For those of you who want to connect ethernet and HPNA without a PC:

http://www.jandr.com/JRProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1145&Product_Id=1368699&showcase=t

I paid $200 for this thing last year. It works, but there are smaller more efficient devices if you don't need the dhcp server, router, wireless, etc.

I still would love to see someone hack this ability into the Rio Reciever

And what might those smaller more efficient devices be? Under $40 of course. Inquiring minds want to know ;-)

Looks like they are temporarily sold out...

Does anyone know what type of connections are on this thing? I have 1 PC (ethernet and a PCMIA slot that will hold a 802.11b card), 1 Notebook (with ethernet and a 802.11b card) and my empeg. Could I connect both my empeg and PC to it via ethernet, steal the 802.11b card from the PC and put it in this router and finally connect with my notebook via its 802.11b? (I have 2 802.11b cards.)

I was looking at getting an ethernet router, but they are $99 before rebates. Maybe I misunderstand what this product is... 802.11b routers/access points are way expensive.

It looks like its just a Cable Modem/DSL router that supports ethernet, hpna, and wireless (with additional cards).

If you're looking for a router, it might be good. Not too sure, as I've never seen or played with one. However, if you're looking to go wireless, you might want to just pick up the wireless router. That way, you know everything is going to work right out of the box.

The deal with this device is that it probbaly requires a special card from panasonic to go wireless. How much are they? Are they availaable?

If they're a hundred bucks, then it's abou the same cost to get the Linksys or DLink wireless router, which does everything this critter does, except the HPNA. Is that important to you? I personally could care less about HPNA, especially if its got wireless.

:d:

I want my notebook to connect wirelessly and everything else via Ethernet. I don't have cable or DSL... so is a hub better than a router? (reaching for my "complete idiots guide to networking")

A hub and a router are two different things. Most routers these days come with a built in switch, which is what you may be confusing with the router.

Since you don't have cable/dls, you really don't need a router, unless you want to get something like the USR router that will let you route via a dialup.

So, in your situation, you're going to need a hub (I'd recommend a switch-not must cost difference anymore, only a few dollars) and a wireless access point. The access point will plug into a port on your hub allowing your laptop to communicate with everything else pluged into the hub, assuming they are configured properly. Then, you just plug everything else into your hub (like the RIO), and you should ready to go.

Hope that helps!