SmallNetBuilder

The Products

Actiontec's "MegaPlug" line actually comes in three flavors: single Ethernet, four port "hub" (actually a switch) and a 802.11b/g wireless extender. I opted to test only the two wired models, since the wireless wasn't available at the time of review.

The HPE100T Ethernet adapter is about the size of two stacked decks of playing cards and plugs directly into a wall outlet. The plug blades are not polarized, so you can orient the adapter as your needs dictate. The single 10/100 Ethernet jack is on the bottom of the adapter and Power and Ethernet Link lights adorn the front panel.

The 4-Port "hub" version is about the size of a slim paperback novel with very tiny lights on the front panel for Power, HP (HomePlug connectivity), and Link/Activity lights for the four 10/100 switched Ethernet ports on the back. It connects to the wall with a supplied line cord.

The NETGEAR XE104 has the best design of the bunch, providing both a wall-wart form factor and four port 10/100 switch in a compact, cleanly-designed case. Front panel indicators include Power and separate Link/Activity lights for HomePlug and Ethernet. Like the Actiontec HPE100T, the XE104's power plug blades are not polarized.

For the SMCHT-ETH, just visualize a version of the Actiontec "hub", but with a single 10/100 Ethernet port and a different indicator light arrangement on the front panel that has only one Ethernet Link/Activity indicator.

Note that all of these devices are designed as bridges. So regardless of the number of Ethernet ports they have, they'll support connection of up to 253 clients. All Ethernet ports also have auto MDI / MDI-X capability built in, so you can connect any Ethernet device you like without having to find a crossover cable.