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Netgear RangeMax Wireless Router (WPN824)
Netgear RangeMax Wireless Router (WPN824)
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Model: WPN824
Brand: Netgear
Manufacturer: Netgear
Average Rating:    (submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 170
Operating system: Apple MacOS
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, 802.11 Super G
 
Features:
Seven internal smart antennas – no need to manually adjust and no risk of breaking
SmartWizard simplifies setup by automatically detecting and configuring your router for virtually all ISP connections
Maintains video quality speeds throughout your home, up to 10 times the speed of standard 802.11g
Improves performance of existing legacy 802.11b and 802.11g wireless devices up to 50%
Data speed of up to 108 Mbps
 
Description:
The WPN824 RangeMax MIMO-G Wireless Broadband Router gives wireless network users better connectivity. As computers become a more integral part of life, you want the best possible home computing environment. When you set up a wireless network you'll find that Internet connections will fade in and out in spots -- or even drops off completely. The RangeMax Router puts an end to that, giving your the freedom to work and play online, anywhere in the house. Time-based usage controls, Web logging, remote management and URL content filtering Auto-sensing RJ-45 10/100 4 port Ethernet switch with half & full duplex support
 
User Reviews (170 total):
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    YES, you CAN turn off those annoying blue disco lights!, November 25, 2007
By zebradog (Akron, Ohio USA)
I recently bought this router to replace a lost Linksys wireless router and so far it's working fine with some improved range. I, like about everyone else was TOTALLY annoyed with the blinking blue disco lights.

FYI, after a brief search on the internet, I discovered this:

"Note: The button on the back of the router is NOT a power switch. It is used only to turn the blue LED lights on the router on and off."

I just assumed the switch in the back of the router was a power switch, but it's not.

Thankfully, I can now enjoy the device without have to wear sunglasses at night.



    I really like this thing, November 24, 2007
By master control (south pittsburgh)
Hello,Does just what it said it would.This unit has a on/off switch for the blue lights for those of you that might not want the fun blue lights.As for operation/looks I must say I just like every thing about this routers looks.Works 100% too.Well worth it.

    Absolutely perfect...every aspect!, November 24, 2007
By e (usa)
I bought this router used off eBay from JustDeals.com's store, 38 dollars shipped with a 30 day warranty. First of all, my previous router was a Linksys WRT54G, the thing worked, but BARELY. I live in a 6000 sq. ft. 100 year old house, the walls EVERYWHERE are 1 1/2 ft. thick stone, so obviously the Linksys didn't work for ****! Last week, the Linksys stopped sending any information all together, and after 6 HOURS (Yes..i actually wasted that much time...don't worry they are buying me an upgraded one which will be put right on eBay :) ) said **** it and bought this.
Got it 2 days ago, first impression, this thing is beautiful, really for a router its nuts! The Linksys was ugly as hell, so I tried hiding it, not this one, its awesome! As other reviews here have stated, don't use the cd, login directly (Start -> Run -> http://www.routerlogin.com/basicsetting.htm ). Enable extended range, WEP, DONE. Seriously, the setup was 2 or 3 minutes, and I was connected.

RESULTS:
Uhh...shocking to say the least! The Linksys NEVER (even when you were a clear foot from it) downloaded quickly, maybe 160 kb a second max for me. This thing, 3 FLOORS and 2 Stone walls in the way, downloads at seriously speeds nearing 900 kb a second! (Windows XP SP2 is 200+ mb, took me under 4 minutes to download). Like I said, after enabling Extended Range (XR) the NetGear shines, it is just ridiculous. My neighbors 2 houses down can pick my internet up with a fairly good connection. The the throughput is insane, I have 6 computers connected, one with Media Center, and XBOX 360, and a Nintendo Wii, often with 3 or more using the connection simultaneously, hardly effects it.
And if you can't set this up like MANY people here have problems with, honestly, go back to Dial-Up, you shouldn't be allowed to use high-speed internet.
OVERALL this router is amazing looking, affordable, and works flawlessly. And the blue "Orb is not so much distracting, it just looks sick! Definitely one to keep out in the open..


    NetGear RangeMax wireless router, November 21, 2007
By A. Geye (Austin)
Works great. I'm so pleased that I purchased an identical router for a second location where I wanted wireless Internet access.

    Super Router, November 18, 2007
By leadin (Tennessee)
Well made router. Has worked better than any previous owned router. The "irritating" blue light so often criticized is not annoying, but there is a button to turn it off.

Another well made netgear product.


    Version 2 is out--Works FINE. Easy Set-Up., November 9, 2007
By A. Lee (L.A., CA USA)
Just bought a v.2 for my Dad's house. I've never set up a wireless router before, but it was easy. I worried about doing the encryption, but there were directions for a setting. I THINK I did it correctly (it seemed too easy!). The Setup Wizard was really easy and basic and worked without a hitch.

I can't compare it to other wireless routers, since this is my first, but I know it works. I have it hooked up to the desktop and we've had two laptops working on it wirelessly for the past week or so. No problems with my D-Link DSL Modem from DLS-Extreme. No dropping the connection. 'Haven't tried to see if it reaches upstairs, but supposedly it has a better chance than some other routers. It seems fast enough, but we're just doing basic internet surfing, some uploading of images and web-page work... nothing huge.

For all those who worry about all the pretty blue lights: They have a switch for turning it on and off! I think the light is pretty, actually, but feel like I'm conserving if I have it off. *__*


    A Great Router, November 5, 2007
By R. Brome (Philly, USA)
I'm quite happy with this product. It works as advertised. The admin interface is much easer to use than the ZyXEL I had before, and I am having none of the problems I had with the ZyXEL. The WPN824 is quite stylish, and I like the simplicity of the internal antennas. The physical switch to turn off the crazy blue lights is a nice touch.

