Netgear PE102 10MBPS(10BASE-T) Home Phoneline RJ11 Ethernet RJ45 Bridge Review

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(More customer reviews)The marketing literature claims that the Netgear PE-102 "seamlessly extends your high-speed Internet connection, or your existing Ethernet network ...". Seamless is definitely in the eye of the beholder -- especially where networking is concerned -- but in this case, I have to agree.
I installed the PE-102 to replace a PC that I used as a bridge between my phoneline and ethernet networks. The PC worked fine as as bridge, but needed to be on whenever someone wanted to use the internet from a machine on the phoneline network. The PE-102 not only solved this problem, but also freed a slot in the former bridge machine, since I no longer needed both ethernet and phoneline cards installed. The PE-102 also uses a lot less power than the PC I used for a bridge.
Installation was quick and straightforward. Both phoneline connections are clearly marked (to wall, to phone) and the unit includes only one ethernet connection (RJ-45 10/100 Mbps, auto-switching). There's no software to install or to configure. The product includes a fold-out installation guide that suggests possible network configurations and provides technical specifications for the unit. I was operational within 5 minutes.
The PE-102 has performed flawlessly from the moment I hooked it up. All machines (whether connected by ethernet cable or phoneline) now appear to be part of the same network -- whether the machine is running Windoze or Unix. Throughput is excellent, even when several users share the same internet connection via ethernet cable and phoneline. So what's not to like? Here are a few things I found less than perfect: (1) cable connections are on the front of the unit, rather than on the rear. This makes for a somewhat messy appearance in a home/SOHO environment. (2) cost -- the PE-102 seems expensive by comparison to other network components. This device is a "digital adapter" that integrates ethernet and phoneline networks. It's not a router or a switch or a firewall. It doesn't do sophisticated encryption or on-the-fly data compression or web-content filtering or anything else beyond what it claims to do -- connect ethernet and phoneline networks. (3) the installation guide fails to mention that the PE-102 can share a phoneline connection with a computer: just connect the PE-102 to the phone jack in the wall, and the computer to the "to phone" connection on the PE-102. Now the PE-102 and the computer are both connected to the phoneline network. Similarly, I suspect the PE-102 could be used as an internet gateway for phoneline networks (but without firewall protection or content filtering), even though the installation guide does not mention this possibility.
However, these are pretty much minor annoyances. There's plenty to like about the PE-102, including solid construction (metal case, not plastic), 5-year warranty (1 year on power adapter), and reliable performance. This is a product that does what it claims to do, first time, every time, right out of the box. Although I didn't need it, I've found Netgear technical support to be both competent and responsive -- and one of the few organizations willing even to talk to you if you mention the word "Unix" (or "Linux"). You won't find that among the product features listed on the box -- but it's included, nonetheless.
Recommended.

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Netgear WGU624 Double 108 Mbps Wireless A+G Router Review

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(More customer reviews)I am a very experienced information technology professional. I wanted to upgrade my old SMC 7004 since my 13 year old decided to step on it and break off one of the antenna stalks. I went for this beauty because of specs and looks.
I downloaded the latest firmware (.11) and flashed it before doing anything else.
I did not have any problem configuring it since the browser interface is pretty straight forward. I have PPPoE with Verizon DSL and use 64 bit WEP since I don't want to have to configure all my wireless bridges around the house. I had it up and running in less than 5 minutes and I had Internet connectivity as well as brand new DHCP leases on every laptop and over every wireless bridge except for one laptop still running an old SMC2635W PCMCIA 11b card. The throughput was pretty decent for the 11b/g side and phenomenal on the 11a side. It gave a very strong signal on my back porch, way better than the 7004.
This euphoria lasted about 20 minutes. Since then, it has decided to drop connection to the Internet, drop DHCP, drop connectivity and behave in a very erratic manner.
I have been resetting it at least once every few hours for the last three days. I am getting so frustrated that I want to open the window and chuck it out.
Needless to say It is going back today.
Shame on you Netgear.

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NETGEAR Double 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router (WGU624) delivers two simultaneous 108 Mbps networks to ensure the highest speeds and the best quality of service. In addition to the 108 Mbps 802.11 b/g network, users can access a "Fast Lane" - the 802.11a network. The "Fast lane" is ideal for the most demanding of applications including high quality video streaming and serious home office use. With new XR technology, the Double 108 delivers unparalleled range - over 400 feet indoors. It uses Super A+G technology to provide two parallel 108 Mbps networks at the same time. The first network - the 802.11g network is based on the most commonly used standard and is fully backward compatible with 802.11b devices. It's lightning fast 108 Mbps is ideal for web surfing, email, and downloads. The second network - the 802.11a "Fast Lane" delivers a speed and quality that is required by the most demanding applications such as video streaming - where even the slightest hiccup produces an unpleasant user experience. The Double 108 is tested and validated to work with Microsoft Media Center Extenders and Xbox game consoles.

