NETGEAR RangeMax Premium Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNR3500) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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).

Click Here to see more reviews about: NETGEAR RangeMax Premium Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNR3500)

The NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router WNR3500 lets you easily set up a blazing fast network with both wired and wireless connections. Everyone in your home or office can share a single Internet connection, and connect to their network, at speeds up to 1000 Mbps wired, and 300 Mbps wireless, letting you stream music, video, make Internet phone calls, video conference, and surf the web -- all at the same time.
Easy Setup The WNR3500 makes it easy for even a novice to set up a wireless network: just plug the included Ethernet cable from your LAN into the device and insert the included CD into any computer on the network. The Smart Wizard will lead you through easy step-by-step instructions, and will automatically detect and configure your router for virtually all ISP connections. A stand is included for vertical placement options.
The WNR3500 employs a web-based interface for configuration for compatibility with any computer with a web browser. Setup is secure using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), and the "Push 'N' Connect" eliminates the need to remember or input security password keys.
New Technology Means Blazing Speeds and Backwards Compatibility The WNR3500 complies with the latest Wireless-N draft specification, which allows for wireless speeds up to 300 Mbps. By utilizing patented metamaterial antenna technology, the WNR3500 offers a speed and range far surpassing the older Wireless-G standard. Eight internal antennas ensure maximum coverage and range throughout your office or home.
If you still have computers that use Wireless-G or Wireless-B, don't fret--this router is backwards compatible with the older wireless standards and can be set so all your computers can connect to the network.
By using Gigabit Ethernet for the backend, you'll be certain that the router is receiving data at the highest possible speeds, preventing the input from become a bottleneck. Four Gigabit RJ-45 Ethernet ports in the back allow you to have wired connections to the network that blaze along at 1000 Mbps.
For users who already have a wireless network set up, the WNR3500 can be configured as a repeater for extending the range of the existing network.
Security Made Easy The WNR3500 offers many security options to ensure your data is always protected and remains private. Double firewall protection keeps your network shielded from outside attacks and also prevents Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. The WNR3500 supports WiFi Protected Access (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK), and 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption for Wireless-B/G networks. Additionally, you can set security through MAC address authentication, allowing only authorized users onto the network.
The NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router WNR3500 is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box WNR3500 RangeMax Router, power adapter, Ethernet cable, stand, setup CD, and warranty/support information card.

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SURFboard SB5101 DOCSIS 2.0 Data Modem Review

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(More customer reviews)
I bought the Motorola Surfboard 5101 a couple of weeks ago on Amazon. Think they must have gotten a new vendor because the price was about $15 cheaper and there were hundreds of reviews for this cable modem.

I just wanted to point out some things that I picked up from the other reviews. I am a Comcast customer and I wanted to avoid paying the $3/month rental charge for their RCA modem. When I connected the 5101 even though I had all green lights I still had no internet connection. That is because you have to call Comcast and tell them your new MAC ID number that is shown on the modem. This is not pointed out anywhere in the instructions. The Comcast tech did not ask for my serial number. After a few minutes he made the change and said everything was OK.

I rebooted the modem and computer but I still could not connect to the net. I remembered from other reviews that it takes about ten or fifteen minutes for the change to take place. After 15 minutes I rebooted everything and I had my internet connection.

Also there is no mention that the 5101 works with Vista. Thought I might have to download some drivers but I didn't. It works just fine with Vista.

After two weeks the 5101 modem has been working with no problems. I do use that Standby button when I am not connected to the net just because all those green lights are a distraction.

Hope this helps.


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Motorola SURFboard SB5101 Cable Modem.DOCSIS 2.0 Certified.Integrated U/S Amp, USB 1.1, 16 SIDs

