Netgear rolls out new Wireless-N devices

by Parm Mann on 7 January 2008, 15:21

Tags: NetGear (NASDAQ:NTGR)

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Netgear's new Wireless-N devices look sexy in black


Not content with introducing new ReadyNAS Duo solutions, Netgear has also unveiled a selection of rather smart looking Wireless-N products.

The family of Wireless-N devices (pictured at the foot of the page) consists of the:

  • RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router (WNDR3300)
    The WNDR3300 has an integrated array of eight internal antennas and supports 5GHz Wireless-N to help avoid interference with other appliances. It's backed by a one-year warranty and already available in the USA at a retail price of $129.99.
  • RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNR3500)
    This Wireless-N Gigabit Router packs five Gigabit Ethernet ports (one WAN and four LAN), as well as eight internal antennas, and can be had for $159.99.
  • 5GHz Wireless-N HD Access Point/Bridge (WNHDE111)
    This product can be used as a standalone bridge or as a 5GHz Wireless-N access point when connected to a router. It's available now for $129.99.
  • HD/Gaming 5 GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit (WNHDEB111)
    This kit packs together two WNHDE111 units with the aim of providing, 'complete, reliable high-performance wireless connectivity' around the home network. The two units auto configure and together will set you back $229.99.
  • RangeMax Wireless-N Dual-Band USB Adaptor (WNDA3100)
    Users seeking to upgrade their wireless USB adaptor might look towards the WNDA3100, said to use patented 'metamaterial micro-antennas' to provide improved speed and range. The WNDA3100 offers 2.4GHz or 5GHz connectivity and is pitched at $99.99.

Official press release: NETGEAR Launches Next Generation Wireless-N Family of Networking Products

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HEXUS Forums :: 5 Comments

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Posted by Workaholic - Wed 09 Jan 2008 22:17
Does that mean that support will stop on the original designs, i.e. when draft N is finalised they won't have firmware released to make it work fully. Making us rely on unoffocial hacks?

Another problem - there's not one with a ADSL modem built in, meaning that we will need to get 2 devices for those of us on BT lines.

By enough of rants, they look the job…
Posted by Funkstar - Wed 09 Jan 2008 22:39
I might have the wrong of the stick with 8-2.11n, but here goes.

The specification for N is pretty complex (hence it has taken so long to become a complete standard). And from what I can tell, there is a kind of sliding scale of performance depending on which features are used, how powerful the radio in the device is and how powerful the embeded processors are. Also notice the new Netgear products have 8 antenas. This is far more than the initial 802.11n gear.

Some of the initial Draft-N gear wasn't capable of seeing the highest possible bandwith, it would still be completely compatible, but you just wouldn't get the performance out of it. This new round of hardware on the other hand can take advantage of just about everything Draft-N has to give.

As CES is In Vegas, i would suggest the lack of ADSL hardware is because of the prevelance of cable and fibre services over there. I'd expect some ADSL and ADSL2+ variants once these hit the european market.
Posted by mark_a_scott - Sun 13 Jan 2008 22:42
I am sincerely hoping these are Vista x64 compatible. Ever since some clueless knob decided to install a WLAN next door My wireless has been shafted :(
Posted by Funkstar - Sun 13 Jan 2008 22:51
Only the USB adapter needs to be x64 compatible, everything else is networking gear that doesn't need drivers and any “Made for Vista” logos are pure marketing guff.
Posted by tintax - Mon 14 Jan 2008 13:33
I hope they've ironed out the flaws from the previous products. Don't get me wrong, my current G network is powered by Netgear, but I rolled back my attempt to upgrade to N in disgust.

User reviews indicates that others had similar problems: the kit either worked great first time or found 101 ways to annoy you. I know it's a draft standard but still. I'll be very happy if the new versions are less hit and miss.