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Netgear EN104TP 4-Port 10 Mbps Ethernet Hub RJ-45 with Uplink Button Review

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(More customer reviews)Our office used to use a handful of the EN-104 4-port hubs and some of the EN-108 (the 8-port version of the same product).
As 10 Mbps hubs go, the EN-104's are really nice.
The quality of NetGear equipment has always impressed me:
- Nice sturdy metal construction instead of plastic.
- Status indicators built into the jacks, so you can easily tell which cable is connected and is active.
- Right-angled barrel power connector which reduce the likelihood of disconnecting power accidentally.
- With an easy-to-access switch, Port 1 toggles between station mode and uplink mode. Unlike some hubs where two jacks are wired together, this design prevents accidentally shorting a station to an uplink.
- Screw-mount notches on the underside allows for easy attachment to the wall, underside of a counter, etc.
If you want to set up a network without spending much, these hubs work well. However, I suggest you buy a 10/100 Mbps hub instead.
Here's why:
Practically all new networkable devices today support 100 Mbps (FastEthernet) as well as 10 Mbps (Ethernet). The EN-104 hub (and other 10 Mbps hubs) will limit you to the slower speed.
As 10/100 Mbps hubs are readily available today, and are quite affordable, I think your money is better spent on the faster hub.
Is there a noticeable difference between 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps? It depends on your usage, but if you regularly work with files larger than about 300 KBytes or larger, you'll notice a tangible difference. For truly large files (like graphics/movies, or when installing an application via a network drive), a 10 second transfer at 100 Mbps will take well over a minute at 10 Mbps.
If the NetGear 10/100 hub (DS-104) is a bit too pricey for you, you might consider the Linksys EFAH05W 10/100 hub. Though not as "nice" as NetGear equipment, the Linksys 10/100 hub is only a few dollars more than this NetGear 10 Mbps hub.

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The Netgear EN104TP is an Ethernet hub supporting four 10Base-T ports and a push-button uplink port for network expansion. Connecting multiple PCs, this device provides a speed of 10 Mbps for information exchange, resource sharing, and client-server or peer-to-peer applications solutions with simple unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) wiring. Built-in LED indicators clearly display port status. Plug-and-play installation with no software to configure makes this device easy to use.
Note: The EN104TP version of the EN104 provides no BNC or AUI connection.
The Netgear EN104TP Ethernet Hub comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

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Dell TrueMobile 2300 Wireless Broadband Router, Model WX-5565D Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought that router because the cable modem from Comcast is crap, so I need a router to share the internet connection with other computers at home.
I am so glad that router is cheap because it's not an newest model, but it works well. It's not 802.11n but it's enough for me at this moment.

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Netgear WGR101 Cable/DSL Wireless Travel Router Review

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(More customer reviews)I applaud Netgear for being first to market with this device (the only other I know of is the Apple Airport Express), designed for geeky business travellers. There've been many times when I've been in a hotel with wired Internet access but wanted to use my laptop across the room in bed, or in a conference room with one wired network drop and a handful of people who wanted to use it. Travelling with a 30-foot cable and/or a multi-port switch is no fun. This device is light and tiny, has a modest-sized power adapter, and even comes with a short cable for connecting to a wired port and a zippered carrying case for all of that plus your pc-card NIC.
If you're not concerned with security and have your wireless NIC set to do DHCP basically all you do is plug it in and you're all set. Configuring the device is kind of a pain though: you can only connect to it wirelessly, so if you forget the SSID after setting it not to broadcast, or forget the WEP key, you have to use the reset button and start over (make sure you hold it down a good 10 seconds, just pressing it once quickly doesn't work).
It doesn't act quite like a typical router despite some product literature I've read: on a hotel network it doesn't provide firewall or NAT security--keep in mind if the hotel assigns you a public IP you're bare naked on the Internet.
Although the physical switch on the unit that puts it in config or single-/multi-user mode is a neat idea for security, it gave me a lot of problems having to reassociate or power cycle the device after changing settings. Given that in its default state it's a pass-through device like a bridge and has no IP address, there may not be a significantly better way though.
I had little to no luck using this device with my home router or cable modem, but on a hotel wired access point it was seamless including VPN connectivity (unlike my Netgear MR814 at home). Range is very good even through walls and floors/ceilings. I got mine for about half price after rebates which, I think, just barely makes it worth it. If you like to have the latest gadget, and especially if you travel, this is less of a pain and certainly niftier than carrying around a 30-foot cable and/or hub.

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Have you ever felt like using a wired Ethernet connection in your hotel room was not much fun?Was the desk or chair uncomfortable, and sitting on the bed or soft chair preferable while accessing the Internet wirelessly?Have you ever wished to have convenient wireless access for a group of people in a conference room?NETGEAR has the perfect solution for your wireless Internet access needs away from home.The WGR101 54 Mbps Wireless Travel Router is as small as a deck of cards, yet provides 54 Mbps wireless Internet access as well as routing functionality and security.Use an external switch to select configuration, or to enable either single or multi-user access.A convenient carrying case is included in which to carry the traveler's router along with other essentials.

