Netgear intros RangeMax Next "draft spec" 802.11n products

We're not sure how this is much different than all those pre-n routers that have been floating around for a while, since a device that holds to the draft specifications of 802.11n still has quite a slim chance to actually work with official 802.11n devices. But that's not stopping Netgear from releasing a new line of RangeMax Next wireless products, which tout 300Mbps speeds and HD video streaming power. The WNR854T router supports gigabit Ethernet, while both the router and WN511T use MIMO (multi-in, multi-out) to reach those 802.11n speeds. It seems we've waited so long for 802.11n products that it has lost a lot of its appeal, but we're sure Netgear will find a way to keep busy.

[Rick Dobbs @ Apr 5th 2006 6:37PM]

Most pre-N and draft spec 802.11n hardware will only require a firmware upgrade in order to work with the final spec, with the latter probably not requiring everything. So, that's not a good reason to not buy it.

A good reason to not buy it is that's it's just not out there yet, you'll connect at n speeds on your own AP, but probably won't find it anywhere else.

[Scott Johnson @ Apr 5th 2006 7:02PM]

The promises behind 802.11n haven't lost any of their appeal. The problem is that it just doesn't exist yet. But 100mbps wireless throughput will be welcome in all of our households if it ever arrives.

[Wes Felter @ Apr 5th 2006 9:07PM]

#1, until the spec is finalized there is no way to know what upgrades will or will not be possible. For example, most pre-N equipment is Airgo-based, and IIRC Airgo already said that it will be impossible to make that equipment compliant with the final spec.

[Rick Dobbs @ Apr 6th 2006 1:53PM]

No, Airgo is not the only one. Marvell, Broadcom, and others are producing them as well (The Netgear equipment uses Marvell).

Airgo is saying that they can't do it without significant changes later, all the other chipmakers say firmware only. Time will tell I guess.

[Grant @ Jul 19th 2006 6:32AM]

Hmmm.....looks like quite a behemaouth of a thing...i cant wait to see if it really does provide in the

Speed
------
distance

equation.

[Mark Smith @ Nov 17th 2006 2:18AM]

I moved to a big house, did not get connectivity in various places within my home especially the kitchen area. I got the RangeMax Next Gigabit edition and it worked great. I was able to have my home network operate at over 100 MBps speeds, was able to play wireless games, could download video and large files from my desktop to laptop.. it was facinating to see how Wireless technology has improved.

I would advice to get the adapter along with it, though it supports and enhances your experience with your built in g. Its a good time to get it now... all PC manufacturers are coming up with Wireless-N with Vista just round the corner.

Making skype calls with my laptop was easy. No dropped calls from any location in my house. Try to beat that with Wireless G!

[Ali @ Jul 5th 2007 8:52AM]

This range of routers is compatible with the very posatively received draft 2.0 spec and is therefor more likey to work with future wireless-n devices than any others currently on the market.