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NETGEAR DG834G Wireless-G Router with Built-in DSL Modem Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a real masterpiece. Loaded with features, elegant package and very easy to use.
I just got it, plugged it and logged on to the web administration. First thing I did was applying the latest firmware which was a very smooth operation that took less than 5 minutes, then it suggested it should figure out automatically my ADSL connection and I clicked yes, but it took forever so I cancelled and entered the configuration manually. Unlike some other routers, it doesn't require a router reboot to apply new settings which is a very good plus. I was up and running in very few minutes. Then I started exploring the features and found a whole lot of them.
The wireless AP can be set to support b, g or b and g (default setting), the only drawback is that you must select a channel manually. I believe it should be better to hop to the clearest channel automatically.
Other features contain extensive network logging with flags to enable/disable logging certain events such as DoS attacks or attempted access to blocked sites. Advanced website blocking which eliminates the need for a proxy server, you can activate it per schedule or all the time or disable it. You can also exclude some trusted clients from the blocking. Firewall is also a nice feature and can also be scheduled, turned on or off all the time. You can also email the logs to a certain address. The drawback here is that u need an SMTP server, I believe the router should've had its own.
You can also dignose the router and the LAN and WAN through the diagnostics page, set static routes, enable remote management of the router through the WAN, and my all times favourite service : the router has a built-in DynDNS client if u have a dynamic IP and u wish to have a fixed hostname ! Finally you can backup and restore your settings so u don't have to go through all settings again in case u had to reset ur router !
Truly, I believe this is worth the money I paid for and the few drawbacks I mentioned are no big deal at all, and the pros outweigth them by far. If you want to save your money, save your desktop space and have a 5-in-1 device for all your needs (ADSL modem, advanced router, ethernet switch, wireless access point and a firewall) then go for it ! I'm glad I bought it !

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The NETGEAR DG834G Wireless-G Router with Built-in DSL Modem is an all-in-one solution for anyone with a DSL internet connection who wants a Wireless-G router. By combining a high-performing router and modem into a single device, you save space, the hassle of extra cords, and the costs of leasing a router from your DSL service provider.
Replace Your Old DSL Modem This modem and router replaces existing equipment provided by DSL service providers. It is fully compatible with Verizon, AT&T, Qwest, Earthlink, and other DSL Internet service providers. With the NETGEAR DG834G, you have the freedom to switch DSL providers without having to change equipment, and you don't have to waste money by paying a monthly leasing fee.
Elegant Design and Easy Setup The DG834G is an attractive unit, about the size of a small paperback, with a silver exterior and rounded edges. An included plastic stand lets you stand the router on its edge to take up less space.
The DG834G makes it easy for even a novice to set up a wireless network. Just connect the DSL line, run the Smart Wizard with step-by-step instructions, and you're all set. Once your network is set up, the router's "Push 'N' Connect" feature takes over.
To connect a new device on your network, you simply push a button on the router, and your device is automatically and securely configured and connected to your wireless network. This means that the days of having to remember complicated security keys and passwords are over. (This feature is for use with other Push 'N' Connect or WPS enabled devices.)
Fast and Secure Performance Wireless G offers data speeds of up to 54 Mbps, making it possible to share a broadband Internet connection, stream music without hiccups, watch videos with less load time, and videoconference without delays. If you still run computers that use the 802.11b standard, don't fret: the router is backwards compatible with the older wireless standard.
In addition to providing wireless access, the device also includes four 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet ports in the back for connecting computers to the network via a faster, wired connection.
The DG834G offers many security options to ensure your data is private. Double firewall protection keeps your network shielded from outside attacks. To ensure the security of your wireless data, both 40/64-bit, 128-bit, and 152-bit (802.11g only) WEP encryption is available, as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). You can also use MAC address authentication to allow only authorized users onto the network.
Smart and Green Design The router has an elegant and clean design with several environmentally sensitive features. An on/off switch lets you turn off the router when it's not in use. Energy Star compliant, the DG834G is stingy in its power use, and with packaging that's made of 80-percent recycled materials, it's as green as it gets.
The NETGEAR DG834G Wireless-G Router with Built-in DSL Modem measures 6.9 x 1.1 x 4.7 inches (WxHxD) and is backed by a 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box Wireless-G router with DSL modem, power adapter, Ethernet cable, phone cable, ADSL phone line filter, vertical stand, setup CD, warranty/support information.

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Cisco-Linksys E2100L Advanced Wireless-N Router Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm on my second router after the first one was replaced through RMA. Router seems to work fine for about a week and then I have problems writing to my attached USB drive. Reads work OK but are incredibly slow. Then the router requires a reboot and the problems go away for about a week.

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With its extraterrestrial good-looks, its speedy 2.4GHz band, and its LINUX-based OS compatibility, the E2100L wireless-N router has crash landed on a distant planet where priority is given to open-source operating systems and network customization. Behold, Linux lovers, the Linksys E2100L was made just for you.