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Hawking Broadband Booster (HBB1) Review

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(More customer reviews)Pros: Works as advertised - makes better use of limited upstream bandwidth.
Cons: A bit black-boxy. Not a whole lot of info out there on how it works - some reviewers test it all wrong.
Despite the lack of solid information, I took the plunge and got one - and I'm glad I did. In my opinion, this is the most innovative home networking product I've seen since the first broadband router came out.
Installation was a breeze - all you do is hook it up. It is the size of a deck of cards with 3 connections (network in, network out and a tiny transformer). Plug it in and it tests your upstream line speed. About 30 seconds later, the 4 lights come on and the thing is up and running.
One thing Hawking did which is really nice, is the last LED goes from green (indicating standard traffic) to bright, super intense blue when the booster does something to optimize the network traffic. Let me tell you, once it is plugged in, you'd be surprised how much that light stays blue.
What this thing does is to prioritize outgoing traffic. Outgoing, you say. Who cares, right? That's what I said until I hooked this thing up. The small, outgoing broadband upstream pipe (usually 128k - 384k) is pretty overloaded with all the Internet-aware applications we're all running these days, and the pipe gets used pretty inefficiently.
The official press states that the booster prioritizes the traffic, so more "time sensitive" requests such as voice-over-IP, gaming and certain UDP packets are sent out first. Bumped to the bottom are the HTTP web page requests, FTP traffic and so forth. This is seems to do as advertised.
What was not advertised (and was quite surprising) is what happened when only ONE machine is on the network. We turned on my wife's computer and she connected to work via a Citrix connection - which is always extremely slow even when noone else is on the network. I shut down all the other machines on the network to ensure it was as slow as normal, then I installed the booster. When she reconnected, the booster's little blue light came on and hardly went out. The remote session became as responsive as working with a non-remote machine! Three days later, she is still happy. Now I'm just guessing, but it seems as if the booster is not only prioritizing, but is actually combining the barrage of small, outgoing packets of data into larger ones.
I didn't go crazy and bog down the network with a ton of artificial activity - plenty of other folks have tried that. I did fire up two more machines with browsers and my XBox Live. They had no effect on the Citrix session and my XBox Live session (voice and gaming) seemed a bit more zippy than normal.
A friend at work did some similar tests on his network and was equally blown away by the results.
Bottom line... I'd whole-heartily recommend this to anyone who:
1. Has more than one machine running on their home network. I'm guessing it would help a lot if you had kids doing any sort of file sharing.
2. Has a single machine performing a lot of Internet-related activity that you want prioritized (e.g. FTP's to the back of the line).
3. Anyone who runs remote connections a lot - I will definitely be recommending this to folks at work that complain about slow Citrix and Remote Desktop connections.

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BROADBAND BOOSTER

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Zoom ADSL X6 5590 - Wireless router - DSL - 4-port switch - ATM - 802.11b/g - desktop Review

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(More customer reviews)I worked for a small ISP/Telephone Company and this is the modem we installed in every new DSL install we performed. We sold several speeds of DSL over the years from 1.0Mbps to 12Mbps. Once our service hit 3Mbps standard the older modems would die from overheating. These Zoom's never had any issues. Company wide in several thousand installs over three years I had to replace around 6 of these and most of the time the problem was determined to have been a lightening strike. Since leaving the company a couple of years ago, I have used my x6 as a wireless router since all we can get is cable broadband. I disabled the DHCP to allow my cable modem to handle that task and it has worked like a charm and saved me the $50 or so for a stand alone wireless router. Every few months our Wii won't connect and we have to reset the modem. This is most likely a Wii issue since the easiest way to get a new IP assigned to the Wii is to just reset the router. My only issue is now the wireless G technology is outdated by N, but I've never had any issues even with the Wii, a couple of laptops and a Wifi enabled cell phone connected. We even stream Netflix over this thing on a regular basis and never have any issues other than the occasional blip probably on the Netflix side. I'm not sure where all the negative comments come from, but I've had a great experience. To top it off, the last firmware update was in fact October of 2008 and the website is still up.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Zoom ADSL X6 5590 - Wireless router - DSL - 4-port switch - ATM - 802.11b/g - desktop

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NETGEAR FWG114P ProSafe 802.11g Wireless VPN Firewall 4-Port 10/100 Switch with USB Server Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've applied the new flash upgrade, and performance is still quite good. Most of my comments from January still apply. Setup is quick, Citrix & terminal services work without modification, and I can connect to my main office via Cisco VPN client. Games are still working too.
As with most vendors, I suspect you'll have better compatibility if you use a Netgear WiFi NIC with this unit. I can get it to work with a Cisco Aironet NIC, but I cannot get WPA encryption to work. WEP (for what it's worth) works, but I'll probably have to spring for the corresponding Netgear NIC if I want to move to WPA.
The print server took a hit with the flash upgrade, however. Now it will only work as long as the PCs using it never reboot. If they do, you lose the connection to the print server until the firewall is rebooted. Tech support has been, um, less than helpful in resolving the issue. For that reason, my rating still stands at 4 stars. I strongly recommend you check the printer compatibility list on Netgear's site before you count on this as a print server.
A couple of other notes:
- The firewall is solid. I'm a networking guy, and I've tried to hack my way in a couple of times. Nothing's perfect, but this is a good solution in the home or very small business market. The worst I've been able to do against this unit is a denial of service, which disabled the Internet connection to my home network until I rebooted the unit.
- If you plan to use MSN Messenger 6.2 and/or Windows XP's Remote Assistance, you'll need to enable UPnP on this unit, which is a bit annoying, but more of a Microsoft issue.
- The e-mail logging is VASTLY improved over that of the previous flash. My logs are much more manageable, and the number of false-positive security alert messages is minimal.
- You can now create up to two remote access VPN tunnels with the new flash. I tried it and it works, although as a home user I can't imagine ever needing that feature. Difficult to set up, though, so unless you have a solid understanding of IPSEC VPN protocols, good luck.
Still, I believe this is a good unit for a home office. For me, combining the functions of print server, wireless access point, and hardware firewall into a single device make it worth the price.

