| Netgear WPNT834 RangeMax 240 Wireless Router |
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Model: WPNT834
Brand: Netgear
Manufacturer: Netgear
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 27
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
Provides wireless connections as fast as wired, with superior RangeMax coverage and 240 Mbps Wireless when used with RangeMax 240 PC Card
Supports multiple applications simultaneously including: HD Video Streaming, Voice over Internet, Streaming MP3s, Fail-Safe Network Storage, Online Gaming, and more
Installs easily with Smart Wizard and works seamlessly with 11g, 11b, and internal notebook wireless
Touchless WiFi Security to easily configure a secure network
Double Firewall (NAT & SPI), WEP, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK |
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| Description: |
| The Netgear WPNT834 RangeMax 240 Wireless Router unleashes your home network with 240 Mbps wireless speed! With more people streaming video, downloading MP3s, playing online games, and making more Internet phone calls, you need speed to move content faster to everyone in your home. The Netgear's RangeMax 240 dynamically adapts to wireless interference to deliver the speed that your applications require on-demand. So whether you are streaming audio & video, uploading large files to your Storage Central, or just surfing the web, RangeMax 240 delivers the speed you need for today and beyond. Now the performance and quality-ofexperience once only associated with wired networks can be achieved in your wireless home. Touchless WiFi security defends against unauthorized network access -- includes a double firewall, WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), WPAPSK, WPA2-PSK (WiFi Protected Access - Pre-Shared Key) SmartWizard makes installation simple -- it detects your ISP network settings and easily configures your router for optimal performance System Requirements - Broadband Internet service; 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g wireless adapter; Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape 4.7 or higher; Windows 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, Mac OS, NetWare, UNIX or Linux operating systems Recommended for use with WPNT511, WPN111, WPN311 or WPNT121 Wireless Adapters |
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| User Reviews (27 total): |
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Much better than Linksys in my experience., December 17, 2007
By user (Medford, MA United States)
I am surprised at all the negative reviews about this router. I have had some dropped connections but far less than when I was using a Linksys router and the signal (range) on the netgear is much better. I am only in a 1000 sq ft apartment but couldn't get reception with the Linksys at one end of the apartment, with the Netgear it is not a problem at all. Set up was easy and I have been happily using it for about 9 months now.
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Great hardware... bad software, June 11, 2007
By user
Router is one of the fastest available. Great for P2P (BitTorrent, Kazaa, etc) applications. Almost everything works great
The one thing that falls very short is the wireless capability. It works great only with wireless adapters that are from the same chip manufacture (Atheros chipset). When used with any other wireless chipset you may have a very hard time.
This is not a surprise as all the other manufacturers such as Linksys, Dlink, Buffalo, Belkin that use the same exact wireless chipset have same problems (probably because of horribly written drivers). Upgrading the firmware helps a lot, especially if you have an Intel-based wireless adapter.
Fortunetly or not, as mentioned other brands use the same wireless chipsets so if you buy any early 802.11N (all as of 2007) most likely will run into the same problems.
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NETGEAR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS A JOKE!!, January 15, 2007
By user (Sherman Oaks California)
I WILL JUST TELL YOU THIS, NETGEAR ROUTERS ARE THE WORST, ALWAYS GOING DOWN, BUT THAT IS NOT THE BAD PART!! THE BAD PART IS WHEN YOU HAVE TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE!! JUST TO GET THEM TO UNDERSTAND YOUR NAME TAKES AN ACT OF GOD!, THEN HOURS ON THE PHONE...THEN YOU CAN'T STAND IT ANYMORE AND YOU PAY 30.00 FOR ADVANCED SUPPORT!! NEVER AGAIN NETGEAR, AND BY THE WAY IF ANY OF YOU WANT MY OLD ROUTERS FROM NETGEAR EMAIL ME AND I WILL SEND THEM TO YOU FREE OF CHARGE!!
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Buyer Beware, October 26, 2006
By user (Texas, USA)
I bought this product (and paid a premium for it) last April, largely based on the excellent online reviews and its fast, long-range wireless capability. It has been a major disappointment. The only way I've been able to use it reliably is by disabling its wireless support and using only the (wired) ethernet ports. I've only been able to get the wireless port working intermittently for one of three of my PCs (two notebooks and a desktop). It either repeatedly drops and reconnects -- even at 15 feet away (Dell Inspiron 8200 w/ 802.11b) or connects for two minutes then locks up the router (Toshiba Portege M400 w/ 802.11g). I am a software engineer and am very patient with technology, but this device has tested my limits. I've tried many forms of "black magic" over countless hours (firmware, software, and driver updates, OS/Network settings, disabling firewalls/anivirus, online support, etc. etc.) but all to no avail. To top things off, I couldn't even couldn't get Netgear's own RangeMax Wireless PCI card to connect from my desktop PC. I've been cut by this "bleeding edge" technology, and now must find a wireless router that actually works.
