NETGEAR WN511B RangeMax Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
by Netgear
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: NetgearAudio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows
Model: WN511B-100NAS
Product features:
- Wireless-N PC Card delivers exceptional speed and range
- Delivers up to 270 Mbps of wireless throughput
- Provides up to ten times the range of 802.11g networ
- Backwards compatible with 802.11g/b wireless networks
- Device measures 4.85 x 0.33 x 2.13 inches (WxHxD)
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of NETGEAR WN511B RangeMax Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
Customer Review: Watch out for conflicts with on-board adapters
Summary: 3 Stars
I am upgrading my wired network to Gigabit and obviously I have to upgrade my wireless network, from B/G to N since all wireless routers are now to the draft N standard. While I wait for my "SMC Barricade SMCWGBR14-N Draft 11n Wireless Router" to arrive, I bought this adapter in advance to upgrade my old HP ZX5000 laptop from B to N (XP SP3). (I checked Amazon's reviews, but bought it from my local Staples for only $49.99 - sorry Amazon!).
On installing the software, everything was fine until I was told to plug in the adapter. It was found but "there was a problem..." message. I uninstalled and reinstalled the software, after uninstalling the card from Device Manager. Same problem.
I assumed it might be a conflict with the onboard Broadcom 802.11B adapter. I uninstalled that in Device Manager and reinstalled the Netgear adapter. This seemed to solve the problem and the Netgear worked fine in Wireless G mode.
The Netgear interface software is neat in that it shows the status/details of the connection - it even allows you to enter the original WEP key and not have to dig around for the Hexadecimal version. You can save the configuration also.
Now, if I don't happen to have my Netgear with me on my travels, can I still use the on-board Broadcom? That was my question. Rebooting the laptop finds the Broadcom and reinstalls it automatically and it works (Netgear adapter not plugged in). But back to the "there was a problem" with the Netgear if it is now inserted! It seems the only way to get either to work is to uninstall the other from Device Manager - "disable"'ing isn't enough. I did find that I didn't have to reinstall any of the Netgear software though after uninstalling the adapter in Device Manager. Uninstalling the Broadcom, then inserting the Netgear resulted in the Netgear adapter being found, starting up and working correctly.
I have yet to try the Wireless N performance, but will update my review when I have.
Since there is no detailed troubleshooting in the supplied paperwork, nor on the web for conflicts, I give this just 3 stars. Many users would be stuck at this point. If you have no wireless card built-in to your laptop, you will probably be OK.
Wireless N update:
Got my new router installed (SMC Barricade) and tried the N performance. The auto setup button on my SMC router did not seem to set up the WPA security parameters correctly in the Netgear software. Manually setting it up worked fine.
Wireless N has definitely addressed my home's B/G wi-fi weakspots. While still weaker in those areas, the signal is still strong enough for a Youtube HD download to play OK. To me, the greater benefit of N is the signal strength/range than the download performance. G is quite enough for most internet activity.
Now that I know to uninstall my motherboard network adapter while using the Netgear, the setup works just fine. My only worry is the black plastic protrusion out the side of my laptop. I can see that getting knocked/broken at some point in time! The joint between the plastic and the metal pressing has some slight flex in it.
Description of NETGEAR WN511B RangeMax Wireless-N Notebook Adapter
RangeMax NEXT extends the possibilities of your wireless home network by providing a Steady-Stream of up to 270 Mbps, and is compliant with draft 802.11n. This next generation wireless standard utilizes advanced MIMO (Multi-In, Multi-Out) technology, which delivers incredible speed and range, and for the first time provides wireless interoperability at the highest speeds with other products with Intensi-fi. A RangeMax NEXT wireless network creates and maintains stable connection and enough bandwidth to surf the Internet, download MP3s, make Internet phone calls, share files, play network games, and stream high-definition videos, simultaneously at any distance or location in the home or office. Because RangeMax NEXT is compatible with all legacy b and g wireless products, you are sure to be connected. Preset internal antennas and 11n True -Test high-performance testing and tuning, provides maximum performance and high-quality streaming every time. Touchless WiFi Security makes creating the highest level of network security easy and includes WEP, WPA-PSK, or WPA2-PSK. Setup is simple thanks to NETGEAR?s Smart Wizard? and 24/7 technical support.
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 The WN511B has up to 10 times more range than an 802.11g device. View larger. |
The WN511B is a PC Card and requires a Pentium 3 class PC with an available PC Card slot for installation. It supports Windows Vista and is also compatible with Windows XP and 2000 SP4. Setup is as simple as inserting the card into the slot and installing the included software. A built-in stub antenna helps you receive a strong signal for the fastest possible speeds.
Fast, Backwards Compatible, and Secure
The NETGEAR WN511B uses the Wireless-N protocol (based on 802.11n draft) for speeds up to 270 Mbps and a range ten times that of 802.11g adapters. With this much speed and bandwidth, you can easily download large files, place Internet phone calls, download MP3s, stream video, and play online games -- all at the same time, without hiccups, and from farther away. You'll notice the difference immediately.
The WN511B is backwards compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b wireless networks so you'll be able to connect to any hotspot, and it improves network performance up to 50 percent when used with the older 802.11b/g networks.
You can feel secure about your information as the adapter supports Wi-Fi protected access (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK) and 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption for IEEE 082.11b and IEEE 802.11g. The included software makes managing different WEP passwords a breeze as you can set up different profiles for each location you frequent, saving yourself the trouble of having to type in encryption keys each time you connect to a hotspot you've already used.
The NETGEAR WN511B RangeMax Next Wireless-N Notebook Adapter is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box
WN511B RangeMax Next Wireless-N Notebook Adapter, setup CD, warranty/support information card.
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