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NETGEAR FVS338 ProSafe VPN Firewall 50 Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought 2 of these for vpn tunnel between 2 offices, after updating to the june 2007 firmware everything worked like a charm. I share IP based phone system, Ip based camera system, and exchange servers between the two offices, the vpn works great between both offices. Everything works no problems. Maybe this model had problems before but it seems great to me now... Oh another thing I called up netgear support to help me setup the vpn and they practically setup my vpn on both ends by remote login. They made sure everything worked and even called me next day to make sure everything was working fine. All I did later was change the passwords and the vpn key. Overall a good buy.

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50 VPN Tunnels for Encrypted Remote Access.NETGEAR's ProSafe™ VPN Firewall with Dial Back-up is a SNMP-Manageable, high-performance network solution that furnishes multidimensional security. Fully equipped and broadband-capable, this Virtual Private Network (VPN) firewall comes with connection insurance: a built-in serial port for dial-up access. This practical feature means your business can maintain operation if your broadband Internet connection fails.It lets you retain an analog modem for emergency backup and also provides a migration path from analog to broadband, making the transition effortless.High on security, this true firewall provides Denial of Service (DoS) protection and Intrusion Detection using Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), URL keyword filtering, logging, reporting, and real-time alerts. It supports up to 50 IPSec VPN tunnels simultaneously using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), reducing your operating costs and improving the security of your network. With 8 auto-sensing, Auto Uplink switched LAN ports and Network Address Translation (NAT) routing, up to 253 users can access your broadband connection at the same time.

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NETGEAR WN121T RangeMax Next Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This USB adapter will cause your sound card to stutter in a horrible manner. Many users on the netgear forum are reporting this issue and NETGEAR is not fixing this problem.
This is not a problem with XP/Vista IRQ conflicts (I went through the process of verifying this myself, which requires me to re-install XP to get my hyper threading support back). This is 100% a NETGEAR issue.

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The NETGEAR WN121T RangeMax Next Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter makes it simple for you to provide the highest speed wireless internet access to your computer, whether it is a desktop or notebook, letting you surf the web, check email, stream music, make internet phone calls, and get a leg up on opponents when playing online games.
Easy to Carry, Easier to Setup Small and easy to pack in a bag, the WN121T is an elegantly designed thin white box with rounded corners that stands upright on your desk and has built-in storage for the USB cable. The adapter supports Windows Vista and is also compatible with Windows XP and 2000 SP4. The WN111 features a USB 2.0 connection for wide compatibility and high speeds, and setup is as simple as installing the included software and plugging the USB connector into an available port.
Fast, Backwards Compatible, and Secure The NETGEAR WN121T uses the Wireless-N protocol (based on 802.11n draft) for speeds up to 300 Mbps and a range ten times that of 802.11g adapters when paired with a NETGEAR Wireless-N Router. 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 WN121T 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 WN121T RangeMax Next Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box WN121T RangeMax Next Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter, installation guide, setup CD, warranty/support information card.

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NETGEAR FVS318 ProSafe VPN Firewall 8 with 8-Port 10/100 Switch Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been using the Netgear FVS318 router firewall for over a month now with not one glitch. For the money, this is an amazing bargain considering it is a true SPI firewall and a certified ipsec VPN endpoint for eight tunnels included with a eight port switch! The quality of Netgear products are also commendable.
We had it up and running in less than fifteen minutes. My son configured two ipsec vpn tunnels with his friends networks using Linksys VPN routers in short order and I have one configured to my Windows 2000 computer at work that is behind a nat router using Windows 2000 built in ipsec capabilities. All three of our ipsec tunnels have proven to be reliable. I also have no problems using remote desktop through port 3389 or going to my pptp Windows 2000 vpn server through port 1723 behind the FVS318.
We have not experienced any of the problems that other reviewers have, but we have experience configuring these kinds of devices. The FVS318 has fairly extensive built in logging though it does not store much information itself but it can be configured to transfer log information to another computer and can even send you an email alert if certain attacks are detected. It has configurable services based on ports and protocols that are used to create port forwarding to inbound services and block outbound services. However you are limited to 16 services. It can control outbound traffic which is very important to defend against undetected trojans or users [and kids] running things like file swapping or other unapproved applications that access the internet. Internet access can be even controlled by a day/time schedule. If your network is fairly simple, a default block all rule could be created [which must be at the end of the list] and then you can specify what outbound services are allowed. It is also possible to deny a computer or address range of computers from having internet access while allowing others full access. Though the block services is a great addition to this device, it is somewhat limited if you have more than a few variations of configurations compared to a more sophisticated [and much more expensive] soho firewall, and the services can not be configured to use certain ip address/subnet destinations for outbound control which should not be a big deal for most home/small office users. However inbound services/port mapping can be configure to come from specific ip address/subnet. That is an important security feature. For instance if you open an internal computer for remote managment, you can configure the FVS318 to accept connections from only one ip address, which will keep everyone else on the internet from trying to connect and guess your password!
I am very impressed with the Netgear FVS318. Being a true SPI firewall and ipsec VPN endpoint with all the other feaures it has in a quality package, I can highly recommend it to anyone that wants a bargain priced internet device that is a big step up from the consumer grade nat routers.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR FVS318 ProSafe VPN Firewall 8 with 8-Port 10/100 Switch