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Stay away from NETGEAR, October 22, 2006
By user (Denville, NJ, USA)
I'd give it zero stars if I could. Netgear routers in general have issues with the QoS capabilities of new wireless NIC's. However, Netgear support and their engineering have failed to keep up and continue to issue buggy router firmware.
If you use this router and Centrino 3945ABG you will have nothing but headaches. Rebooting of the router, constant dropped connections, etc. Don't bother with Netgear support as they can't seem to admit there's an issue saying you're the only one that has the issue. Just do a search for "WPNT834 3945ABG" and you'll see the problems.
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DO NOT BUY THIS ROUTER!!! RUN AWAY!!!, September 7, 2006
By user
I have had this item for several months now. It is highly unreliable. Technical support is terrible. Documentation is worse.
If you plan on using any laptops that have been built in the last year, forget about it. Anything with an Intel 3945ABG card causes the router to crash. Netgear's solution to this is to remove all security from the network and turn off all features of the wireless card. This actually helps the router stay working for about 3 minutes instead of 30 seconds.
I rated this product with one star because negative stars are not an option. The only thing positive that I can say about this product is that it looks nice.
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works well, August 25, 2006
By user (New York)
Have to say that I was concerned by some of the negative reviews on this site, but I went with CNET's comments and made the purchase. No problems, was up and running within 20 minutes. The set up is easy and the speed is awesome. I am using the router with a netgear wireless print server. No complaints from my end. Lastly, I have noticed no interference with our cordless phones or baby monitor - a problem we had with our old router.
I did speak with customer support to get a better understanding of encryption options, they were very helpful.
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Good speed. Bad support. Buyers beware., August 22, 2006
By user (DC)
If yours works, great. However, it may not. So I'll skip my long story and offer 3 advices:
(1) Buy local. Yes I know it's more expensive.
(2) Don't try "support" - unless you have plenty of time. Go straight to the store to get it replaced or returned.
(3) SunRocket IP phone users beware. Support from both vendors are no good.
It's great speed when it works.
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Unreliable and poor technical support, August 15, 2006
By user (Chula Vista, CA United States)
I've been using the router for a few months and, after the first couple of months, I would have rated the router 5 stars. When it works, it does significantly extend the signal range.
One day I suddenly lost connectivity, only to my laptop. Level 1 technical support was horrible. It was difficult to understand the agent. He said my problem was software related and, since Netgear software support is only good for 30 days, I must pay for "software support" to resolve my problem.
I insisted on being transferred to level 2 support who was very helpful and knew some tricks to get me going again (changing the SSID to force the wireless nics to reconfigure)
It worked fairly well on Channel 1 for a while (area is congested with other wireless routers on 6 and 11) until I bought a new laptop and tried to connect.
My new HP laptop uses Intel's 3945ABG wireless adaptor and this WPNT834 router apparently doesn't like it. The router persistently locks up when this laptop is connected, requiring a hardware reset. Whenever the laptop is turned off, the router works fine. Ironically, the laptop easily connects to a neighbor's wireless router that is half a block away.
I dread making another call to Netgear tech support. They're sure to tell me it's a software issue again and I'm not donating any more money to them.
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Too simple, August 12, 2006
By user (San Jose, CA United States)
Snazzy. Bright. Pretty lights. Out-of-box simplicity. Beautiful start.
Setting:
Used as wired & wireless router & firewall.
Router works OK. Firewall works OK. Wireless works good.
Pros:
Strong wireless signal, doubled distance of my prior high-end A/B/G wireless AP. Super easy Setup Wizard. Got wireless connection in about 5-minutes after unpacking.
Cons:
Can't have both Static & DHCP IP. One or the other, only. Configuration isn't logical, isn't solid & very slow. The more changes, the slower it gets. Password with symbols (Ex: $%^) confuses device into logging incorrect password -- had to reset back to factory default. Finally guessed what device wants my password to be! (NumLock, PadLock, FuncLock isn't issue here.) Port forwarding limited - limited number of entries (about 10?) & certain predefined port addresses (Ex 25) can't be modified. Excessive data transfers (Ex: IP cam video streams) over time will hang system weekly.
