Creating a home network is no longer a big challenge. Components are cheap and readily available in almost any office-supply or electronics store, and wizard-driven setup routines help novices get going quickly. Still, there are some hurdles and issues to resolve. Wireless is vulnerable to interference, has limited range, and can't match the speed of wired networks, especially at longer distances. The alternative, wired systems, has one obvious disadvantage—wires. Years ago manufacturers tried to eliminate that drawback by using existing household power wiring to carry network signals, but the technology failed to take off. Performance was poor, and wireless products seemed more flexible and compelling. The Netgear HDX101 Powerline HD Ethernet Adapter may breathe new life into the technology. It proved impressive in my tests.