ZyXEL Announces New Home Networking Solutions at CES; HomePlug and PNA 3.0 Products Feature Unparalleled Performance for Networking Devices Over Phone and Power Lines

Business Wire, Jan 5, 2006

LAS VEGAS -- ZyXEL Communications Inc., a leading provider of secure broadband networking and Internet connectivity and routing products, today announced the addition of two new home networking solutions, the PL-100 HomePlug and the PEC-200 Home PNA3.0. Featuring speeds that have not been reached by other products in this category, the PL-100 allows speeds up to 85Mbps and the PEC-200 allows speeds up to 125Mbps.

The growing popularity of networking multiple computers in the home and the diverse environments in which networking is being deployed is driving a variety of solutions -- from wired to wireless. Wireless home networking is becoming a popular means to an end but many home environments are not conducive to wireless networking and in other cases interference and difficult set-up is an issue. ZyXEL's PL-100 and PEC-200 offer a solution to wireless home networking through the proven HomePlug and Home PNA standards.

The PL-100 HomePlug product allows the user to network devices over power lines in their home. The user can simply plug their computer or other Ethernet-ready device into the PL-100 and plug the PL-100 into any wall outlet in their house. The user then connects the PL-100 to their router and the computer is now connected to the Internet. The PEC-200 Home PNA3.0 networks devices over telephone lines.

"All of us have at one time or another lived in an older home or apartment that does not lend itself well to wireless internet access," said Munira Brooks, vice president of sales, marketing and business development at ZyXEL. "The PL-100 and PEC-200 not only solve this problem but also allow greater speeds at the same time."

Major benefits of the PL-100 and PEC 200 include:

--Performance: Both the PL-100 and PEC-200 boast increased speeds over other products in this class.

--Easy set-up: There is no need for any complicated channeling or other set-up-related issues.

--Integration: With HomePlug and Home PNA3.0 solutions, several types of applications are available such as home AV networking. Video and audio can be streamed without worry of bandwidth problems.

About ZyXEL Communications

ZyXEL Communications, Inc., with U.S. headquarters in Anaheim, Calif., is one of the foremost suppliers of broadband networking and internet connectivity/routing products. ZyXEL addresses the needs of security-conscious computer users, including home users, small office/home office (SOHO), and small-to-medium-sized business (SMB) users. The company offers consumer-friendly products in the areas of security, wireless, VoIP, switches, and routers. The ZyXEL family of wireless home networking products are noted for their easy installation, high performance, and built-in security. For more information on ZyXEL Communications and its broadband solutions, visit the company's website at http://www.us.zyxel.com.