NETGEAR WPN824NA Wireless Mimo Router
by Netgear
Our Price: $159.00
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $19.00 (click here)
Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: NetgearAudio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD-ROM
Platform: Linux, Mac, Netware, Unix, Windows 98
Model: WPN824
Color: Silver
Product features:
- RangeMax router offers an easy way to set up a network with wired and high-speed wireless connections with extended range
- Delivers up to 108 Mbps of wireless throughput with enhanced range
- Four 10/100 RJ-45 Ethernet ports with auto-sensing technology
- Enhanced security includes a double firewall, WPA and 128-bit WEP encryption, and parental control over website access
- Device measures 8.8 x 1.2 x 6.0 inches (WxHxD)
- Windows Live OneCare 2.0 (Up to 3 Users)
- Norton Antivirus 2010 1-User [OLD VERSION]
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Standard [OLD VERSION]
- Nero 8 Ultra Edition [OLD VERSION]
- Roxio Creator 2010 [OLD VERSION]
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of NETGEAR WPN824NA Wireless Mimo Router
Customer Review: Just What We Were Looking For
Summary: 5 Stars
Situation: Modest size house (about 2300 sq ft) with a Dell Windows XP desktop, Mac G5 (desktop) and two laptops (one PC, one iBook). The old wireless router was hardwire connected to the Dell desktop and all others were connected to the network wirelessly. The Mac G5 is on the opposite side of the house from the wireless router and would intermittently lose the wireless signal.
Since the old (Microsoft) router had been in place and working for a few years, we were apprehensive about making a change. Our experience setting up the old router was not easy or pleasant. However, we determined (by moving the whole Mac G5 temporarily to a location closer to the wireless router) that the intermittent signal was definitely caused by a router range issue. We considered a range extender product (although one of us had tried setting up this type of product for someone else without success). Then we realized the old router was an older 802.11b version! Clearly, it was time to upgrade the router.
We selected the Netgear Mimo because of its claim of greater range and reliability using multiple antennas. When we received the Netgear, we decided to try installation using the wizard, figuring if it worked, it would be easier, but we had confidence we could set it up without the wizard if needed. SET UP COULD NOT HAVE BEEN EASIER. We unplugged the old router and plugged the Dell desktop directly into the cable modem. Made sure the we could bring up the internet after this change (Note that the instructions assume you have no router installed, so this first step of removing the old router from the setup and making sure you can still connect to the internet is not covered in the instructions. I believe we had to reboot the desktop after making this switch). Then, we followed the instructions for inserting the new Netgear Mimo between the cable modem and the computer and followed the setup wizard to complete the installation. The wizard gives you the option to name your network and setup security, we chose a new network name and the WEP option and re-used the WEP code we had in the old network (copy and paste to a text file so you don't have to retype it). Since we named the new network with a new name, we had to go back to all the other computers in the house and associate the old WEP password with the new network. This all took less than 30 minutes.
The Mac G5 on the far side of the house has never lost connection yet and the other laptops show a much higher signal strength to the new network. We should also mention that we quickly noticed the difference in speed between the 10Mbps on the old network and the 54Mbps on the new one (that's probably just the difference of going from 802.11b to 802.11g, but it's nice all the same).
We are very happy with how easy this product was to set up and it solved our issues perfectly! This was a much better, and cheaper, solution than going with the range extender.
As for the blinking blue light... one of us thinks it's cool, the other thinks it's rather dorky (but not really annoying).
We hope this helps others who are in our situation.
Description of NETGEAR WPN824NA Wireless Mimo Router
Rangemax 11b 11g 2.4ghz wireless routerAmazon.com Product Description
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 The WPN824 has an elegant design with no unsightly antennas. View larger. |
The WPN824 is a very attractive unit with a white exterior and rounded edges. An included plastic stand lets you stand the router on its edge to take up less space. Since the antennas are built in, there are no protrusions extending out of the case, maintaining a clean, elegant form factor. A vertical stand is included for more placement options.
The WPN824 makes it easy for even a novice to set up a wireless network: just plug the included Ethernet cable from your DSL modem, cable modem, or other network connection into the router. An installation wizard guides you through the setup process step-by-step.
The WPN824 employs a web-based interface for configuration, and the router will automatically do the initial setup by getting your DNS settings and determining your IP address. The firmware is also upgradeable via the web interface so you can be sure your router will always be up-to-date.
Fast and Secure
The WPN824 supports the 802.11g standard but extends it with Smart MIMO technology that incorporates intelligent internal antennas, allowing it to detect interference from home devices such as microwaves, and adjusting itself accordingly. The upshot is speeds up to 108 Mbps with a longer range and a lack of "dead zones" in your home. When used with NETGEAR's adapters, it can provide up to 500,00 square feet of uninterrupted coverage. You will see the difference when you download music, stream video, or make internet telephone calls. If you still have computers that use 802.11b, don't fret as the router is backwards compatible with the older wireless standard and can be set so all your computers can connect to the network and the WGR614 will automatically figure out the connection type and work accordingly.
 Smart MIMO technology automatically adapts for interference from devices such as cordless phones and microwaves. |
In addition to wireless access, there are four 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet ports in the back for connecting computers to the network via a fast wired connection.
The WPN824 offers many security options to ensure your data is private. Double firewall protection keeps your network shielded from outside attacks and Network Address Translation (NAT) hides your PCs and files from outside snoopers. To ensure the security of your wireless data, both 40/64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption is available, as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). You can also use MAC address authentication to allow only authorized users onto the network and Wireless Access Control (SSID) to identify authorized wireless network devices.
Keep Tabs on Kids
This router is an especially good choice for parents as it allows settings to log all sites that are visited, lets you block specific sites based on whether it contains specific keywords, and lets you set time schedules for certain computers to work.
The NETGEAR WPN824 RangeMax Wireless Router is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box
WPN824 RangeMax Wireless Router, power adapter, Ethernet cable, setup guide, setup CD, vertical stand, warranty/support information card.
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