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NETGEAR WNR854T RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router Gigabit Edition by Netgear
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Netgear Audio: English (Original Language) Platform: Windows Model: WNR854T-100NAS Product features: - Wireless-N router offers an easy way to set up a fast network with wired and wireless connections
- Delivers up to 300 Mbps of wireless throughput
- Built-in 4-port Gigabit switch for fast wired connections
- Enhanced security includes a double firewall, and WPA and 128-bit WEP encryption
- Device measures 8.9 x 1.5 x 6.8 inches (WxHxD)
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of NETGEAR WNR854T RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router Gigabit EditionCustomer Review: SEE ADDED NOTE AT BOTTOM OF EARLIER REVIEW Summary: 5 Stars
I read all the reviews before buying from Amazon the Netgear WNR854T RangeMax NEXT Wireless Router Gigabit Edition. [Note: this review is based upon my experience thusfar]. It was late, around 10pm last night, but I went ahead with installation anyway. I read all the material about first starting the modem and then the router. I ran the Wizard and then stopped at the point where it said in so many words "do the rest yourself." I did this because my dsl modem was initially setup as a modem/router, and I knew that I had to first clone the modem's MAC Address to the new router to make things work. So I went to 192.168.1.1 on one of my wired ethernet computers (which was connected to the Netgear router) and configured that manually. Then I upgraded the firmware to the latest (which is done for you by default). Presto! I had a wired gigabit network. Then at 192.168.1.1 I configured my wireless security settings using my old Linksys wirelesses configuration (remembering to write down my passwords etc.). I first decided to allow "mixed" mode so that I could test the wireless connection on the internal wireless-G of my laptop. Presto! 54mbs solid connection. I then installed my Netgear adapter (WN121T) software to that laptop - running the wizard that came with the adapter. It calls for you to plug in your USB adapter at a particular point in the process. Presto! 148mbs. I upgraded the adapter firmware to the latest for my operating system (XP). I then logged back on to 192.168.1.1 from my original wired computer and changed the wireless mode to 300mbs. Went back to my laptop and ran the connection wizard and yes - presto! again! Now my connection in an adjacent room showed 300mbs solid.
This morning I decided to take the laptop on a journey to the mediacenter room in the house where I have all the HD goodies. This is about 35 feet away and through 3 walls obstructed to the router. My heavens! It was still showing about 90% 300mbs. So you see I think if you properly install the software, hardware, firmware etc. (using the latest firmware for both devices) you will have a similar experience. And, by the way the walls in my 50+ year old concrete block house are plaster (not drywall) with wire mesh. Yet I with my new Netgear router I can pick up most of the networks in the neighborhood. Just incredible! If you buy this device and associated adapters make sure that you have your wireless secure as first order of business after successful connection. I'll let you know if things change in a later review.
Now that I have all this cat-6 cable that I was planning on installing, I will next get busy on rewiring my house for gigabit ethernet, since the router is gigabit. I plan on installing soon an HDHomeRun twin HDTV NETWORK tuners to my system (even before I rewire my house). HD over the network takes about 20mbs per HD tuner, so I think I have enough bandwidth for that to test now. We'll see. As a footnote: If you use Beyond TV to watch and TIVO your favorite television shows, there is a beta release of Beyond TV that will allow you to incorporate your HDHomeRun tuners into the guide so that you can watch and record HD TV from antenna or unscrambled HD cable. The only other toy you might consider is a HD projector to make your multimedia experience out of sight! Will be back for more commentary.
July 10, 2007 - this thing is still doing everything I spoke about above and more. I have added gigabit connections, slingbox pro, security cameras (both exterior and interior), modulators, etc. and not only does the Wireless-N continue to work well at 300mbs but the gigabit wire router feature moves stuff at lightening speed. UPnP works well with IP cameras and slingbox. Can't wait to add a Windows Home Server to the mix. I think most of the firmware bugs have been worked out. I have a feeling the poor results others are having may be because they don't know how to configure this sophisticated piece of equipment to their network or they have environomental issues interferring - like home wiring and improper or poor electrical integrity of their home, problems with other neighbors' systems, improper installation of their own operating systems, drivers etc. Buy it, your'll like it!