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Cables to Go 37133 2-Port RJ45 Splitter/Combiner Cable, Gray 6-Inch (Single Unit*) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm thinking the people rating this poorly don't understand how to use it. It WON'T split a single Ethernet CONNECTION into two. It WILL enable a single Ethernet CABLE (which has 8 wires) to carry two connections (which require 4 wires each). This is helpful in places where you have a single cable running from your router (typically in a wiring closet) to two devices, and can't easily run a second cable -- i.e., where one cable is already installed in the walls.
Here's how you use it: Run Ethernet cables from 2 ports of your router into the female jacks of the first splitter. Plug the male end of that splitter into the jack in your wiring closet that runs to the part of your house you want. Plug the male end of the second splitter into the Ethernet jack at the other end of that cable run (i.e., in the room where the devices are located). Run Ethernet cables from the female jacks of the second splitter to the devices.
If you want to use a single Ethernet connection for two devices, these splitters won't work; you need a router that shares the connection among the devices.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cables to Go 37133 2-Port RJ45 Splitter/Combiner Cable, Gray 6-Inch (Single Unit*)

This 2-port passive splitter is handy when you need another network connection but don't have the time or the money to add another cable drop. Simply plug one device into your work area network port and another unit to the corresponding patch panel port. Now you can run two network devices over the same network cable. Non-intrusive to the network; a simple plug-and-play installation. Please Note: Sold individually, this item must be used in pairs for each installation, one on each end of the cable.

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Cisco-Linksys WRT160N-RM Refurbished Wireless-N Router Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was looking for a Wireless-N router (the newest form of wireless connectivity) as most of my computers and consoles (Xbox 360 has a new wireless dongle) now have Wireless N technology. This was cheap and had fairly decent reviews so I decided to take a chance. The item arrived fairly quick and in great (I'd say practically brand new) condition and was easy to install. However, after only a few hours of use, I noticed several problems with this unit. Most of the problems seemed to be with my Macbook Pro; it wasn't getting a full signal, speeds were slow, and whenever I opened iChat, the router would instantly restart itself. After going through the hassle of purchasing and installing it, I decided to try something else before sending it back: I installed DD-WRT open source firmware on the router, and haven't looked back since.
I have never used open source firmware before, but I had read up about it before purchasing a router again. Even though the DD-WRT website listed this as not compatible, I purchased this anyway in hopes that eventually it would be released. DD-WRT for this router (version 3) wasn't supported until literally 2 weeks ago, and I was lucky enough to find a release of it on the DD-WRT support forums (easily found by doing a quick search on Google for "DD-WRT WRT160Nv3"). After downloading the mini pack and the standard pack (listed as WRT160Nv3 in the file name) I loaded the router access page (192.168.1.1) and did a web firmware update thru my FireFox browser, first starting with the mini pack, and once that is finished, then with the standard firmware for this router.
It was as easy as that, and took literally 4 minutes to upgrade it. Now, this router has been perfect. It hasn't been restarted once since it was updated with DD-WRT, the speed is fantastic, and overall, I am extremely happy to have upgraded with the new firmware. The DD-WRT firmware also has some great features like bandwidth monitoring, signal adjustment and strength meter, great security features and tons more that the standard Linksys firmware doesn't include. **Please note: there is a slight chance DD-WRT could brick (aka destroy) your router, though it doesn't appear to happen very often. Please make sure you read the DD-WRT website and support thread on this router thoroughly before upgrading it. With that said, it was the easiest and least painful upgrade I have ever done, and now this router works great.
EDIT: Please read comments section for more information and direct links.
EDIT: 12/13/10 Please be advised that this review is over a year old. Since installing DD-WRT last year, I have never had to upgrade anything or really even mess with it. However, things change quickly, and my experience then might be different from yours today. Please be sure to read the official DD-WRT website and forums for current information related to this router. Thanks

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RCA DCM425 - Cable modem - external - USB / Ethernet - 38 Mbps Review

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(More customer reviews)For the past so many years, Comcast was merrily collecting $5 a month for a model lease and I never even realized that I could buy one instead. Called them about some account changes and that's when the rep inadvertently mentioned that I could use my own modem. Bought it the same day, plugged it in and activated it, works like a charm. Later Comcast!

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RCA's latest DOCSIS 2.0 certified cable modem, the DCM425 is future-proof and supports up to 16 upstream flows in silicon and represents a further improvement of DOCSIS product-line in a small form factor. The 16 upstream flows allow operators to provide

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