200Mbps Homeplug AV adapter (on the extension lead) and saw speeds of around 60-70Mbps. For a more realistic idea of performance in an electrically noisy environment, we plugged the adapters in random sockets and extension leads around the house, and easily managed speeds of around 60Mbps. With the two adapters on the same extension lead, we measured speeds using Totusoft's LAN Speed Test of 117Mbps (write) and 128Mbps (read), a 20 per cent improvement over the XAV5001, which is probably down to firmware improvements. Problems can arise when your hardware device is too old or not supported any longer.In practice, we found that the XAVB5101 set delivers the best performance figures we've seen from a HomePlug device. This will help if you installed an incorrect or mismatched driver. Try to set a system restore point before installing a device driver.
It is highly recommended to always use the most recent driver version available. Moreover, check with our website as often as possible so that you don't miss a single new release.
Without further ado, if you intend to apply this version, click the download button and install the package. When done, don't forget to perform a system restart and reconnect the network adapter to make sure that all changes take effect properly. To install this release, simply get the package, extract it if necessary, run the setup, and follow the instructions displayed on-screen.
Updating the adapter's drivers and utilities version might improve overall performance and stability, increase transfer speeds, fix different compatibility problems and several network-related errors, as well as bring various other changes. Use category 5 (Cat5) unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable terminated with an RJ-45 connector to make. Connect each PC to an RJ-45 network port on the switch front panel. Then, use the Smart Control Center utility to configure the switch. This task also allows computers to properly recognize all device characteristics such as manufacturer, chipset, technology, and others. Set up the PC with a Static IP address in the 192.168.0.x subnet, and connect the PC to the switch.
However, proper software must be applied if you want to make use of all features that the network adapter has available. When connected, the operating system usually installs a generic driver that helps the computer to recognize the newly attached device.
Close the wizard and perform a system reboot to allow changes to take effect. Read EULA (End User License Agreement) and agree to proceed with the installation process.
Allow Windows to run the file (if necessary). Locate and double-click on the available setup file. Unzip the file and enter the newly-created directory. Save the downloadable package on an accessible location (such as your desktop).
To install this package please do the following: Even though other OSes might be compatible as well, we do not recommend applying this release on platforms other than the ones specified. If it has been installed, updating (overwrite-installing) may fix problems, add new functions, or expand existing ones. This package contains the files needed for installing the NETGEAR Powerline Genie Utility.