| NETGEAR RangeMax Premium Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNR3500) |
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Model: WNR3500
Brand: Netgear
Manufacturer: Netgear
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 19
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0), IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
Built-in Ultra Fast 4-port Gigabit switch means even faster network performance
Automatic Quality of Service (QoS) ensures reliable Internet, voice, video, and gaming applications
Surf, email, stream HD video, on-line game, make Internet phone callssimultaneously
Easy secured set-up with Push `N Connect using WiFi Protected Set-up (WPS)
Maximum performance requires use of Wireless-N adapters |
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| Description: |
| Built-in Ultra Fast 4-port Gigabit switch means even faster network performance. Automatic Quality of Service (QoS) ensures reliable Internet, voice, video, and gaming applications. Surf, email, stream HD video, on-line game, make Internet phone calls - simultaneously. Easy secured setup with Push 'N'. Connect using WiFi. Protected Setup (WPS). Maximum performance requires use of Wireless-N adapters. |
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| User Reviews (19 total): |
Page 1 of Total 1 Pages
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Wireless Dies Frequently, August 2, 2008
By JD (NEw York)
I would strongly advise against buying this thing. I've had it for about 1 week and I've been experiencing what some others have said - the wireless will die and I can't reconnect to it until I restart the router. This is very annoying and unacceptable. What I notice is the LAN still works, its just he wireless that dies horribly. It got to a point where I had to do it once a day. I had a cheap cheap D-Link that I restarted maybe once every 7 months, and even then I wasn't sure it needed it. What I am sure of is that Netgear has lost their shine and now they are making consumer grade junk. I've also had a newer Linksys that would do this to me. I am going back to cheap, but reliable D-Links.
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very powerful, August 2, 2008
By Karis D. Scott
it is the most powerful wireless router i have ever seen ,
pretty impressive ,
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Router continually hangs, July 17, 2008
By B. Brennan (USA)
I've had this router about two weeks now. It hangs practically every night and is a nightmare to reconnect. I have a new HP Vista notebook and while working on the web, it will suddenly disconnect and hang. When I unplug and replug the router, the notebook no longer sees it, so I have to reboot the notebook, sometimes multiple times. If that doesn't work, I have to turn off all of the equipment- modem, firewall/DHCP, switch, and "g" router to get the router and notebook back together.
I had to keep my older Netgear "g" router on the network because this one refuses to work with my IBM T42 notebook using "g" technology. It works fine with g on an unsecure network. As soon as I implement the WPA2-Personal security it can't get an IP address from my firewall/DHCP server.
Network and Sharing Center was taking so long my HP Vista notebook would show "not responding" before finally opening it. I have never seen that using my older Netgear "g" router.
I am returning it tomorrow.
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Best Netgear Home Router Ever, June 26, 2008
By ........... (Rego Park, NY USA)
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a review about the infamous WNR854T, which a called a beautiful paperweight. Fast-forward to today, I am glad to say that Netgear finally got it right this time. The WNR3500 replaces the WNR854T, in Netgear' lineup of high end home networking. This router has the features the previous one was lacking and it easier to tweak.
There is no need to throw away your old router, since one of the new feature included WDS or REPEATER MODE. In this mode the router acts as a repeater, so it rebroadcast the signal amplifying it therefore eliminating dead areas and weak signals. Another new great feature is the wireless security configuration, so no need to remember your password when adding a new device to the network.
I am giving if a full five stars"*****" because of its performance and looks.
Hopefully with this new model the reliability issues that dogged the 854T are gone, but only time will tell. If not Netgear and you guys will definitely hear from me.
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DNS Problems, June 23, 2008
By Lab Systems Administrator (Grand Ledge, MI)
This router worked fantastic with my comcast cable internet for about a week, then my internet connection was going down every 5 minutes. After a call to support (who are pretty much essentially not helpful), and a call to comcast, I ended up isolating the issue. I had to manually enter the DNS Servers for comcast, because the router was not connecting to the proper DNS server. If you are comfortable troubleshooting an issue like this, by all means, get this router. It has a good signal, and I have been able to wirelessly game online with my PS3 while downloading and running stressful sites on a separate box over the wireless. The hardwire gigabit switch is also very useful.
