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Netgear WPN824 router

Manufacturer: NetGear Inc. Part number: WPN824NA

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$64.90 - $89.99 at 12 online stores

CNET Editor rating:
3.5 stars Very good
Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 184 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: The Netgear RangeMax router is among the best-performing routers we've seen.
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CNET editors' review

Netgear WPN824 router

price range: $64.90 - $89.99

Reviewed by: Xiao Ming Wu
Edited by: Allen Fear
Reviewed on: 04/18/2005
Released on: 03/01/2005

The good: Fast throughput; long range; compact design; seven internal antennas help counteract interference from cordless phones and neighboring networks.

The bad: Twice the price of a standard Wi-Fi router; mediocre performance when used with legacy 802.11b gear.

The bottom line: The Netgear RangeMax router is among the best-performing routers we've seen.

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Editor's note: Due to testing issues, we have retested this product and made the necessary changes to the performance charts. We have not changed the overall Editor's rating.

Netgear's WPN824 RangeMax router is the latest in a growing number of wireless-networking devices to feature high-performance MIMO technology. But the Netgear RangeMax router differs from other MIMO routers we've seen, such as Belkin's Pre-N router and Linksys's SRX router, because it includes a new technology from Video54 that integrates more antennas into the unit and tucks them inside the unit's case. This gives the RangeMax router a more compact design and a sleeker look than its MIMO counterparts. All things considered, we think the RangeMax router is a good value, despite its high price, and it's well worth considering for those in the market for a device with excellent range and strong resistance to interference, such as that from cordless phones or neighboring networks. Our one caveat is that it doesn't perform so well with legacy 802.11b devices. If you have older Wi-Fi gear on your network, consider Belkin's Pre-N router.

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.

CNET Labs maximum throughput tests
(Longer bars indicate better performance)

Netgear WPN824

46.6

Belkin Pre-N router

45.7

D-Link DI-624

44.4

Linksys WRT54GX

43.4

Buffalo Secure Remote Router

37.1

CNET Labs maximum throughput tests with mixed 802.11b/g and MIMO clients
(Longer bars indicate better performance)

Belkin Pre-N router

42.1

Buffalo Secure Remote Router

25.3

Linksys WRT54GX

23.5

Netgear WPN824

23.3

D-Link DI-624 mixed

11.6

CNET Labs long-range tests
(Longer bars indicate better performance)

Belkin Pre-N router

36.4

Netgear WPN824

36.4

Linksys WRT54GX

28.6

D-Link DI-624 mixed

6.2

Buffalo Secure Remote Router

4.1

CNET Labs ran the Netgear RangeMax router through its paces, and what they found was generally positive. Running just slightly ahead of 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 36.4Mbps at 200 feet, tying 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 performance hit, falling to a maximum throughput of just 23.3Mbps.

Netgear's RangeMax router comes with a perfunctory one-year warranty, which pales in comparison to the lifetime coverage you get with Belkin's Pre-N router. Toll-free phone support is available 24/7, but it's available for only 90 days from the date of purchase. Netgear recently gave its support Web site a much-needed makeover, but the site is still more difficult to use and offers fewer resources than other sites, such as those hosted by Linksys and D-Link. A detailed FAQ and user forum for the RangeMax router would be welcome additions. The router's lengthy 174-page reference manual in PDF offers plenty of useful information but lacks important basics, such as warranty specifics and contact information.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 184 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 184

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9 stars

Tops Linksys - Up in 10 minutes - Great Advanced Features

by ivybrick on April 12, 2005

Pros: Easy Setup, Port-Forwarding, No Interferance Issues

Cons: None to-date

Summary: I have been through an exaustive search and finally stumbled upon this gem. I am a software engineer, looking to re-Wifi my home office as a result of my MS ...

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Summary: I have been through an exaustive search and finally stumbled upon this gem. I am a software engineer, looking to re-Wifi my home office as a result of my MS MN-500 failing to work after 2-years.

I immediately went with Linsys due to my experience with Cisco. The latest was the SRX which dropped signal anytime I attempted to download or load a large web page. It was fast when it was up? After 6 hours over 7 calls to Linsys, they told me to go with their A&G product. It installed in about 30 minutes. Detection problems but was eventually up. However, I noticed a flaw in thier firmware where you could not shut off the Remote Management feature. If you own one try it. Without any port forwarding or DMZ set, type your external ip address. They disable and try again. Same thing, always up. Not a good feature. In addition, the port-forwarding was difficult to setup. On top of all of this fun, the same signal drop occurred. This is on 5 different computers with both B & G cards.

