devolo MicroLink dLAN Highspeed Starter Kit

Product close-up; kit contents

Take a look at the three pictures immediately below. Note that there's a standard Ethernet socket at the base of the adaptor. This is its only connector, apart from the integrated three-pin plug that goes into a mains socket and, in effect connects the adaptor to your new network - the ring mains in your house!

We've put circles around the two sets of three
green LEDs - and explain their functions below

The three left-hand LEDs are:
100/Act - this is lit whenever an Ethernet connection exists and flashes to signal 100Mbps data rate.
10/Act - this is lit whenever an Ethernet connection exists and flashes to signal 10 Mbps data rate.
Col (collision detection) - this flashes at a faster rate as the network is experiencing increasing use and is intended to show if there's too much network traffic.

The three right-hand LEDs are:
Power - this is lit when the adaptor is ready for action.
Act - this flashes when data is being sent or received over the power lines.
Link - this is lit if the adaptor is connected as a part of a dLAN network.

Here, we've ringed the label that provides the
adaptor's security ID and MAC address

The security ID of each adaptor is needed if you are going to use the supplied Configuration Wizard software to set up a common password for the dLAN network.

The adaptor isn't as big or as cumbersome as a lot
of plug-mounted mains units, making it relatively easy
to fit in to a wide variety of socket arrangements

There's lots of good info on this side of the box.
Helpful for people buying in store and for sales staff.
Click to enlarge and see the contents list; the requirements; and more

The overall selling story is repeated on this side

Boring white box shot? Well, it's the inner carton and we include it because

we were impressed by the quality of packaging, not just the outer P-O-S sleeve

But what do you get, as well as the two adaptors? Well, there's that pair of previously-mentioned Ethernet cables (each 3m in length); a double-sided A4-size quick-start guide; a 26-page sub-A4 printed manual; and a CD.

The CD contain a PDF version of the manual (in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish); four self-installing Windows programs; some apps for Mac and Linux; and - for those who don't like reading - two six-minute instructional videos, one in English, the other German.