The NETGEAR FVS318 ProSafe VPN Firewall 8 with 8-Port 10/100 Switch offers the small office a space-saving design combining wired connectivity, a NAT router, VPN appliance, SPI firewall, and an eight-port 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switch.
Wired and Wireless Connectivity The FVS318 has a built-in switch, with eight 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing, Auto Uplink ports. With Network Address Translation (NAT) routing, up to 253 users can simultaneously access your connection.
High-class Security For businesses that require more than just a simple NAT router, the FVS318 offers significantly more protection. It provides: a Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall to prevent Denial of Service attacks, an Intrusion Detection System (IDS), the ability to block Java/URL/ActiveX based on extension, and FTP/SMTP/RPC program filtering.
The FVS318 has eight dedicated VPN tunnels to protect links between remote locations, encrypting the data between them. IPSec-based encryption up to 256 bit is also supported. This lets you easily create secure connections to branch offices or mobile workforces.
Easy Setup Even with all the functionality the FVS318 provides, NETGEAR makes setup a breeze with the intuitive Smart Wizard that connects you to your ISP quickly. The web-based configuration screen is easy-to-use and requires no additional software. DHCP and PPPoE support makes widespread deployment simple.
The NETGEAR FVS318 ProSafe VPN Firewall 8 with 8-Port 10/100 Switch is backed by a 3-year warranty.
What's in the Box FVS318 ProSafe VPN Firewall, power adapter, category 5 ethernet cable, installation guide, resource CD, warranty/support information card.

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NETGEAR WGT624NA Wireless G Firewall Router Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A month ago I bought the Netgear WGT624 Version 2 wireless "Super G" router, on the basis that it was affordable and that Netgear had always given me good service. Having professionally installed networks in the past, I have always been happy with Netgear's commercial products and was expecting this one to be the same quality. The router was super easy to install and set up, their setup wizard was great, and when it worked, the router was blazing fast. I only got to use the cable connections, never got time to setup a wireless connection. As other reviewers have said, it was setup and running within five minutes of plugging it in.
***CAVEAT*** - It worked GREAT for two days, then began to randomly drop the LAN connections, resulting in the dreaded "Network Cable Unplugged" message (search for "netgear wgt624 network cable unplugged" or search Netgear's forums for pages of similar complaints with no resolutions). This got worse, beginning at a few times per day, finally getting down to every few minutes - it now only worked a few times per day! After a week of swapping NIC's, cables, and confirming settings, I finally broke down and e-mailed Netgear tech support - who was kind enough to reply after two days with the same things I had already tried (confirm settings, hardware reset, update firmware, etc.), and a request for more detailed system info if the problem persisted. Even with the most current firmware release, it would not work reliably - so I sent them back every detail they had requested but got no response after a week.
When I finally called them, I got their tech support department in India who confirmed that I was eligible for free tech support (they only offer it for 90 days from purchase, then you have to pay) and then began to go over the e-mails we'd swapped. After 10 minutes with no luck, he suggested that I try the Beta version of the firmware release, AND that this beta version would void my Netgear warranty. After making this suggestion, he said goodbye and hung up in the middle of the conversation. When I immediately called back to India, I got a different tech and was told that I was already out of the 90 day free tech support period (I bought the router a month ago mind you) and that I would have to pay for any support or to get the router replaced under the warranty. After some argument, he finally agreed to help me, but found that the router was indeed defective - and pointed out that there is a known problem with these particular models and he could not guarantee that a replacement would work any better.
In order to get the router replaced under the warranty, I would have had to fax or mail my receipt to India (not a toll free #), and wait a week for them to confirm that my Router was within the warranty. After this was done, I would have to call them back and PAY for the "Extended Tech Support," since their computer showed that my router was out of the 90 day free support period (again, it was only a month old). If this return call to tech support proved that my router was defective, I would then get an RMA and have to either ship the defective router to India at my expense and wait three weeks for them to ship a refurbished replacement unit back, or pay them $30 to have a replacement shipped to me first, then ship the defective unit back to them at my expense.
***SOLUTION*** - I returned the router and bought another brand. In searching the Internet, I found that the equivalent D-Link model (the DI-624) has strikingly similar problems so I bought a Linksys and have been happy thus far. I agree with the reviews that the Linksys is not quite as foolproof to set up, but it's worked great for two days now. We'll see.

Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR WGT624NA Wireless G Firewall Router