Conclusion:
For simple people who like simple setups, strong wireless signals, casual wireless connections, and decent protection. Not for advanced users looking for port forwarding, IP address flexibility, constant data transfers.
Resolution:
I want a single package wired & wireless router/firewall that's under $500 with signal reaching at least 3 average rooms (35'). Haven't found one yet. DLink, Linksys, Belkin, Airlink101, Netgear either couldn't make distance, failed, or had hardware limitation. Going back to old way: 2 device set-up, DLink DI-704* wired router (or DI-604*, DI-808HV works too) & Belkin N1 wireless. DLink router offers best in class WIRED router/firewall features. Belkin N1 offers best in class WIRELESS signal. Total cost for combo ~$230.
Or, cough up about $2k for enterprise class single package wireless router. Saving my pennies....
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Not Compatible with Non-Netgear Adapters???, August 11, 2006
By user (LA, CA)
Sleek design. Easy to set up -- like many other routers.
Problems came when I tried to connect my two laptops, which have a built-in wireless adapter (Intel 3945ABG) and a Airlink-g card. The whole network would work for a few minites and then just freeze! Had to reset (unplug the power chord) the router to re-establish the internet connection for the attached Dell desktop computer.
Tried all kinds of settings for the router and the two adapters to no avail. Happen to have a Netgear WPN111 USB adapter. Attached the WPN 111 adapter to one of the laptops, and it worked just fine!! -- Does this mean that the WPNT834 only works with Netgear adapters? If so, this Net-gear will not be reaching too far...
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Netgear FAILS again!!, August 2, 2006
By user (NYC)
I want to preface this review by stating that I started out as a big Netgear fan. I love the design - their products have a great footprint. Believe it or not, their older products (802.11b router and usb adapter) work great!! But since the introduction of Super-G and Pre-N, their products are terrible and their technical support has gone downhill as well. I have no idea what is driving these terrible business decisions but the products just don't work!! I have been in I.T. for 15 years and I have tried all types of wireless products. This Netgear 240 drops connections ever few minutes. Tech support is impossible to get and when you do get them, the answers are generic. Bottom line is that I have never got this product to work consistently. I returned and bought a Belkin Pre-N (a few dollars more) and it works beautifully and the admin config page is easy to understand. Even as a professional the Belkin makes sense. Save yourself grey hairs and high blood pressure and get a Belkin or DLink and forget about Netgear - great to look at but that is about it.
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Netgear WPNT834 RangeMax 240 Wireless Router, August 2, 2006
By user
The Netgear Rangemax 240 shouldn't have made this product release at all. According to the reviews online, it had received high ratings compared to other wireless routers unless I am mistaken. Despite these reviews, my experience with the netgear happened to be otherwise. The connection was on and off. The signals on the wireless router indicated that the system was encountering numerous problems during that time and unable to perform its duties. It kept re-checking itself. If there was a connection, it would only last for three minutes to be exact. The desktop would not work when the laptop was in use during the three minutes. I am 100 percent sure that this shouldn't be the case. The wireless router should work together efficiently with the laptop and the desktop together.
I would high suggest that you do not buy the netgear wireless router and go for another product.
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Faster than a speeding bullet!, July 30, 2006
By user (Florida)
Wow, I have had this up and running for less than a day and I am extremely giddy. I am seeing speeds that are almost identical to my wired ethernet connection. By utilizing some free online speed tests, I tested my laptop connection and my wired desktop connection with pretty much the same download speeds. I have a 15MB Fiber Optic line through Verizon FIOS, and my laptop is zooming now with this thing. I bought the matching PC card and I am seeing 168MBs at over 60 feet from the router. That's not to say that the speed doesn't vary, usually between 108MBs to 170MBs. It says it is connected at 240MBs, but either way, it's fast at this distance. I am supremely happy with the quick intall, and the speed.
That being said, I am a bit perplexed at how the router cannot handle my internet connection directly. My old Rangemax router (WPN824) could take the ethernet cable directly from the wall and spit out the wireless connection. For some reason the new router needs the standard Verizon router inbetween for it to work. I hate adding components in the chain, but that's what it took to get it to work. I might tinker more with it later. Other than having a black antenna hanging out of my PC card slot on my laptop, this thing is working seamlessly with my Desktop, two Laptops, and my TIVO. Great Product.
