NetGear WPN824 July 20th, 2005 | by Brandon King

Setup and Testing

Our tests were relatively subjective.  We used the wireless Intel 802.11g 54mbps connection built into a new Sony Vaio laptop and traveled the halls in a high-rise apartment.  We were able to maintain a rating of good or better anywhere on our floor, regardless of obstacles, even with all range extension options turned off.  This was not the case for our previous 54Mbps Linksys router.  The hall was approximately 50 feet long, and punctuated by metal beams, elevators and other units.  We were unable to get a good signal on surrounding floors, most likely because of two feet of cement between each floor.  This wasn't a surprise.  What was a surprise was that we were able to get any signal in those locations.

We also tested the WPN824 with a compatible WPN311 MIMO Netgear PCI card at a different location.  The wireless monitor options showed low transmission rates at only twenty feet away, maxing out at 54Mbps.  However, we locked the router and card into 108Mbps-only mode and had some connectivity issues while running VNC.  Switching back to the Auto 108Mbps alleviated those problems.

We plan to test the WPN824 with MIMO-enabled PC cards in the near future.  What we can say is that the range is excellent, even without the advanced features enabled.  We saw very low packet loss, and download speeds maxed out the 54 Mbps easily.

We also have heard complaints about the warranty and support.  Netgear offers the shortest warranty of the big three players (Linksys and Belkin being the other two).  You get a one year warranty and 90 days of phone support, with the idea that the only time you really need the phone support will most likely be when you set it up, the first time you use it.  We strongly urge Netgear to move in line with their competitors, or face consumer discontent (read: lower sales because of fewer repeat buyers).  This having been said, we have had issues with past Netgear routers (two different FM114Ps), and contacted customer support by phone.  We never registered the products, so they had no idea when they were bought.  On both occasions, replacement parts were sent out overnight and all our issues were resolved to our satisfaction.  Also, our time of hold was acceptable.

Below are some screenshot of the WPN824 setup menu options (the conclusion is below these images):

Wireless Settings Menu

Blocked Sites Menu

Remote Management Menu

Conclusion

The Netgear RangeMax Wireless Router is the next logical step in the high quality offerings from Netgear.  The setup is quick and simple and the router is designed with security and filtering options in mind.  Performance was first tier in our subjective tests, and the range was nothing short of amazing for a consumer device.  The appearance is stylish and features a mesmerizing blue orb of wireless voodoo magic that will amaze cats and brainwash friends.

Pros: 

-          Many security options;

-          Excellent range

-          High throughput

-          Attractive design

Cons: 

-          Limited monitoring options

-          Really meant only for consumer use

-          Very limited and poor technical support