3Com HomeConnect Home Network Phoneline (3C420) Network Adapter

Pros: Stable as a rock. Good build quality.
Cons: Cuts network speed in half. Have to use modified driver for Windows XP. Support discontinued.

When you buy this product you are given a CD with the drivers. Unfortunately the driver is made for Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4 and 2000. The version of this driver is 2.29.0.1. It works great in Windows 2000. I used this product in Windows 2000 for ...

Pros: Robust operation.
Cons: Microsoft HomeClick software sucks. Poor support from 3Com. No support from MicroSoft.

I've used the 3Com 3C420 adapters on 5 PC's on an at-home computer network. It has worked well. My advice is to install the hardware and 3Com drivers manually and then use another application for internet sharing. Do not install the MicroSoft HomeClick...

Pros: Quality construction.
Cons: Hard to find XP drivers.

It's too bad the manufactures have abandoned HPNA. As this is one of the easiest was to Network and is more secure then Wireless.

Now for the 3C420. It has nice steel case with ventilation on the lower side with rubber feet to keep it from moving around. Runs much cooler than the other USB HPNA connector I have. Running anywhere from 1.6 to 2.8 MB on the home network. Connect to the Internet via a 2Wire Modem/Router/HPNA bridge.

Now for the Bad part. Since 3com does not support have the XP drivers on their site one has to go to Broadcom.com and ask them for the XP drivers. Once I had the correct drivers this NIC worked Fabulous.
**Warning** Do not install the 95, 98, ME, 2000 drivers on a XP machine. On my machine it caused shut downs.

All and all very happy with this product.

Happy Networking....