CopperGate buys HomePlug AV Powerline business

Let's face it -- HomePlug AV has had a pretty rough go of it, and while we wouldn't consider the technology dead just yet, we can't imagine it ever rising to prominence at this point. Our negativity isn't stopping one CopperGate Communications from following its heart, however, as it just announced this week that it would be taking the business off of Conexant Systems' hands. The pickup makes CopperGate the "the first semiconductor company with home networking technologies supporting all three wire types (coax, phone and power lines)." The deal gives the new owner "all relevant power line technology and silicon products, related patents, appropriate licenses, and requisite personnel," which sounds to us like everything including the kitchen sink. Of course, there's no way of knowing what kind of impact the acquisition will have, but CopperGate's hoping that it will "better prepare the company for the new ITU home networking standard, G.hn." Check out the read link for more details.

[(Unverified) Posted May 11th 2008 1:09PM]

Powerline networks are an excellent way to connect all your network devices. I have mine hooked up to my PS3 and my laptop. While I don't really have the freedom to roam around the house, I'm usually working by my desk so its no problem. And if I want to move around, I just need to plug the wall unit into any socket in the house. Done. Its plug and play, consistant, and safer than wireless.

[JDM Posted May 19th 2008 1:00AM]

"safer than wireless."

Wireless is safe. It's way too low power to cause damage. If wireless is not safe, then the magnetic fields from the electrical power probably isn't safe either.