TRENDnet Launches Wireless Powerline Ethernet Kit & USB-C Peripherals At CES 2017

A couple of months ago, I took a look at TRENDnet’s then latest powerline Ethernet kit, TPL-421E2K, and overall, I loved it (despite my apartment’s wiring not being too complementary). So it piqued my interest greatly when I learned that the company has followed-up to that kit at this year’s CES with one that kicks things up a notch in a big way: it adds wireless.

The TPL-430APK is a kit that comes with both a standard Ethernet powerline adapter as well as the new Wi-Fi enabled adapter, whereas the TPL-430AP is a standalone Wi-Fi powerline adapter (only useful for those who already have at least one powerline adapter in their house).

The TPL-430AP is supposed to be placed in the room that needs a wireless signal the best, likely with multiple devices that need the wireless connection. This means that your game consoles or notebook with wireless could connect to the powerline adapter without having to be plugged in with a wire. Because there are three LAN ports underneath, though, users can plug any device close enough to the power socket with a wire to improve stability, and perhaps performance.

For easy wireless setup, the adapter can copy existing wireless settings with the push of a button, and since it’s able to share the same SSID as your router, your device will simply connect to whichever AP is closest – a much better solution than having to manually choose an AP when you move room to room.

The full TPL-430APK kit will retail for $174.99, whereas the standalone TPL-430AP is priced at $125.

Also announced at CES, TRENDnet had a collection of USB-C peripherals, with everything ranging from USB-C to DVI or VGA to hubs that pass through to USB 3.0 type A or type C, with prices ranging from $20 (4-port USB hub) to $50 (HDMI with power delivery and USB port). These peripherals are going to be dropping over the next couple of months, so stay tuned if any grab your interest!