Netgear's RangeMax router delivers great performance in most circumstances. Netgear's WPN824 RangeMax router is the latest in a growing number of wireless-networking devices to feature high-performance MIMO technology. But the Netgear RangeMax router differs from other MIMO routers we've seen, such as Belkin's Pre-N router and Linksys's SRX router, because it includes a new technology from Video54 that integrates more antennas into the unit and tucks them inside the unit's case. This gives the RangeMax router a more compact design and a sleeker look than its MIMO counterparts. All things considered, we think the RangeMax router is good value, and it's well worth considering for those in the market for a device with excellent range and strong resistance to interference, such as that from cordless phones or neighboring networks. Our one caveat is that it doesn't perform so well with legacy 802.11b devices. If you have older Wi-Fi gear on your network, consider Belkin's pricier Pre-N router.
The basic setup routine for the Netgear RangeMax router is a simple and straightforward process that takes only a few minutes. A CD that ships with the unit includes a setup wizard that automatically loads when you insert the disc into your computer's optical drive, then guides you through a short series of onscreen prompts. If you're an advanced user, you can bypass the wizard and connect directly to the RangeMax's browser-based configuration tool. A handy URL that is clearly listed on the printed setup guide points your computer's browser directly to the tool.
Although you can't see it, the RangeMax router's most interesting feature is the MIMO technology on the unit's circuit board. Whereas Belkin and Linksys have opted for Airgo's MIMO solution, Netgear is the first major networking vendor to stake its bet on a new MIMO solution developed by Video54. Airgo's solution requires three external antennas, while the Video54 solution built into the Netgear unit includes seven internal antennas built right into the unit's circuit board. The unit's seven antennas help the router counteract the negative impact of interference by reconfiguring themselves on the fly to adjust to changing environmental conditions. If the signal of one of the transceiving antennas becomes weak, the unit automatically searches for a better signal from the other antennas and adjusts accordingly. Blue LEDs on the top of the unit switch on and off, telling you which antennas are transmitting at any given moment.
The router's browser-based configuration tool includes all the basics; it is host to a number of advanced networking options, including Dynamic DNS support, which helps you set up your own Web site; DMZ assignments, useful for playing games or teleconferencing over the Internet; and URL blocking and logging, which is nice if you want to keep tabs on sites accessed from your network. Security features include an integrated firewall and MAC address filtering, as well as WEP and WPA encryption.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Thoughput in Mbps measured indoors at 200 feet | Â Â |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
CNET Labs ran the Netgear RangeMax router through its paces, and what they found was generally positive. Running neck and neck with Belkin's Pre-N router, Netgear's RangeMax broadened the ranks for the fastest routers we've seen to date when transferring data at close range. The RangeMax router also performed very well in CNET Labs' range tests, delivering 34.8Mbps at 200 feet, just less than the 36.4Mbps we clocked with Belkin's Pre-N unit. The Labs' mixed-mode tests unearthed the router's main performance weakness: when legacy 802.11b adapters join the network, the RangeMax router takes a significant performance hit, falling to a maximum throughput of just 15.5Mbps.
Netgear's new line of MIMO-based products also includes the WPN511 RangeMax Wireless PC Card for notebooks (AU$149), the WPN311 RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter for desktops (AU$149) and the WPN111 RangeMax Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (AU$169).
CNET.com.au's Jeremy Roche contributed to this review
Netgear WPN824 RangeMax
Company: Netgear
Price: AU$249
Phone: 1800 502 061
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