News, Review, and Pictures of the Netgear Rangemax Wireless Router
You think about setting up a home wireless network, and you start having questions, like: What is a wireless router? What is the best wireless router? What is the difference between 802.11.g, MIMO, 802.11b, etc.? And if you were using a 802.11b system, once you got your network working, you'd find deadspots and weakspots where you can't pick up a signal. That was 802.11b. The newer standard, 802.11g with MIMO support (multi in multi out) makes alot of those old hassles disappear, with easier setup and configuration and much better signal strength and reception all over your home or office. A wireless router is simply a box that connects directly to your broadband cable as an input, and then lets you connect a variety of wireless or non-wireless ethernet equipped PCs or laptops to it, all networked together and sharing the same internet connection. (some larger pictures below).
Netgear has long been a leader in this field, and its RangeMax WPN824 Wireless Router with MIMO technology means this Netgear router scans your home for interference and chooses an optimal antenna configuration (out of 127 possible combinations!), so signal strength and speed stay at a near constant level all over your wireless network inside your home or office. And the antennae are internal, so nothing sticks out, nothing to break. Microwave ovens, cordless phones, thin walls, competing nearby networks - no longer a factor.The WPN824 is fully compatible with legacy 802.11x devices, so existing network cards (2.4Ghz 802.11b/g wireless) you may have in your PC or laptop should continue to function fine, although with about a 50% increase in their range and speed. Installation is also considerably easier with Netgear's proprietary SmartWizard - it detects your ISP's network settings and steps you easily through the remainder of the install process, including options for security settings (double-firewall, WEP, etc.). As with most wireless routers, the Netgear includes additional hard-wired ethernet ports (4) on the back so you can also run an ethernet cable to connect any local PC you want to use (ie, no wireless needed). One complaint - the fascination with these new blue computer lights. The light on this unit flashes continuously, like some alien homing beacon - enough with the blue lights! Another highlight, this router can check the Netgear website for firmware updates, download them, and install them by itself - one less thing to worry about.
Other Specs:
Up to 1000% more wireless coverage than 802.11g
RangeMax Smart MIMO (multi in multi out) technology
7 internal smart antennae
100% compatible with 801.11b, 802.11g and SuperG devices
Smart Wizard installation assistant
Netgear also makes an entire family of network interface cards to fit your laptops or desktops, allowing them to connect to the network. They come in all varieties and flavors: PCI adapters, USB adapters, CardBus adapters, etc. You can visit Netgears homepage here. Cost.. Price is currently about $100. If you are not concerned about difficult coverage areas, you should also look into some low-cost non-MIMO solutions, like the D-Link 802.11g routers and cards, that can be had for just $19 after rebates.
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