The basic setup routine for the Netgear RangeMax router is a simple and straightforward process that takes only a few minutes. A CD that ships with the unit includes a setup wizard that automatically loads when you insert the disc into your computer's optical drive, then guides you through a short series of onscreen prompts. If you're an advanced user, you can bypass the wizard and connect directly to the RangeMax's browser-based configuration tool. A handy URL that is clearly listed on the printed setup guide points your computer's browser directly to the tool.
Although you can't see it, the RangeMax router's most interesting feature is the MIMO technology on the unit's circuit board. Whereas Belkin and Linksys have opted for Airgo's MIMO solution, Netgear is the first major networking vendor to stake its bet on a new MIMO solution developed by Video54. Airgo's solution requires three external antennas, while the Video54 solution built into the Netgear unit includes seven internal antennas built right into the unit's circuit board. The unit's seven antennas help the router counteract the negative impact of interference by reconfiguring themselves on the fly to adjust to changing environmental conditions. If the signal of one of the transceiving antennas becomes weak, the unit automatically searches for a better signal from the other antennas and adjusts accordingly. Blue LEDs on the top of the unit switch on and off, telling you which antennas are transmitting at any given moment.
The router's browser-based configuration tool includes all the basics; it is host to a number of advanced networking options, including Dynamic DNS support, which helps you set up your own Web site; DMZ assignments, useful for playing games or teleconferencing over the Internet; and URL blocking and logging, which is nice if you want to keep tabs on sites accessed from your network. Security features include an integrated firewall and MAC address filtering, as well as WEP and WPA encryption.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
 |
Thoughput in Mbps measured indoors at 200 feet |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
CNET Labs ran the Netgear RangeMax router through its paces, and what they found was generally positive. Running neck and neck with Belkin's Pre-N router, Netgear's RangeMax broadened the ranks for the fastest routers we've seen to date when transferring data at close range. The RangeMax router also performed very well in CNET Labs' range tests, delivering 34.8Mbps at 200 feet, just less than the 36.4Mbps we clocked with Belkin's Pre-N unit. The Labs' mixed-mode tests unearthed the router's main performance weakness: when legacy 802.11b adapters join the network, the RangeMax router takes a significant performance hit, falling to a maximum throughput of just 15.5Mbps.
Netgear's new line of MIMO-based products also includes the WPN511 RangeMax Wireless PC Card for notebooks (AU$149), the WPN311 RangeMax Wireless PCI Adapter for desktops (AU$149) and the WPN111 RangeMax Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (AU$169).
CNET.com.au's Jeremy Roche contributed to this review
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sworded_lion26
03/02/2008, 08:00 PM
rating
3/10
works for a little bit then just loses ability to use internet. the technical support is net to useless
Pros: works well when it actually works
Cons: fails all the time.
technical support is useless
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tanya
01/01/2008, 02:28 AM
rating
8/10
overall good although when i take laptop to sitting room only get 2 bars poor strenth
Pros: good system
Cons: blue light can be turned of at back of router
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Jblue
10/11/2007, 07:23 PM
rating
3/10
No way to connect to my corporate VPN.
Pros: Cool lights.
Cons: Does not function. Will not allow me to connect with my companies vpn. Not port forwarding, or anything works.
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matt231
15/09/2007, 11:49 AM
rating
8/10
Good Router, but definately does not live up to he "10X" more coverage without correct USB adaptors BUT still works well on my Portege M500
Pros: Reasonably good range throughout my large two story home, reasonable speed.
Cons: tends to be a bit unstable sometimes
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dolphin203
14/08/2007, 07:19 AM
rating
9/10
Excellent range improvement over my netgear 54mbps "G" router. My Accoustics Internet Radio now works across the house to the farthest room.
Pros: Great speed increase using my Qosmio Laptop. And setup was picture perfect.
Cons: Cannot get the WPN824 and the Ma521 in my Thinkpad 385 to work. Goes through the scanning motions after recognizing the network, but no connection. Netgear says no compatibility problem. Have not had a response from IBM. I'm thinking the 233mhz Thinkpad may be the problem.
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demyan22
12/07/2007, 08:14 AM
rating
3/10
Poor effort by NEtgear
Cons: DO NOT UPGRADE FIRMWARE IF OUT OF WARRANTY. Netgear tech tells me, after the fact, that if the firmware does not upgrade properly then it can damage the hardware, they will not replace if out of warranty, even though they recommened you update it.... gets me. Be prepared to be on hold for an hour for tech support in Oz. I now need to buy a new Router!
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petros4x4
21/04/2007, 04:44 PM
rating
9/10
very nice....i have solved all my problems.....i just give it a nine....the only problem is that it gives you the impression that there is something better....the best g-router....
Pros: good price,stable,fast even at a long range,nice leds(even some people say that they are annoying),no external antenas to worry about,reliable,MIMO,good design....
Cons: 2 year old model-now you can find better security...only up to 108mbps....-gives the impression that there is something better.....BUT is the best g-router you can buy...
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Alex
29/03/2007, 11:16 AM
rating
2/10
An Install Odyssey (part 1) at least for cable users.
Pros: No waiting in queue for support and people knowledgeable.
Cons: 1. Netgear Support, 24x7 but only within business hours Mon-Friday for Australia (not ideal if you are having problems installing it at home)
2. Install Wizard more like a cheap magician, takes for ever to navigate and lacks feedback on errors. Poor you if are an experience user like me.
3. Setup instructions on the manual differ from the online presentation.
4. If you are using Telstra cable, do not even bother with the install CD and contact Netgear Support ASAP as there are specific configuration settings.
5. All this problems and the router is not even connecting to the Internet. I hate to think what other surprises await when I try to use the wireless functions!!
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anonymous
24/01/2007, 10:33 PM
rating
8/10
can this be used as a wirelss bridge to connect to another wpn netgear router to extend coverage?
Pros: fast, good setup
Cons: blue lights can be annoying, tends to get unstable after 8+ users connected
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guric1van
30/11/2006, 12:16 PM
rating
4/10
This router is useless with bittorrents. Freezes up every half hour or so. Not recommended for downloading.
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