Speed up your home's wireless network with Netgear's RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gateway. The wireless router works as a modem for your ADSL2+ internet service, and utilizing 802.11n standards and signals at both the 2.4 and 5GHz bands, the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gateway is able to transfer data at bitrate of up to 600Mbps with a strong signal throughout your home. The router is able to transmit over up to 23 free channels, so it avoids interference caused by Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, and other household electronics.
With its strong signal, multiple antennas, and dual band capabilities, the router will let multiple computers simultaneously stream HD videos, use VoIP, or play online games without lag.
| Base Station | |
|---|---|
| Standards | 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, 802.11a |
| Network Protocol | TCP/IP |
| Data Rate |
802.11n: 144Mbps 802.11g: 54Mbps 802.11b: 11Mbps 802.11a: 54Mbps |
| Frequency Range |
2.4GHz 5GHz |
| Channel Support | Up to 23 |
| Security | WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WEP |
| Antenna | 8 Internal |
| Operation Distance | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Transmitted Power | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Power Over Ethernet | None |
| Ports | 4x RJ-45 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
ADSL Internet Service 2.4GHz 802.11n draft specification adapter or 2.4GHz 802.11b/g wireless adapter. Alternatively, an Ethernet adapter and cable for each computer Windows 2000, XP, Vista; Mac OS; UNIX; Linux IE 5.0 or higher; FireFox 2.0 or higher |
| Power Requirements | 12V, 1.5A power adapter (Included) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 8.8 x 6.0 x 1.2" (223 x 153 x 31mm) |
| Weight | 1.2 lb (0.5kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Reviewed by 8 customers
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Pros
Cons
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Comments about Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gateway:
I've purchased this "gateway" to replace my "G" gateway with this new "N" system.
THE GOOD:
- ADSL Modem and Router in one unit, no need for two devices, two plugs, double power consumption.
- The installation was a piece of cake, extremely simple, plug-in this, plug-in that, turn-it on, bla-bla-bla...
- The wireless setup follows the wired standard setup, as always, which was also very easy.
- The unit looks very nice, a bit big, but then again, it has 8 (!!!) internal antennas without any external antennas to break off, which is goooooood.
- The "WPS" feature was also very useful while setting up my wireless printer. Instead of manual configurations, just select "WPS" on the printer, then push the gateway's "WPS", and then, voala, the "WPS" transfers and installs everything on the wireless printer. No manual installation, password, etc. of any kind. Great feature to automatically setup the multi-function wireless-printer!
THE BAD:
- There is no printed user manual and there is no manual on the CD either. The link takes you to the company's website to download the user manual, which is kind of hard when you're in the middle of setup and have no web connection at all....
- The blinking blue lights are not so entertaining for me, but they can be turned off easily.
- Signal strength is inconsistent, even in close proximity (within 10 feet) they fluctuate a great deal.
- My 2.4Ghz wireless "N" Wi-Fi adapter operating my external multimedia unit (hooked up to the Tv) can only transfer/stream files at 54Mb/s speed in the Gateway's dual 5Ghz + 2.4Ghz mode. The best setting is the default setting at 270Mbps 5Ghz + 54Mbps 2.4Ghz in this Gateway. So, my "high-speed N" wireless adapter (a $70 value) that is supposed to stream files like crazy, is pretty much useless in the gateway's 2.4Ghz frequency more that is limited to 54Mbps speed. I'm going to have to buy another 5Ghz compatible USB Wi-Fi adapter in order to enjoy seamless video streams and file transfers at high speed. Till then, I can only stream music, because video is sluggish and file transfer is slow to the point of being pretty much useless.
- The custom settings in the modem's control panel allow changes to set the unit to full 2.4Ghz mode, but in actual usage, the speed dramatically decreased to as low as 30-40 Mbps, below my old "G" system gateway's speed. File transfers in 2.4Ghz mode are as slow as a snail, completely useless.
