Netgear broadens its wifi range extender series further by launching the WN2500RP-- now boosting coverage of both 2.4 and 5GHz wifi signals simultaneously.

It supports wireless 802.11 a/b/g/n standards (making it compatible with virtually all wireless networks), using FastLane technology to enable customers to maximise bandwidth for video streaming and online gaming.

In addition it also supports up to x4 wired to wifi connections, providing ethernet-enabled devices with wifi connectivity.

Go NetGear WN2500RP Universal Dual Band Wifi Range Extender

The Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute presents the latest developments on Visible Light Communication (VLC) at CeBiT 2012, using standard off-the-shelf LEDs to provide broadband data streams to connected devices.

The Fraunhofer system reaches maximum speeds of up 800 Mbit/s under laboratory conditions. In comparison, current broadband capacity reaces 100 Mbit/s.

As an optical technology it is also ideal for places where WLAN is not desirable (such as hospitals), and can handle all sorts of applications-- from video conferencing to general internet use.

Go Broadband Communication from LED Ceiling Lamp

As usual, Extron brought a phalanx of new products to their ISE stand: in fact more than 100 are listed as “New Products Featured at ISE 2012.” You can see this list on their web site, using the link below.

For starters, we’ve focused on Extron’s XTP Crosspoint as rAVe Now have posted a video (you can watch it via the link below). The Extron XTP CrossPoint is a flexible signal switching and distribution system that provides an integrated solution for multiple digital and analog formats. XTP CrossPoint matrix switchers support local connectivity as well as extended transmission capability for sending high resolution video, audio, RS-232, Ethernet, and power up to 100m (330 feet) over a single CAT 5-type cable.

Intuitive control software provides straightforward system configuration without complicated programming.

Important to note: Extron came to ISE having just opened regional sales offices in London, Paris, and Frankfurt. At over 300 square meters, each of these facilities includes an 80 sq. m. state-of-the-art training room equipped to showcase and demonstrate the latest in Extron technologies and solutions. Each facility will also have a dedicated training manager, meeting space, and workspace to house support teams.

"A lot of thought and effort was put into creating offices that would exhibit the newest technologies, demonstrate products and applications, and facilitate larger training classes conducted in local languages," says Jérôme Guéras, VP Sales, EMEA. "Expanding our training facilities throughout the world will make it even easier for our customers to reach Extron."

Staffed by Extron S3 Institute experts, these facilities will feature Extron training choices including hands-on training using real-world scenarios and courses to pursue Extron certifications.

Watch ISE 2012: Extron Talks about XTP Crosspoint

Go Extron shows range of new products at ISE 2012

IHS iSuppli projects dramatic growth for WW residential gateway shipments-- predicting the market will triple during the 2012 to 2015 period as gateways start replacing the traditional STB.

Residential gateway and thin client box shipments are "miniscule at present." Global 2011 shipments total 345000, and a mere 1000 units in 2010. However iSuppli expects 2012 shipments to reach  4.2M, before climbing to 12.6M in 2015.

Residential gateways link a wide range of devices-- with a STB acting as a central server connecting to thin client boxes, delivering content to media devices such as smartphones and tablets.

iSuppli also believes the key component inside the residential gateway-- the media processor-- is "ready for prime time" thanks to technology from the likes of Intel, Broadcom and STMicroelectronics.

Operators are set to save money using gateways (by moving to cheaper server/client configurations) while boosting revenues by charging for the increased connectivity gateways provide. On the other hand customers gain in the beaming of real-time HD video to all media devices.

iSuppli does not expect residential gateways to "settle" on a single networking standard-- instead employing a "mix," as wired or wireless, Cat5, coax and powerline "vie to be the backbone of the connected home."

Go Residential Gateway Market Projected to Triple from 2012 to 2015 (IHS iSuppli)

Newnex reveals what it say is the first USB 3.0 active repeater-- the FireNEX-uLINK-D, capable of repeating a USB 3.0 signal for over 14 metres of standard USB cable.

Shown at a press event at CES 2012, the FireNEX-uLINK-D is bus powered (needing no external power or drivers) and plug and play.

Also seen at CES is the FireNEX-5000-- the first USB 3.0 optical repeater according to Newnex. Using fibre it sends USB signals for over 100m, far beyond the standards of regular USB cable.

The company says the repeater can find many applications, including machine vision, security and professional audio/video.

The FireNEX-5000 should hit the market on Q2 2012, while the FireNEX-uLINK-D is already available.

Go Newnex

Cisco announces a HomePlug AV Powerline solution range with products allowing costumers to use their existing home electrical wiring as a home network.

The Powerline standard provides speeds of up to 200 Mbps, and is set up by connecting the adapter to a router (via Ethernet cable) before plugging it into a wall socket. The network is complete after plugging a second adapter into another wall socket and connecting it to a device via second cable.

The Cisco Powerline range consists of 3 products-- the PLEK400 and PLSK400 adapter kits and the PLW400 wireless extender.

The PLEK400 includes x2 1-port powerline adapters, while the PLSK400 includes a 1-port and a 4-port powerline adapters. The PLW400 converts signals from an existing Powerline network into 802.11n wifi signal.

Go New Cisco HomePlug AV Powerline Solutions