Wireless networking is constantly evolving, and the need for increasingly faster speeds and greater range is not only sought after, but expected. If better wireless speed and range with consistent wireless connections is what you're looking for, then NETGEAR has you covered with the WGT624 Super-G Wireless Router. With this handy device you'll have no more dropped connections, and you can kiss dead spots goodbye.
This compact, stylish router provides a simple and secure way to share your high-speed Internet connection. The WGT624 has a 4-port switch, and delivers twice the speed and four times the coverage of the standard Wireless-G protocol. And to achieve maximum performance, NETGEAR suggests using Super-G wireless adapters, such as the Super-G Wireless PC Card, Super-G Wireless PCI Adapter, or the Super-G Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter.
If security is a concern, you can rest easy knowing that your network is being powered by this router. Designed to be configurable for private networks or public hotspots, the WGT624 features double Firewall protection to defend your computer from external hacker attacks. And with Touchless Wi-Fi Security, this device makes securing your network a breeze.
The routing protocols for the WGT624 are both static and dynamic routing. This device works with most Internet gaming and instant messaging applications, and other applications that support Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for automatic Internet access. Other functions include:
Automatic ISP detection
Exposed Host (DMZ)
MAC address authentication
Time-based usage controls
"Trusted User" controls
URL content filtering
Logs and e-mail alerts of Internet
Wireless Access Control
Wi-Fi Protected access (WPA)
Pre-shared Key remote management
Setup is made quick and easy with the Smart Wizard install software. System requirements include a broadband (cable or DSL) Internet Service and a modem with an Ethernet connection; 2.4 GHz wireless adapter or Ethernet adapter and cable for each computer; Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, 2000, NT, Me, 98, 95, or other operating systems running a TCP/IP network; and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher, Netscape 4.7 or higher, or Firefox 1.0 or higher, and Safari for Mac. Microsoft Vista Beta drivers are available at www.netgear.com/vista.
What's in the Box NETGEAR WGT624 Super-G Wireless Router, setup CD, power adapter, Ethernet cable, vertical stand, setup guide, and warranty/support information card.

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NETGEAR WG602 54 Mbps 802.11g Wireless Access Point Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this item, because, on the back of the box, it shows the WG602 being used as a bridge to connect to a WGT624 access point. This is extremely misleading, and well, plain wrong, as a couple of other reviewers have pointed out. I was on the phone with extremely unhelpful tech support (that they outsourced to India, I believe), and it took several hours of run-around for the support guy to actually admit that the two products are not compatible (he had to ask someone else). Had he researched this properly in the beginning, hours would have been saved. I was eventually informed (after being told to upgrade firware, change numerous settings, etc.) that the WG602 would only bridge to another WG602. THE BACK OF THE BOX IS WRONG! Don't buy this if you're looking for a bridge that's compatible with any other AP.

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The NETGEAR WG602 54 Mbps 802.11g Wireless Access Point 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 54 Mbps. Note that to share an internet connection you will need a router into which you can plug the WG602 access point. If you do not have a router, consider NETGEAR's Wireless-G Router WGR614."
Easy Setup The WG602 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 WG602 offers a myriad of placement options by including a stand for vertical placement and slots on the bottom for mounting on a wall or ceiling. The default 2 dBi omnidirectional antenna can be removed and you can install an external antenna most suited for your needs onto the standard SMA connector.
The WG602 employs a web-based interface for configuration, allowing you to adjust settings such as the beacon interval, RTS threshold, and DTIM interval. The firmware is also upgradeable via the web interface so you can be sure your access point will always be up-to-date.
Fast and Secure Supporting the 802.11g standard, the NETGEAR WG602 offers data speeds of up to 54 Mbps, making it possible to share a broadband internet connection, stream music without hiccups, watch videos with less load time, and videoconference without problems. Downloading files is up to five times faster than it was with 802.11b. If you still have computers that use 802.11b, don't fret as the access point is backwards compatible with the older wireless standard and can be set so all your computers can connect to the network and the WG602 will automatically figure out the connection type and work accordingly.
The WG602 offers many security options to ensure your data is private. Both 40/64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption is available, as well as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2-PSK). You can also use MAC address authentication to allow only authorized users onto the network.
Bridge and Repeater Mode In addition to functioning as an access point, the WG602 can also be used as a bridge and as a repeater. Used as a bridge, the device allows you to connect two LANS wirelessly; as a repeater, your wireless signal's range is extended so even the remote corners of your home or office can be covered.
The NETGEAR WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box WG602 54 Mbps Wireless Access Point, vertical stand, power adapter, Ethernet cable, resource CD, user's guide, warranty/support information card.

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D-Link DI-714P+ Wireless Cable/DSL Router, 4-Port Switch, Prnt Server, 802.11b, 22Mbps Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Setup: fairly straightforward. There is a "wizard" setup for those who don't like to go through every single option screen. The screen navigation is laid out in a simple, but not intuitive manner - it takes a few moments to realize the buttons on the left change with tab options at the top, but the buttons on the left don't change if there are multiple screens on the right (like "next page" or a button to press). There is no "go back a page" - they expect you to hit the button to the right that is still visible. All my complaining about that aside - it's as easy, if not easier, to navigate and find settings than both netgear and linksys.
Print server: no setup available on the router - it either is or is not plugged in. Software setup for PC works fine. Did not try it with linux yet.
Wireless: finally, something that works with 64/128 bit WEP. Netgear never worked. Linksys was so-so. This works. NOTE: For those who want to limit ACCESS to the WIRELESS by MAC ADDRESS - this unit cannot do it. It can limit by MAC to the INTERNET, but that will also limit who can attach to the unit, both with wireless and with a physical connection. Most other units only use this filter to limit access to the wireless portion. If used, you have to put in all the machines connecting to it - both wireless and physical....
Firewall: Syslog, email logs available. Nice. SPI works. DMZ support. Passthrough ports available. Works great with my nortel VPN client (this is always a good test of PPTP and so on).
FIRMWARE NOTE: I had the hardest time getting this thing to work with windows terminal services. No matter what setting I used, it would lock up then drop the connection until I rebooted the router (software reboot). Some settings would go longer, but I could get it to lock up within 2 minutes. Nothing seemed to fix it - a few people have reported this on the internet, but since most people aren't using the terminal services part of windows on a regular basis - they would never know it.
The fix was to load the 1.22 firmware, not the 1.23 that came with it. This REMOVES the 802.1X authentication tab (some type of shared radius key BS - if you want radius support, get a REAL wireless device) and it removes the 4X mode for the B+ series of wireless adapters (which I do not have anyway).
TO LOAD FIRMWARE: you would need to run either executable (one for MAC or the other for PC) OR use the web browser to upload the file (requires either java or activeX - not sure) because it opens up the "open file" dialog box - meaning - experimental browsers, like those in my beloved linux box - don't work well with this. ALSO - it states in no unclear terms DO NOT UPGRADE USING A WIRELESS LINK. Use a hard wired computer. I went from 1.23 to 1.22 and back and forth and so on testing this remote desktop issue.
FINAL FIX: load 1.23, hit the button to reset the router to the defaults, load 1.22, reboot, hit the button to reset the router to the defaults, then type all your configuration back in.
Why the crazy steps? If you loaded 1.23, typed ANYTHING in the boxes that aren't available in 1.22 - it remembers and will cause problems, even though that option isn't availble in 1.22 (I tried this - several times for fun). 1.23 -> load setup defaults -> load 1.22 -> load setup defaults -> configure.
Live without their crippled version of RADIUS (if you don't know what this is you don't need it) and who cares about the crappy 4X mode for the B+ stuff? Another marketing ploy anyway.
Bottom line - with some experimentation, I figured out the firmware thing. IT has worked BETTER than the linksys ever did (can we say firmware of the week?) and improved over the netgears I have used (you can print and not be disconnected from the internet - thanks a lot netgear).
4 stars because firmware is supposed to fix stuff, and their two listed updates should not have affected the RDP stuff in 2000/XP. But it did.