ADDED REVIEW NOVEMBER 1, 2007: On the other hand don't buy it, you won't like it. I also received "single green light" death a few days ago and had to pay shipping to get them to issue an RMA. I noticed that this happened after a power fluctuation in my building, so I am guessing that the problem is a poorly designed power unit withing the router that can't handle power fluctuations when already "hot". Consequently, I bought an APC "brick" battary backup for my Netgear router as well as the modem and other network devices connected to the same power strip. If the Netgear fails then I will definitely change brands. Had lots of years on several pieces of Linksys gear - anyone having luck with gigabit versions of this brand? Also saw an interesting wired router that gamers use from D-Link that looks interesting. It is such a shame that Netgear wants to lose so much heretofore well earned good will over a stupidly designed router! SO PLEASE DISREGARD MY EARLIER FIVE STAR RATING. UNTIL THE JURY RETURNS (WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD) I'LL GIVE IT THREE STARS FOR THE OTHERWISE EXCELLENT FUNCTIONALITY OF THE UNIT WHEN IT WORKS.
Description of NETGEAR WNR854T RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router Gigabit EditionRangeMax NEXT extends the possibilities of your wireless home network by providing a Steady-Stream of up to 300 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 Top Dog?. 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 11-n 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. Amazon.com Product Description  | The NETGEAR WNR854T RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router Gigabit Edition offers: - Wireless-N protocol for up to 300 Mbps throughput.
- Four Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet ports for fast wired connections.
- WiFi Multimedia technology for optimized audio, video, and voice applications.
|  | |  | The NETGEAR WNR854T RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router Gigabit Edition lets you easily set up a wireless network in your home so you can share a single internet connection with everyone in your household at speeds up to 300 Mbps. You can stream music and video, make internet phone calls, videoconference, and surf the web, all at the same time. 
The WNR854T has a Gigabit Ethernet backbone for maximum speeds. View larger. View back. | Easy Setup The WNR854T 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, which will provide step-by-step instructions. The WNR854T includes a stand for vertical placement. The WNR854T employs a web-based interface for configuration for compatibility with any computer with a web browser. The firmware is also upgradeable via the web interface so you can be sure your router will always be up-to-date. New Technology Means Blazing Speeds and Backwards Compatibility The WNR854T complies with the latest 802.11n draft specification which allows for speeds up to 300 Mbps; this maximum speed can be achieved when used with other TopDog devices. By utilizing MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) technology, the WNR854T has speed and range far surpassing the older 802.11g standard. The preset internal antennas ensure that the device is always tuned for optimal performance, and NETGEAR's Wi-Fi Multimedia technology optimizes audio, video, and voice applications. If you still have computers that use 802.11g or 802.11b, don't fret as the router is backwards compatible with the older wireless standards and can be set so all your computers can connect to the network. The WNR854T will automatically figure out the connection type and work accordingly. By using Gigabit Ethernet for the backend, you'll be certain that the router is receiving data at the highest possible speeds. The router also has four Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet ports in the back for connecting computers to the network via a wired connection that will give the fastest performance. Security Made Easy The WNR854T offers many security options to ensure your data is private. Double firewall protection keeps your network shielded from outside attacks. It also prevents Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. NETGEAR's Touchless WiFi Security makes it quick and easy to set up network security on a WiFi network by asking for a passphrase from the user. The WNR854T supports WiFi Protected Access (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK), and 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption for 802.11b/g networks. Additionally, you can set security through MAC address authentication, allowing only authorized users onto the network. The NETGEAR WNR854T RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router Gigabit Edition is backed by a 1-year warranty. What's in the Box WNR854T RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router Gigabit Edition, power adapter, Ethernet cable, stand, setup CD, warranty/support information card.
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