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Hard to install, June 13, 2008
By Carl M. Benedetti
Works great, but don't be surprised if you have to call tech support to get it working. I found the install directions not very helpful.
They are available 24/7 and will help you.
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Fantastic, June 4, 2008
By Black Lemon (NY)
I consider myself an expert computer user, having built 15 PCs and having performed countless upgrades to others. I recently moved into a large apartment, with dense walls that prevented connection to my "G" router in some rooms. I bought this "N" router figuring that I wouldn't get much improved "G" signnal strength, and that I would end up buying "N" adapters for my devices. I was more than pleasantly surprised then to discover that signal strength was DRAMATICALLY improved while still using my "G" adapters. I can't speak to ease of setup as I didn't use the installation wizard, opting instead to adjust all the settings the old-fashoined way. But it works beautifully. It has all sorts of prioritization settings for video, voice chat, and online gaming. It has all the current security standards and allows for some advanced tweaking for that. Also, as others have noted, Netgear mercifully provided a switch to shut off their silly top-edge light show (it looks cool, but could be a distraction depending on where you put this thing).
Update: I've now been using this thing for a month and have had no problems. None of the dropped signals, etc. that some other reviewers claim. I'm using this wirelessly with two desktop PCs, a laptop PC, a Tivo HD, a Tivo gen 2, and an xbox 360. No problems.
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Netgear Wireless N great product, May 21, 2008
By Zarcon123 (Hixson, TN United States)
NETGEAR RangeMax Premium Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNR3500)
Great router with easy to setup features. I was weary since I has a laptop, xbox 360, and ps3, but this router worked great out of the box. It took only 5-10 minutes to setup and all my gaming consoles and my laptop were connected immediately. No Lag even when all three systems were on playing multiplayer. If your a brand loyal netgear person then this is your next step if your going Wireless N.
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Another excellent router from Netgear, May 19, 2008
By Charles Dickens (Boulder, CO USA)
The only reason I haven't given this 5 stars is that I have not used it long enough to test every feature - such as the WPS security.
But for simplified setup, compatibility with multiple network cards, speed, reliability and value for money, it scores above above all other routers. If you're in the market for a good wireless router, this is the one to pick up.
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Repeated signal drops are annoying, May 1, 2008
By Matthew Hempel
I purchased this unit to replace a Linksys WRT54G, which began doing some strange things after a firmware upgrade. I've used Netgears before in the past, and they've worked OK in most cases. I was pleased to move to WPA2, and wanted to eventually try out some Wireless N gear. All of my current NICs run at 54Mb/s.
The setup wasn't a big deal (I use Linux and configured everything via the web interface). However, the problem with this unit became apparent very quickly. All too often, the connection with the Netgear will break, and a new association will have to be made. This takes several seconds, and usually happens under load.
I ended up using the Linksys as a wireless bridge (it never drops off), and using this Netgear as a standalone firewall. Not what I had in mind.
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Fast, Reliable, Excellent Router, May 1, 2008
By C. Gustafson (Venice, CA USA)
The RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router is perfect, I've been using one at home for 6 weeks and it has performed flawlessly. I bought this as an upgrade to my previous Netgear router, which gave good service for two years, but I wanted Wireless-N, so retired the G. Set-up was easy, wireless connects are fast and reliable, and the optional switch-on blue flickering indicator disco lights are great for house parties. Netgear rocks.
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Not Real Happy, April 19, 2008
By Randy Rowe (Silicon Valley)
I purchased a Netgear WNR3500 recently to replace my Linksys WRT54GS especially to take advantage the extended wireless coverage, 1G wired networking and N Wireless characteristics. It is a handsome device with lots of flashing blue lights and promising appearance. But it is not nearly as stable as my old Linksys. The 3500 repeatedly and sporadically drops my wireless connections, sometimes requires new connection profiles from my laptops and occasionally prevents internet access via wireless connection while maintaining networking connections and wired internet connections.