Click Here to see more reviews about: D-Link DI-714P+ Wireless Cable/DSL Router, 4-Port Switch, Prnt Server, 802.11b, 22Mbps

D-LINK DI-714P+ - The AirPlus Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Router combines next generation 802.11b Digital Signal Processing ( DSP ) technology from Texas Instruments with D-Link's own robust firewall security features, for simple installation and comprehensive management settings.Fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11b standard, and interoperable with all existing 802.11b compliant devicesSupports 64/128/256-bit WEP encryptionBuilt-In Print Server -Includes Parallel port to connect a printer, along with Windows based print server software applicationDimensions -1.3H x 6.5W x 9.25L; weighs about 2 poundsThree year limited warranty

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NETGEAR WNR834B-100NAS Wireless N Router Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I doubt I have ever had as much indecision in arriving at what I consider to be the most appropriate star rating for any item I've reviewed. I do not claim to be a networking savant however I do have enough of a background that I felt confident that I could create a security-enabled network with only a moderate degree of frustration. And, if I thought through the process, I could have, but that blurb on the box about easy setup lured me in. Step one to achieving that objective would have been to dispense with any attempt to find documentation and then setting aside the resource CD. Even if you are acquainted with networking, just call technical support from the outset, endure the requisite hold time and allow the support personnel to walk you through the installation. Yes, telephone support is outsourced to India however my impression is in this instance they are quite helpful, probably from plenty of practice.
The 834B employs 802.11n draft standards and is backwards compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g as well as Ethernet connectivity. My installation utilizes "g" and Ethernet. Marketing documents claims include transmission speeds of up to 270Mbps and accommodation of security protocols WEP, WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK. For some devices, security may be constrained to the base standard of WEP due to connectivity and wish I had known that before I started. In any event, with the protocol I finally ended up with, a passphrase of between 8-63 characters is required and clear definition of with security key to be used must be designated at Netgear's router configuration site. Obviously, one also has to select a network name, define a channel and hope for the best. And then do it all over again when that channel fails to be recognized and you are locked into local connectivity only. It's likely that you will have to go through search and seek scenario three times before success in realized, assuming the chosen security option is valid, the passphrase is correctly constructed and all of your devices are supported. The "Smart Wizard" interface from the CD will get you the site but from there you're pretty much on your own and the site itself is not very intuitive. So, as mentioned above, unless you are familiar with all of the nuances, sublimate the ego and just make the call. For me, the time I would have saved outweighs the satisfaction of completing the installation without assistance.

My ambiguity on the rating is predicated my experience in getting the network up and running. Thus far (3 months), I couldn't be more pleased with the hardware. I rate it 5 stars. I do not encounter any significant episodes of signal loss, line drops or disconnects. I have two PCs communicating via 3rd party wireless adapters and another linked by Ethernet to a Netgear access point/Bridge. For the same reason, I can't accurately estimate the broadcast range of the router exclusively, but for those who might be interested, the NETGEAR HD/Gaming 5 GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit (WNHDEB111) is impressive AND, easy to install on an existing network. The documentation and support material resident on the CD is near to worthless, I rate it "1" star because "0" is not an option. Customer Technical support rates "3" stars as the technicians seem to know their stuff but you will spend more than a few minutes on hold. So, I end up with an overall rating of "4" since in my view, the reliability of the hardware is the primary concern.


Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR WNR834B-100NAS Wireless N Router

The NETGEAR WNR834B RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router 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 270 Mbps. You can stream music and video, make internet phone calls, videoconference, and surf the web, all at the same time.
Easy Setup The WNR834B 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 WNR834B includes a stand for vertical placement.
The WNR834B 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 WNR834B complies with the latest 802.11n draft specification which allows for speeds up to 270 Mbps. By utilizing MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) technology, the WNR834B 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 WNR834B will automatically figure out the connection type and work accordingly.
The router also has four RJ-45 Ethernet ports in the back for connecting computers to the network via a wired connection.
Security Made Easy The WNR834B 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 WNR834B 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.
Repeater Mode The router can be set in repeater mode which allows you to use it to extend the range of an existing wireless network.
The NETGEAR WNR834B RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box WNR834B RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router, power adapter, Ethernet cable, stand, setup CD, warranty/support information card.

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NETGEAR SPH200W WiFi Phone with Skype Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This review concerns only the SPH200W; I don't know anything about the earlier SPH101.
I was hesitant to buy this product based on reviews, but I went ahead and got it, expecting to have to do some troubleshooting.
The product has been completely satisfactory to me. The phone is adequately sturdy, battery life is quite long long (I power the phone down when I'm on the move to keep it from searching for networks, and I get 3-5 workdays of standby out of one charge), and call quality is fine. Incoming call clarity is superb; outgoing clarity isn't always great because of the mic placement and quality on this phone. Setting up the phone is easy and intuitive. The phone connects quickly and reliably to networks, and options for preferred networks, entering passphrases, etc., are many and easy. Making calls is very easy. As is clearly indicated on this product's box, there's no onboard web browser, so you can't authenticate on a network using a browser. If you just have to register hardware on a network you use (like I do at work), that's easy - use your computer to register, or just tell your IT person the MAC address of your phone, which is under the battery.
You can charge the phone using the included cradle which receives a male USB mini-A plug, or you can plug a USB mini-A cable directly into the phone. Netgear supplies you with an AC adapter which plugs into the wall and terminates with mini-A, so you can charge this phone like you would any mobile phone. There's also an A- to mini-A USB cable in the box, so you can charge from your computer if you need to. Both methods work with either the cradle or without it. Very versatile charging options.
Here's what I think will be useful to potential buyers -
Netgear's support is mediocre at best, and I couldn't get any info. from them about compatible headsets or batteries. Don't buy this phone expecting excellent support from the manufacturer. I did some legwork, and much research later, I have answers:
"Standard" headsets don't work with the SPH200W. You need a 4-pole plug, to start, and then not all headsets of this description will work. Nokia headsets have worked for me - I bought an HS-47 for peanuts, and it works great. This significantly improved outgoing call quality.
Batteries. No help from Netgear on this one, I'm sad to say. The battery for the SPH200W is lithium, 3.7V, and has 900mAh capacity. If you search for batteries which are interchangeable with Nokia BL-5C, you'll find one which will work. The Netgear battery is the shape of the BL-5C, and many BL-5C replacements are 3.7V (vs. 3.6) and some are higher capacity than the stock one (Lenmar makes one which is readily available and works very well with this phone). If you absolutely must have tons of battery life out of this appliance, get an extra battery and you'll be good to go for a long long time.
Other complaints of others:
1) "the speakerphone isn't hi-fi." It's true. Have you heard high-quality sound from a mobile phone's speaker? I never have. This works just fine; I can understand what callers are saying when I use the speaker. I don't listen to lossless audio playback on my phone.
2) "outgoing call quality is poor." Not quite true, though this is the SPH200W's weak point. It's often just as clear as a digital/cell connection, but sometimes it's obscured enough to be annoying. If you want to upgrade, spend a few bucks and get a good headset. If this still doesn't satisfy you, wait for the next generation of wi-fi phone technology.
3) "battery life is terrible." Not true. If "less than 9 days of standby" is "terrible," then I guess I can see what folks are saying here. You get plenty of talk/standby time out of this battery, and it's very easy to keep it charged up with all the options you have. Extra batteries are also easy to come by.
I'm glad Netgear is producing VoIP equipment. This is a good piece, and I recommend it to anyone who is weaning him/herself from a 2-year wireless contract.

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Unlimited Free Wireless Calls to Skype Users, Without a PC. Make and receives Skype phone calls wherever you have Wi-Fi access. Works with most leading Wi-Fi hotspot providers including T-Mobile USA. Lets you talk for free to other Skype users without a PC. Calls any phone worldwide at low SkypeOut rates and NO MONTHLY FEES. Works with security protected home WiFi networks. The SPH200W is compatible with leading hotspot providers that support the WISPr (Wireless Internet Service Provider Roaming) protocol, including T-Mobile USA. A list of WISPr hotspots can be found at www.netgear.com/hotspots. NETGEAR neither operates nor guarantees the continual availability or compatibility of Wi-Fi hotspots. Subscription or usage fees may apply for Wi-Fi hotspot usage. Wi-Fi hot-spots requiring browser-based authentication are not supported. For calls made through Skype and/or the SkypeOut service. Terms and conditions of the Skype services are subject to change at any time in the sole discretion of Skype Limited. The Skype service is offered and operated solely by Skype, and NETGEAR does not guarantee Skype service availability, quality or pricing. No emergency callingemergency calls will need to be made by alternative methods. This phone will not function during a power failure or broadband outage. Use of Skype software, SkypeOut and/or SkypeIn is subject to Skypes terms of service and end user license agreement.

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Cisco-Linksys Power Over Ethernet Adapter Kit Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Linksys makes a version of this unit ( WAPPOE12 ) - that is designed for 12 volt systems.

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