Testing the GameNet will involve a few tests but the overall objective will be to determine if the system can offer an alternative to wireless connections, which is the marketing spotlight. In that regard, it was meant more for game consoles than PC's but since it will work with a PC, we can obtain more detailed results testing the units with a PC. 

Since my XBOX 360's do not have a bandwidth test per' say, we'll have to go more from feel than anything else. To help get a feel for game play, I enlisted the help of some folks on my XBOX LIVE Friends list. The test was to host a 4 player Rainbow 6: Las Vegas COOP Terrorist Hunt match with each player on a voice headset. The first test was conducted using the XBOX 360 Wireless adapter which is a $99 proprietary adapter which can only be used with an Xbox 360. On the wireless connection, game play only lagged once in a while but the voice communication was absolutely horrible.

The second test was conducted using the GameNet modules. The modules were configured the way I mentioned earlier with the router and a network switch.

Cable Modem → Router → GameNet Module ↔ GameNet Module → Switch → Xbox 360

We got the gang together again and even ran the same mission so we could try and keep things as closely matched as possible. The general consensus was that the wireless adapter is crap compared to how things felt with the GameNet. Every player was given a Green Dot By Xbox Live in the Lobby and there were no stutters or lag during the game. Even voice communication was vastly improved.

Next it was time to use the PC connected to the same switch as the XBOX 360. General web surfing and downloading, email, instant messaging, and even Virtual Private Networks all connected and worked without issues. Keep in mind, this is all without changing anything from default settings on any device. Even using the GameNet with a router and a network switch, there was no need to change administration or security settings. 

Since the GameNet modules are basically 100Base-T devices, I didn't expect any bottlenecks. This is a sample from SpeedTest.Org that shows my upload (975kbs) and download (9798kps) transfer rates and a ping (100ms) to the SpeedTest node in Kansas City - which is only about 50 miles away. So far so good.....

With a software package called Performance Test (available from Passmark) we can take a look at the network bandwidth and gauge the performance of the GameNet system. To use this we need two machines; a server and a client which will be the machine being tested. The server machine in this case is equipped with an onboard Realtek Gigabit Ethernet controller.

This chart shows us the result from Passmark's Performance Test when both the server and client machine are connected with Gigabit Ethernet. 

     Conclusion..... 

Performance of the GameNet is very good. It is capable of transfer rates that support video and audio streaming. The flexibility of connecting a home networking router and a switch in two different sections of the house via power lines is simply priceless. There will be no need to run permanent  wires and if you want to move anything its as simple as unplugging the appliances and putting them in their new location.

    The GameNet can be a bit of a space hog. The unit only requires one plug on an outlet, but the body of the module blocks use of the top plug if you need to plug-in a three prong plug.  An extension cord would be an easy fix, but not a power strip. In fact, power strips are a Corinex FAQ topic. Most power strips have some sort of surge protection and that is what causes the signal to weaken. Which also means that Uninterruptable Power Supplies are also on the list of things NOT to use as your powerline access point.

     The unit is always powered on, and while it only draws 5 watts of power (verified with a Kill-A-Watt energy measuring device) a pair of modules would be pulling 10 watts - all day, every day. This in itself isn't a huge amount of energy and that could be offset easily by replacing a couple incandescent light bulbs with more energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

     My only unresolved issue with the GameNet is with a Microsoft Wireless Desktop 3000 - a keyboard and mouse setup. It seems that the GameNet modules throw off enough electromagnetic interference (EMI) that it disrupts the operation of the wireless keyboard and mouse. With the GameNet module plugged in at least 6 feet away, the desktop receiver had to be placed right next to the mouse for seamless operation. An email was sent to Corinex's support department and we're still waiting to hear back. Likewise, I searched their support systems FAQ and found nothing relating to this issue. Once I do get any kind of resolution, I'll be sure to post all applicable news here.

     While it may be possible to find a lesser cost powerline Ethernet solution, we can say without a doubt - this one works. In fact, once we get a satisfactory resolution on the EMI issue, I will rate the quality of this unit a solid 4 which means - better than most.

Note: Club Overclocker is now using a new rating system based on a score of 1 to 5.
Please go to our rating system page for more information.

Performance:	4 out of 5
Innovation:	4 out of 5
Quality:	3 out of 5
Stability:	N/A
Aesthetics:	3 out of 5
Software/Drivers Pack:	N/A
Overclocking:	N/A
Value:	4 out of 5
Project Skill Level (5 being most difficult)	3 out of 5