Press Release

devolo MicroLink dLAN ADSL Modem Router: easily connects multiple PCs via the power circuit

Aachen, August 17, 2004—With the new MicroLink dLAN ADSL Modem Router from devolo AG of Aachen, Germany, a DSL Internet connection can be extended into every room in the building either via the electrical installation or via conventional FastEthernet cable. This device, which is on sale at the recommended retail price of Euro 159.90, combines an ADSL modem, router, 4-port switch and HomePlug adapter in a single unit.

“We want to improve choice for users building up a network at home, and to maintain the trend toward compact and space-saving devices", says Heiko Harbers, CEO of devolo AG in Aachen, Germany, of the most recently developed product. Up to four PCs can be directly connected to the MicroLink dLAN ADSL Modem Router to form an internal network with data transfer speeds of up to 100 Mbps thanks to the integrated 4-port switch. As well as that, the network can be extended anywhere in the house via the 230 V electricity supply - without having to lay a single network cable.

Harbers: “All you do is plug the MicroLink dLAN ADSL Modem Router’s power plug into the nearest wall socket.” A MicroLink dLAN adapter connects the PC to any plug socket and provides the problem-free data transfer. The dLAN („direct Local Area Network“) can also be used without an Internet connection to exchange files, share printers, or to play exciting multi-player games—with a bandwidth of up to 14Mbps in a radius of 200 metres. “HomePlug technology is a real alternative in buildings with thick walls and ceilings of reinforced concrete that severely limit the use of wireless LAN,” says Harbers, naming another relevant aspect.

The market leader for HomePlug products in Germany has equipped this particularly compact (172 x 132 x 26 mm) combination of devices with an especially easy-to-use interface for its configuration. This software enables the device to be configured with just a few mouse clicks and lets users simply select their Internet provider from a list. IP masquerading (NAT), an integrated firewall with powerful filters and other comprehensive security functions guarantee a high degree of security and protection from unauthorised access.

The MicroLink dLAN ADSL Modem Router will be available in retail as of September at a recommended retail price of Euro 159.90.

Photos and the product data sheet are available from the devolo homepage under www.devolo.de. Test samples are available to journalists upon request.

Background devolo AG

devolo AG was founded in 2002 in Aachen, Germany, and specialises in the development of communications solutions for private consumers and industrial applications. The product range includes networking products, analogue modems, DSL modems and ISDN adapters. Along with the Internet-access products, the networking products of the MicroLink dLAN line are particularly successful. These adapters work with the international HomePlug standard and have helped the Company to successfully establish a new technology in the market—data transfer via the existing household power circuit. In 2003, devolo achieved the German market leadership in the segments for analogue modems and HomePlug adapters.