Netgear's CES lineup bridges and extenders
Chances are you've got more copper in your walls that's not being fully exploited and Netgear's not about to let that happen on their watch. They're touting their MOEB1002 as "the first industry-standard and MSO-certified MoCA Ethernet-to-Coax Bridge based upon the MoCA 1.1 specification in the first half of 2008." The target audience is folks that need the extra bandwidth (270Mbps to be exact) for high-def video or "teh gamerz" always looking to keep those ping times down.
Speaking of games, if you've just got to go wireless they're offering the HD/Gaming 5 GHz Wireless-N Networking Kit which includes two WNHDB111 units (pictured), marketed for streaming hi-def vids and playing online games. The WNHDB111 can be used as a standalone bridge or a 5-Mhz 802.11n access point if coupled up with your existing router, meaning you can drag that slow, old 802.11b router kicking and screaming into 2008. You can purchase the unit individually for $129.99 or get two of 'em in the WNHDEB111 Networking for $229.99. Check out our hands-on gallery here.
Along the same lines is the RangeMax Wireless Signal Extender (WPN824EXT) which is an "affordable solution" to extend your existing 802.11g network, which may have just a little bit of trouble stretching its way across your entire compound. It's got a bunch of internal antennas and, uh ... that's about it.
Last but not least, if you can't go wireless and your log cabin doesn't have any power plugs or cable lines to sneak your bits through (how are you running this computer system anyways?), they've got the NETGEAR Plastic Optical Fiber Ethernet Adapter (PF101) which is essentially a bridge allowing you to transmit ethernet data at 100Mbps over a very thin fiber-optic cable up to 50m in length. That means it should be easier to sneak under the carpet or run on top of your baseboards ... or that hole you need to drill in your log cabin could be thinner. Whatever.
Filed under: Networking
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dualboot @ Jan 6th 2008 3:37PM
Finally, an N bridge. Now if it could cost less than the N router, that would be great...
Sam Zebian @ Jan 6th 2008 3:39PM
I wonder why they suddenly went with black routers... I have the pre-n netgear from last year, I'm thinking of getting the N-bridge, but Idk if it will work well with my router, I don't want to have to buy another new router.
Brett Young @ Feb 25th 2008 12:54AM
I recommend you skip the Netgear WNR3500. I bought one today and it won't stay connected for five minutes. I've used three Netgear routers and this is the worst. I think Netgear releases their equipment way before they've tested it enough. This one goes back tomorrow. I haven't decided on what I'll get, but it won't ever be another Netgear. I tried slower settings, different channels, and multiple PCs. My last Netgear router died after seven months. Netgear wouldn't resolve an issue on it either. The router before that had to be reset all the time. The reviews on these routers list the same problems I've had with Netgear, so my problems aren't unique. Study the reviews before you buy and skip Netgear.
MrSmiddy @ Mar 4th 2008 1:01AM
I have to concur, I've had mine for a few weeks now and whenever I connect via a Dell Laptop Wireless it will reset the router every 5 minutes or so. Netgear was no help in getting a resolution. I can use my HP Laptop and Dell XPS One without issues, but using that one Dell Laptop it resets. Also, the router will not propogate DNS forcing me to hardcode DNS in all workstations. Netgear's forums are no help as well. I had used Netgear swtches without issues, and figured thos router would be similar, but it isn't. As Brett recommends, research it further and make another choice for a router solution.