    Works Great, November 2, 2007
By Dr. David A. Cwik
I have never had a problem with this router, it works great and has an excellent range. (if the blue flashing LED lights bother you you can turn them off)

    WPN824 ? Save your money, October 27, 2007
By Edward M. Wright (Portland Orygun)
If you are looking for an easy to use router that is intuitive to set up, or have any foolish expectations about customer service, do not buy this unit. In fact after my experience, I will not buy netgear again.

I cannot recommend D-Link highly enough. THeir units work, and they do answer e-mail etc.


    Excellent Router, October 25, 2007
By Paula (Florida)
I am extremely happy with the Netgear RangeMax Wireless Router. It was easy to install and set up. I have had no problems at all with it. I have a fairly large house and I can access the web from any room in my house. I highly recommend this router.

    Generally very pleased, October 11, 2007
By Ira Jacobs (Blacksburg, VA)
I upgraded from a Linksys 8.02.11b router to the Netgear 8.02.11g RangeMax range max router for three reasons:
1. My Linksys router which I have had for several years was beginning to require very frequent resets.
2. My D-link Powerline which I use to access remote area of my house required very frequent resets
3. I was hopeful that extended range would enable me to avoid using the Powerline
(1) and (2) were successfully corrected, but (3) was not. It's not clear what the extended range capability is but I still need Powerline to go from the router location (my wife's office), to my office which are in opposite ends of my house, although I do get good wireless coverage over most of the house.
Set-up instructions on the CD were excellent, and set-up was easy and quick.Also, this is a very good looking unit with the internal antennas,


    Wireless Stops Working 3+ Times per Day, October 6, 2007
By A. C. Smith (Northern Virginia, USA)
I like this wireless router.. when it works. Which unfortunately is only for short stretches at a time. As other reviewers have said, the problem appears related to the wireless functionality. I've spoken to support who claimed to have never heard of this issue before and ultimately agreed that "it sounds like it is not operating correctly". Of course I'm out of warranty, so out of luck. This is obviously a design or quality issue, but apparently Netgear doesn't want repeat customers. If it worked as expected I would give this 4 or 5 stars.

    Very Good Router, September 21, 2007
By Thomas J. Phillips Jr. (United States)
Just purchased this router a week ago. It was recommended by a tech person. We have DSL service and needed a router that could handle three XBOX360s, a laptop, and a PC at the same time.

Installation was a breeze. We were replacing an existing router and the wizrd walked us through the process in 20 minutes. No manual adjustments were required. Don't disconnect the existing router until instructed to.

Range and performance improved dramatically. No longer have any 'lag' issues with XBOX Live. The blue light on top can be turned off. I have no problem with VPN access for work. Have not experienced any interruptions in service so far.


    Like a champ, September 3, 2007
By stresstool (San Jose, Ca. USA)
Worked like a champ right out of the box and continues to do so. Easy to setup even in my environment with multiple routers (connected in series).

    I like Netgear, but I could not get it to work with Verizon DSL, September 2, 2007
By R. Gale (Los Angeles, CA United States)
I've never had problems with Netgear products, but I found this unit to be an exercise in frustration. Perhaps it's simply not compatible with Verizon DSL, but despite many emails with customer service, I never got it to work. It's definitely NOT plug and play as my previous Netgear wireless router was, so I give it a major thumbs-down.

    Great Product!! Long Range & works thru walls, too!, August 18, 2007
By Dana M. Hasse
I love this wireless router! When I first got my laptop, I purchased a Liksys wireless router on recommendation of a sales clerk. It was very difficult to establish a connection. Once I finally got connected thru the help of tech support, I moved my laptop approx. 6 feet and lost the connection! I returned it the next day and purchased my Netgear RangeMax Wireless Router. I can access the internet in every room of my home, which says a lot because our walls are 20" limestone & we have a large home. I highly recommend this product!

    At Last! Wireless internet throughout the apartment!!!!, August 11, 2007
By Mrs Fawlty (NY, NY)
We live in NYC in an apartment building constructed in 1898. It has thick walls, and many of them, and we have NEVER been able to receive a signal in the living room until now. I am happily typing this on my MacBook, dirty martini in hand, thrilled beyond words to be able to use my laptop anywhere in the house. Thanks to the reviewers who talked about getting a signal at the far end of the backyard, or installing the router in the distant reaches of the attic and getting coverage throughout the house, I decided to take a chance on the cute little router with the flashing blue lights. Installation was pretty much idiot-proof, (and as an idiot with this type of thing I know what I'm talking about), and quick. My children and I are delighted with the speed of this thing...we had been using an Apple Airport Express, and much as I hate to say anything even remotely negative about an Apple product, it just didn't cut it. I recommend this whith no reservations.

    NetGear 10X, August 10, 2007
By Richard M. Truesdell (Marion, IA USA)
The delivery service was excellent on this product, which is still in the box waiting for installation. A more detailed review of the product to be made when the installation is completed.

    No installation instructions, August 7, 2007
By Bob - Dallas (Plano, TX)
The product arrived quickly, but be advised that if you do not know how to install this router, the product will be of no use to you. Not only are there no instructions provided with the router, the netgear website is also of no use. So, the bottom line is, this product is of no use to me and I will have to return it. The other bad thing, it is not even heavy enough to use as a boat anchor!

    fastest wireless connection, August 2, 2007
By Leo Kwong (San Francisco, CA USA)
I have two of these. the first version and the second revision with the button the turn off the lights. I actually like the lights. My girl don't. I notice that on newer laptops the speed is faster, or if you buy a RangeMax adapter, that works too, but the adapter is also expensive. I wouldn't use another router. My girl wouldn't use another one either. We just love this router.

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