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Excellent Router, July 28, 2006
By user (Santa Monica, CA)
I set the router up in about 20 minutes the instructions were pretty clear, wireless works great in a 3 story house. Router is being used to support 2 wireless music centers which now also work great.
I think an overall great product.
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home office user , UK, July 21, 2006
By user
Installation wizard straightforward. The LAN (one desktop, 3 laptops) works fine with almost the same data transfer rates as our wired network this kit replaced. Internet Access however is much, much slower (sometimes slower than dial up) and it regularly drops the connection -perhaps 3 to 4 times an hour. I am not a clueless IT user but I gave up with this one. We've had professional network engineers (added cost) in twice to try and correct the internet issues without success. With a 4meg internet connection and 240mbps kit (bought corresponding netgear cards too!) I had hoped for a seamless transition from wired to wireless. Given netgear's claims, I have to say I am very disappointed.
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This is why I stopped using Netgear, May 16, 2006
By user (ny)
I stopped using Netgear products, and was using Linksys products to setup clients wireless networks. After reading some great reviews from tomshardware, and seeing that the Linksys SRx routers were on backorder at the time, I decided to try this router.
I installed this router, and the wireless connection constantly drops. When/if it connects again, the connectrion is limited (Did no get an IP address from the router via dhcp). The router has to be unplugged from power, and turned back on. The connection is ok for like 5 minutes max, and the same crap.
I trie after upgrading the firmware to latest version, and the problem still persists. Tried w/o wireless security to no avail. There's no other 2.4ghz device present, but this piece of crap router can't hold a connections.
Replaced this unit with the Linksys WRT54GX4, and no problems w/ dropped connections so far.
On the plus side, this router seems to get slightly better signal than the Linksys, but what good is that if you lose the connection every 5 minutes, and have to run over to the router to reboot it?
This will be the last product from Netgear for me...
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cutting edge and working well, April 21, 2006
By user (Maryland, USA)
So far I am a big fan of this router. I am struggling with how to best expand my network (adding range repeaters/boosters and a Gigabit wired infrastructure) since I am using this WPNT834 as the core of my network, but I'm sure time will open up my options.
Just recently I switched from using Linksys as my primary and favored manufacturer for my SOHO networks (home and office/small warehouse). They seem to have a number of products that meet my need which is the area between low end items that aren't as robust or feature heavy as I require and want and the $1k+ products that are overboard for my purposes. It's great to find a company that has such a range of products that fit into my sweet spot.
More details on my experience with this particular router over time. It set-up easily and seems to be operating with no hitches thus far. If you want the latest and greatest and need speed over your wireless network, you would be foolish not to check this out as an option.
My only negative comment is that this router, along with any other is suseptible to interference and I would suggest that a good place to start to optimize your wireless network is to take a look around your home and to eliminate or strategically place any item likely to cause interference - cordless phones, baby monitors, wireless speakers and on and on and on.
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Massive Coverage - great for streaming music, March 29, 2006
By user (New York, NY United States)
With cutting edge technology, the coverage and speed from this router is amazing. I can take my laptop across the parking lot and still get a super strong signal. My office is behind a 12 inch cement wall and this Netgear router gets around it. You will be very happy with this router it is like no other wireless signal.
We use it for streaming music to a Netgear MP101 music server. With our old router, it would occassionally lose the signal but with the WPNT834, it never even hesitates and we can play music all day long without interruption.
Set-up was easy, put in CD and the wizard had me go through the steps - even telling me when to plug in the cables and what order to turn everything back on. It was also easy to set-up security with WEP or WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK and specifying only my laptop and MP101 having access. The configuration browser page is easy to understand and simple to use.
I also use the 4 wired ports on the back. Top speed there, of course, too.
It comes with stands so it can sit upright and it looks cool, white with blue and green lights! My robot friend!
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DOA..Like most Netgear Products, March 28, 2006
By user (Vancouver, WA)
This is the 5th Netgear product I have purchased and all have died, 3 on arrivial, the rest with-in a year of purchase. I switched to Linksys and had good luck but needed more speed so I purchased this router and Guess What????? IT WAS DEAD OUT OF THE BOX, Called their great customer service, on hold for 90 minutes..have to wait week for replacement...wonder if it will work? not holding my breath. Netgear gets great reviews, just wish their stuff worked.
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