A newer firmware update seems to have stabilized the device a bit so maybe many of these wireless connection problems are behind me (fingers crossed). And I hope other firmware updates will make it the device Netgear claims it to be.
I'd go back to the old Linksys in a heartbeat if the 3500 didn't have N wireless. That is a real selling factor and I expect N will become the standard soon. Other N wireless routers may be better than the WNR3500.
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Great Gigabit wireless Router, March 31, 2008
By M to tha Lo (Ptown, CA)
So I bought this router a month ago even though the reviews at that time were poor at best. I've never had a problem with netgear and still haven't. I bought this to get gigabit through the house and wirelss n coverage; and to replace my old Super G router (108 mbps). I paired this with a 5ghz wireless bridge to expand my network (Netgear WNHDEB111- Also Awesome!) and a netgear GS116 ProSafe 16-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch. I now have a gigabit wired network and wireless N and set up couldnt have been easier. Albeit a bit akward using the provided CD. But Setup of wireless security was a snap using WPA2 and have had no downage at all from my new network. Definitely glad I bought this router. I only wish It was in the $70 range but given all its abilities $129 isnt too much... 4 out of 5 because of the price.
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Couldn't be happier!, March 20, 2008
By pamela l braswell (princeton, nc)
Using this router with the WN121T on my main computer. Set up was flawless and the speeds are blistering. I have 8 devices hooked up to my wired/wireless network including VoIP. No problems whatsoever in using multiple devices at the same time and not seeing any lag at all like I did with the NETGEAR Super G router this replaced. The WN121T set up right out of the box and is working great.
Wholeheartedly recommend!
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It works with minor flaws, March 19, 2008
By A. Holdings (Honolulu, HI)
I purchased this router for 2 reasons: Wireless-N and Gigabit router.
PRO/CON:
- Wireless signal is quite strong and is able to go far distances. I was an early adopter of Wireless-N, and to had to purchase a new one to replace my D-Link DIR-635 because it became unstable after the draft was approved.
- Gigabit router works well and transfers well between my computer and home fileserver. You'll see a green light if you're connected through Gigabit speeds and an orange light if your speed is 10/100 Mbps.
- For some reason, when I use a nameserver (OpenDNS) outside of my ISP's, the router becomes unstable and disconnects from the Internet every now and then. Using OpenDNS as primary and ISP's NS as secondary appears to fix the problem.
- Wireless security (WPA/WPA2) is very easy to setup.
- The blue flashing lights at the top of router is pretty cool, but useless at the same time. Fortunately, there is an off button on the back of the router.
- For those wanting to save the planet, this device is rated Energy Star compliant.
UPDATE: I'm giving this router 4 of 5 stars because it is a good router. I have not had any problems since I updated the firmware. Also, all 4 ports are Gigabit speeds (I originally reported 2 of 4).
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Beware! Same issue as WNR854T, March 14, 2008
By atticus_finch (texas)
I bought this router to replace a WNR854T and it exhibited the same problem after 3 weeks--power light on, nothing working, dead router. Yes, I am a fool for trying Netgear again. The WNR854T at least lasted 6 or 7 months. I returned this one and got a Linksys.
No more Netgear products for me ever again. And I have purchased Netgear products for the last 5 years or so.
Don't buy this routher.
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no major complaints, March 6, 2008
By R. Brome (Philadelphia, PA USA)
Works great. It has a lot of options, most of which I don't need, but it's nice that they're there in case my needs change.
It did take a while to set up, and the fact that it requires a CD drive was annoying when I tried to set it up using my ultraportable laptop (that lacks an optical drive). I'm not sure why you can't just use your browser to set it up. I eventually got it to work by copying the setup files to a USB keychain drive. The setup process is very slow for some reason, but quite easy.
Most competing products have cryptic labels for the settings and un-helpful "help" text (you're screwed if you don't know what "SPI firewall" means etc.) but this product has good help text that actually explains what each setting does (what a concept!)
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