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Computer peripherals industry

Farallon Communications Announces HomeLINE USB Adapter for Mac and PC Users

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Farallon Communications, a developer of plug-and-play networking solutions, has announced the availability of its HomeLINE USB Adapter, a device that enables USB-equipped Macs and PCs to connect to a HomeLINE network over existing phone lines in the home. This adapter is ideal for users with multiple machines or those planning to add a second computer in their home, as it allows them to share a single Internet connection, printers, files, and more.

Key Takeaways:

  • The HomeLINE USB Adapter is now shipping and is available for purchase at an estimated street price of $89.00 for the single pack and $165.00 for the starter kit.
  • The adapter is fully interoperable with other HomePNA solutions available on the market and supports simultaneous access to HomeLINE network, voice service, and high-bandwidth ISDN, DSL, or cable modem service.
  • The adapter features dual phone ports, eliminating the need to install a separate phone jack for phone, fax, or modem, and supports up to 1Mbps transfer rates, giving access speeds of roughly 18 times faster than a 56 kbps modem.
  • The adapter works with USB-equipped PCs running Windows 98 or NT and Macintoshes running MacOS 8.6 and higher, and comes with Vicomsoft's SurfDoubler Internet sharing software for Macs and PCs to share a single ISP Internet connection over an analog, cable, ISDN, or DSL modem.
  • Farallon offers a complete line of reliable, plug-and-play network cards, adapters, hubs, and switches, and provides free Dr. Farallon technical support and a one-year warranty.
  • The HomePNA standard, which enables in-house phone lines to transfer data at 1Mbps without interrupting regular telephone voice service or feeds from ISDN, Digital Subscriber Line (xDSL), or cable modem connections, is supported by Farallon and other industry leaders.

Statistics:

  • Estimated street price for the HomeLINE USB Adapter single pack: $89.00
  • Estimated street price for the HomeLINE USB Adapter starter kit: $165.00
  • Supported transfer rates: up to 1Mbps
  • Data transfer speed compared to a 56 kbps modem: roughly 18 times faster
  • Supported operating systems: Windows 98 or NT, MacOS 8.6 and higher
  • Supported phoneline networking standard: HomePNA 1.1

Sources:

  • Business Wire, "Farallon Communications, Inc. Announces HomeLINE USB Adapter for Mac and PC Users"
  • Farallon Communications, "About HomeLINE"
  • Home Phoneline Networking Alliance, "About HomePNA"
  • Farallon Communications, "About Farallon Communications, Inc."

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