NETGEAR RangeMax Premium Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNR3500)
by Netgear
Our Price: $158.99
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $43.99 (click here)
Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: NetgearAudio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows
Model: WNR3500
Color: Black
Product features:
- Built-in Ultra Fast 4-port Gigabit switch means even faster network performance
- Automatic Quality of Service (QoS) ensures reliable Internet, voice, video, and gaming applications
- Surf, email, stream HD video, on-line game, make Internet phone calls¿simultaneously
- Easy secured set-up with Push `N¿ Connect using WiFi Protected Set-up (WPS)
- Maximum performance requires use of Wireless-N adapters
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of NETGEAR RangeMax Premium Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNR3500)
Customer Review: Couldn't be happier...months later!
Summary: 5 Stars
Please note, that there appears to be no differentiation on Amazon between the original WNR3500 (WNR3500v1) and the latest version WNR3500v2. I am reviewing the WNR3500v2 here.
It seems like only yesterday that I reviewed the Belkin N1 Vision Wireless Router (F5D8232-4) here:
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Vision-Wireless-Router-F5D8232-4/dp/B000U78XOS/ref=cm_cr-mr-title
Yes, it was super pretty, but it was consistently terrible with my MacBook laptops and what's the point in having Wi-Fi in the same room if it's going to die all the time? Past the time I could return the Belkin product, I gave it to a friend who had only PC laptops, and bought the Netgear product based on reviews. I was not disappointed.
For one, I realize that the 802.11n is a draft protocol, but it takes such a long time for things to get approved through the international certification body (IEEE) that it will probably be a draft for a long time to come. I like the way I get a distance and speed boost, my MacBooks support it, so why not get a unit that purportedly supports the standard - and well?
First off, I'd like to say that I'm a pretty technical guy, and never use wizards - but I did check the wizard out, and it looks like you could easily set up your Wi-Fi network and make it relatively secure without a whole heck of a lot of work. I actually prefer some of the newer routers which include a default and semi-random password and SSID on the bottom of the router, so your default isn't the same as everyone else. However, if you're setting up a Wi-Fi access point or router, you should probably be able to figure out the basics, and this router - and the included software/directions - will get you up and running.
Secondly, this wireless router is feature-rich but not confusing to set-up. Plenty of gigabit-speed wired ports (my home entertainment components are close to where this unit sits, so my TiVo and PS3 use these) which you can up-link to the rest of your network, color-coded orange on mine. There's a color-coded "Internet" port (yellow), so you won't plug things in the wrong place. Aside from a physical power button (trust me, this is a very good thing to have, especially if you have power issues at your home or office!) and a reset button, that's it on the back. Simple, really. The front has standard indicators for Ethernet port activity, a "Push 'N' Connect" switch that sounds like a security nightmare waiting to happen - but that's just me, and other status indicators that are pretty but when things are working, you'll rarely even look at them. Seriously, once you've configured this unit, it seems to just work and work well. Every once in awhile, I'll tweak a setting here, upgrade firmware there, but it's pretty low-maintenance.
Lastly, I've been running this unit with a nice mix of Macs, PCs and other handheld devices (Nook, BlackBerry, Palm), including wireless printers (HP), for over a year now. So many routers I've purchased in the past work great for awhile, and then drift off. I even had another Netgear router die due to blown caps after a few years - but that's years, not months.
I like the design of this router, because it's square, boxy, and dark. It blends in really well between various pieces of furniture, so you can place it in a central location (good for signal) without impacting your design ethic too much. Of course, I'm a geek, so I think any piece of electronics looks good anywhere - sadly, not everyone would agree with me.
Make sure you grab the latest firmware off of the Netgear web-site or, if you're using your Internet port to connect your router to your Internet access point (DSL or cable modem), the router will search for and install firmware semi-automatically with your permission.
I highly recommend setting a good password, changing the default network from 192.168.0.x to 192.168.2.x or anything other than the default, and picking a good encryption method such as WPA or WPA2. Remote management (i.e. from the Internet) is bad, local management (from a local wire) is useful and an acceptable risk. If you can easily maintain your router from your desktop in a Firefox browser, you're more likely to keep things secure, and if you have a friend helping you out, it will make their life easier too.
Description of NETGEAR RangeMax Premium Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNR3500)
Netgear Wireless N Giga RouterAmazon.com Product Description
|
 The WNR3500 has a Gigabit Ethernet backbone for maximum speeds. View larger. |
The WNR3500 makes it easy for even a novice to set up a wireless network: just plug the included Ethernet cable from your LAN into the device and insert the included CD into any computer on the network. The Smart Wizard will lead you through easy step-by-step instructions, and will automatically detect and configure your router for virtually all ISP connections. A stand is included for vertical placement options.
The WNR3500 employs a web-based interface for configuration for compatibility with any computer with a web browser. Setup is secure using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), and the "Push 'N' Connect" eliminates the need to remember or input security password keys.
New Technology Means Blazing Speeds and Backwards Compatibility
The WNR3500 complies with the latest Wireless-N draft specification, which allows for wireless speeds up to 300 Mbps. By utilizing patented metamaterial antenna technology, the WNR3500 offers a speed and range far surpassing the older Wireless-G standard. Eight internal antennas ensure maximum coverage and range throughout your office or home.
If you still have computers that use Wireless-G or Wireless-B, don't fret--this router is backwards compatible with the older wireless standards and can be set so all your computers can connect to the network.
By using Gigabit Ethernet for the backend, you'll be certain that the router is receiving data at the highest possible speeds, preventing the input from become a bottleneck. Four Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet ports in the back allow you to have wired connections to the network that blaze along at 1000 Mbps.
For users who already have a wireless network set up, the WNR3500 can be configured as a repeater for extending the range of the existing network.
Security Made Easy
The WNR3500 offers many security options to ensure your data is always protected and remains private. Double firewall protection keeps your network shielded from outside attacks and also prevents Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. The WNR3500 supports WiFi Protected Access (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK), and 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption for Wireless-B/G networks. Additionally, you can set security through MAC address authentication, allowing only authorized users onto the network.
The NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router WNR3500 is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box
WNR3500 RangeMax Router, power adapter, Ethernet cable, stand, setup CD, and warranty/support information card.
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