In desparation, I went to this site and saw the presentation of the NetGear and read some reviews from other sites. I purchased and set the entire router up with several port-forwarding configuration in less than 10 minutes. I am very excited about the speed, and easy-of-use. This is a must for 1-Wifi-crowded environments; 2-Semi-professional requirements like advanced firewall and forwarding; 3-Novice users who want an easy setup. Just follow the directions and you are up.

For environment particulars:
ISP: Comcast
Security: WEP only 128
Workstations: 3 with 1 Vonage device (directly wired)
Servers: 2 Dell PE
Longest Distance: 30 feet from router in upstairs bedroom.

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38 out of 39 users found this user opinion helpful.
2 stars

Did not have extra range!

by SoCalMike on May 17, 2005

Pros: Same interface as older models

Cons: No range benefit. Rangemax is marketing hype.

Summary: Purchased RangeMax Router and RangeMax Ethernet NIC to replace Netgear WG624 Wireless Router to enhance coverage throughout my home. Installed in same exact location (easy setup) as the WG624 and ...

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Summary: Purchased RangeMax Router and RangeMax Ethernet NIC to replace Netgear WG624 Wireless Router to enhance coverage throughout my home. Installed in same exact location (easy setup) as the WG624 and the range was not even as good as the older WG624. What's up with that???!!! I escalated to Netgear Level 2 tech support with a case number and they never called even me back. With old setup, I could get a "low" signal from the farthest place in my home and it would connect to the internet, although very slow. With RangeMax, it would not even connect from the same spot!! It was a simple test that is proof RangeMax does not enhance range! I am VERY disappointed in the product and RETURNED both the router and the NIC card. No way it's up to 1000 times greater range. I did not even get 10% better range which would have made a difference in my home.
Updated
5-23-2005 - Just wanted to update everyone and let you know that I have still not heard back from Netgear Technical Support, even though I had a case number and a promise of a call back. I would imagine it is because this product has many issues that they are having to deal with.

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19 out of 26 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 stars

Beauty...fast, strong connection, great range

by Redflea on June 20, 2005

Pros: Easy setup, strong signal, great range

Cons: None yet...except maybe for bright blue lights...

Summary: This router was very easy to set up...I tried both the hand-hold and manual method, and both worked perfectly. All the necessary security and other settings options are available. ...

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Summary: This router was very easy to set up...I tried both the hand-hold and manual method, and both worked perfectly. All the necessary security and other settings options are available.

Signal strength and range are great...I can go to the back end of my yard w/my laptop (180 feet from the router, through two walls) and get a minimum 28 MPS connection, more than enough for any internet activities (email, browsing, streaming media) as well as streaming MP3s from my music server.

The blue lights on the router are a little silly, but given the performance of the router, I forgive the Netgear "marketeers" for their desire to have pretty blue lights.

Gave this thing a 10 because I couldn't find any reason to mark it down...well done, Netgear.

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14 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

the best of the rest

by cscaldwe on June 20, 2005

Pros: excellent coverage, great looks, easy set-up

Cons: none so far

Summary: Lost our Linksys WRT54G wireless router to a power surge and had to buy a replacement. I was very happy with the Linksys and planned on just buying another of ...

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Summary: Lost our Linksys WRT54G wireless router to a power surge and had to buy a replacement. I was very happy with the Linksys and planned on just buying another of the same. Came across the Netgear Rangemax at the store and was intrigued by the seven antenna idea so I figure I'd give it a try.

Wow!!

The increased coverage is immediate...even in the backyard (2500sqft single story home). The RangeMax does as promised and adjusts the signal based on where it finds you.

We're at full signal strength (4.7Mbs on our cable modem) in every single room! I am still amazed as I type this review.

The setup was as easy as my Linksys WRT54G, and I think I prefer the Netgear setup wizard...it was a bit easier to follow as a non-expert user.

I also like the cleaner lines. No external antennas. The white and "glass" case follow the design trend of an iPod so it looks nice out in the open. the blue LED lights for he antennas are fun to watch in action, very Star Wars R2D2.

The blue LEDs did cause a bit

Netgear WPN824 router

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