Innovations awards are granted each year in connection with the Consumer Electronics Show. Products are judged by a panel of industry experts and evaluated on value to the user, aesthetics, contribution to the quality of life and innovative qualities.

"We are extremely honored to have the NeverWire 14 chosen as the top home data networking product to be showcased at the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show," said John Knab, president and chief executive officer of Phonex Corporation. "With more than 8.5 million Phonex voice and data nodes already in the marketplace, we have a clear vision on the needs of the consumer in the home networking space. In that regard, we set out to create the best home networking product, and according to the CEA, we’ve done just that."

The Phonex’ QX-201 NeverWire 14 is a small device roughly the size of a standard day planner that allows computer users to connect up to 16 Ethernet-enabled home electronic devices, including computers, printers, cable modems, set-top boxes and residential gateways over existing home A/C electrical wiring. By simply connecting a NeverWire 14 unit to a device’s Ethernet networking port and then into any electrical outlet in the home, consumers can share a high-speed Internet connection between multiple devices, play interactive games, share a printer, data files, and more.

The NeverWire 14 is compliant with the HomePlug Powerline Alliance 1.0.1 specification and can transmit data at 10Base-T speeds extending the reach of the Internet and broadband access networks to every electrical outlet within the home.

"We started with Intellon's Power Packet chip technology, worked with Ubicom to meet the HomePlug Powerline Alliance specification, and then added our own proprietary, communications protocol and hardware design to create the NeverWire 14," Knab said. "As a result, the NeverWire 14 units will work with any other HPA home networking device as they become available. In addition, we have built-in capabilities to allow future versions of the NeverWire product line to interface with wireless devices."

The NeverWire 14 comes with standard security functionality that can be enhanced by Phonex’ patented, one-button set up process. This activates a private 56-bit encryption/decryption code designed to safeguard users’ data, and once installed, can be engaged to set-up a private encryption code for the user’s own home network. In addition, the Phonex proprietary protocol used in the NeverWire 14 provides a one-button diagnostics feature for identifying and trouble-shooting devices connected to a Powerline network.

Phonex NeverWire 14 is available today for strategic customers. Product will be available on dealer shelves in early April 2002 at a suggested retail price of $129 (USD) per node.

Phonex will hold public demonstrations of its NeverWire 14 in the HomePlug Powerline Alliance booth, #14900 in the LVCC South Hall at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 8-11. The booth will be set up as a demonstration area for customers, partners, analysts and members of the media.

Phonex will also hold private meetings for editors, analysts and potential partners and resellers in Meeting Room #17833 on the CES show floor. Editors and analysts interested in setting up an appointment with Phonex at CES or arranging for evaluation units of the NeverWire 14 should contact Dan Cook or David Politis of Politis Communications at 801.523.3730, or via email at dcook@politis.com or dpolitis@politis.com, respectively.

The NeverWire 14 will also be showcased at the Smart*Home media reception being held Monday, January 7, 2002 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

For more information regarding Phonex Corporation and its products please contact:
public@phonex.com
6952 High Tech Drive
Midvale, UT 84047-3756
800.437.0101

Phonex Corporation and NeverWire 14 are trademarks of Phonex Corporation.
All other company names and trademarks are the property of their respective companies.