Netgear (http://www.Netgear.com) has launched the RangeMax Wireless-N
Gigabit Router with USB, a wireless-N router. It offers
high-performance wireless range and speed along with Gigabit Ethernet
ports and ReadyShare USB storage access, according to Som Pal
Choudhury, senior product line manager for advanced wireless at
Netgear.
The RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB is also designed to
serve as an open source Linux platform supporting a variety of
applications created by multiple development partners and the open
source community. Some of these partners include BigFoot Networks for
boosting network speeds for online gaming, Leaf Networks for easy
remote access, Paragon Software for high-speed USB file reads and
writes, and Sputnik for hotspot solutions.
Open source Linux-based firmware — DD-WRT, OpenWRT and Tomato — are
also available on the RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router. Customers
can download the Linux-based open source firmware from the open
source community and development program web site at
http://www.myopenrouter.com .
The RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB features a 480MHz
MIPS 74K CPU core with embedded hardware acceleration and
incorporates 8MB of flash memory and 64MB of RAM, enough to run even
business-class applications. It features five 10/100/1000 (one WAN
port and four LAN) Ethernet ports with auto-sensing technology with
high WAN to LAN speeds in excess of 350 Mbps. It incorporates an
802.11n access point with a wireless repeater mode to extend range.
The three internal Metamaterial antennas provide enhanced wireless
range and reliable connections.
In addition to its Gigabit Ethernet ports to deliver wired network
connections, the WNR3500L router includes a USB 2.0 host port for USB
networked storage and for developing other custom applications,
including remote access, DLNA/UPnP Media Server support, and USB
modem support for 3G/4G/WiMax high-speed cellular connections.
The WNR3500L protects the network from intruders via a double
firewall and Denial-of-service attack prevention, says Choudhury. The
wireless connection is secured with support for Wi-Fi Protected
Access (WPA), WPA2-PSK, while Push ‘N’ Connect using Wi-Fi Protected
Setup (WPS) enables users to add computers to the network securely.
For maximum throughput, Netgear recommends the RangeMax Wireless-N
Gigabit Router with USB be used with a matching Wireless-N client
device such as the Netgear RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter
(WN111). The Netgear RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB is
supported by a dedicated open source router community,
http://www.myopenrouter.com, which provides open source firmware
downloads, applications, forums, blogs, articles, source code and
user guides. Members also have access to dedicated and responsive
support from open source experts.
Netgear is also introducing a Development Partner Program that
already includes several software application vendors who are
creating custom applications for the WNR3500L router that Netgear
customers can download.
The RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB will be available
this fall through select retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce
sites and value-added resellers. The router is backed by a one-year
warranty and 24/7 technical support, and has a manufacturer’s
suggested retail price of US$139.99.