- The "LAN" wired connections operate at only 10/100 Mbps speed and not 10/100/1000 Gigabit speed, so even on hard wire it is lacking behind all other modern units.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Upon installation, IMMEDIATELY go to the Gateway's Setup and CHANGE YOUR ADMIN PASSWORD! If you don't do it, some hacker will do it for you.... sooner or later... and then... well... you know....
- Go and download the user manual and read it. Some things you'll understand, some don't, but at least you have the info at hand.
- If you use external Wi-Fi devices like me, such as multimedia units with wireless USB adapters, get a 5Ghz compatible adapter. Unfortunately, currently I can't comment whether it will solve the slow-transfer-problem or not, but that's my only option and hope.... as soon as I have the money to buy one for another 70-80 BUCKS... geeeeee, I'm so happy!!!
CONCLUSION:
Although for the price one would expect less problems and more joy, all considered, it is an OK unit. For ADSL users the option of having one unit instead of two is well worth the consideration. All said and done, I give it 3 stars.
NOT PERFECT, BUT GOOD ENOUGH! ;-)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gateway:
This unit replaced a Modem and a separate Router.
Setup was trouble free, and the step by step installation was seamless. I was up and reconnected with in a very short amount of time. The down load & up load speed is up to what my service says I am supposed to be getting.
The flashing lights take awhile to get used to but overall an exceptional value for the money.
Pros
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Comments about Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gateway:
NetGear raises the bar with a DSL modem combined with Dual Band Wireless N AND Gigabit Ethernet! Outstanding performance and easy to follow setup. [...]
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gateway:
I have AT&T service (it's getting cloudy), things seemed to sync at first until the Netgear settings and AT&T's settings split ways! (The Storm!) Retrying settings and blogging took about 10 fragmented hours of my life getting the wireless to work and wired to stay connected. After a while AT&T's homepage popped up and guided me through the setup. After speaking with AT&T I was informed there are things for AT&T to do from their end to make it work, so when in doubt call your service provider. (The calm) After repositioning and setting up my home office network, everything performs at great speed! I often operate my laptop, Stream movies via XBOX live, my friends use Wi-Fi on their phones, & my son plays online games all at the same time!
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Comments about Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gateway:
Modem/router passes all test. However, dsl will never sync with AT&T DSL network. AT&T Techs and Netgear Techs fail to make product sync to dsl network. This product falsely advertises AT&T compatibility. Netgear Support FAQ states that it may take up to two weeks for this modem/router to sync with the AT&T network. Once it does, everything will work. Ha, ha, ha, who are they kidding.
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Comments about Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gateway:
Rather keep my DSL modem and my Airport devices. RangeMax installation not very user friendly. Once I was able to setup the internet connection, I could not make the wireless network to work. It can always be the user problem, but I like Apple plug and play approach.
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Comments about Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gateway:
The home page wording needs to be like the industry standard wording.
Pros
Cons
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Comments about Netgear RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gateway:
I decided to replace my old DSL Modem/Wireless router with a more up to date model for better security, etc.
The Netgear router is a good replacement. Set up took about the 20 - 30 minutes I'd heard before. The single biggest issue was trying to get the login parameters for my DSL account. Once I "primed the pump", though the router handled itself well, getting all the needed parameters from the ISP's infrastructure.
One thing that is a disappointment is the Live Parental Controls based on OpenDNS. The installation program recommended I install it, and gave me a link to download and install the Management Utility for it. However, when I tried to run the utility, I received a cryptic error message that included "Most likely crashed the router", and then the program just sat there. The router was still running fine, though. Tech support finally admitted when I pressed them that this router doesn't support Live Parental controls, and they don't know when a firmware upgrade will be available to support it.
All in all, it provides good performance and wireless coverage through my house, and offers some features that my current devices don't yet support, like WPS, but it's good to know it'll be there as I upgrade.
I couldn't give it 5 stars because of the firmware and confusing information about OpenDNS, it's definitely a keeper.
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