NETGEAR Launches RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB, a Powerful Open Source Linux Platform for Developers and Enthusiasts with New Partner Applications
SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NETGEAR®, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTGR), a worldwide provider of technologically innovative, branded networking solutions, today announced the launch of RangeMax(TM) Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB (WNR3500L), a full-featured Wireless-N router offering high-performance wireless range and speed along with Gigabit Ethernet ports and ReadyShare(TM) USB storage access.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091005/SF86351)
The RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB is also designed to serve as a reliable, high-performance open source Linux® platform supporting a wide variety of applications created by multiple development partners and the dedicated open source community. Some of these partners include BigFoot Networks for boosting network speeds for online gaming, Leaf Networks for easy remote access, Paragon Software for high-speed USB file reads and writes, and Sputnik for hotspot solutions.
The most popular free, open source Linux-based firmware -- DD-WRT, OpenWRT and Tomato -- are also available on the RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router, making it easier for users to develop a wide variety of applications. Customers can download the Linux-based open source firmware from the open source community and development program website at http://www.myopenrouter.com.
"The debut of our open source RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router is significant as it is the first full-featured Wireless-N Linux router to combine wide ranging capabilities, features, infrastructure and a community to enable application development," stated Som Pal Choudhury, senior product line manager for advanced wireless at NETGEAR. "Feedback and ideas from our open source community have been key in developing this powerful platform. We are therefore very pleased to announce our Development Partner Program, with multiple software vendors and developers creating customized, robust, commercial-grade applications on the WNR3500L."
Router Features and Performance
The high-performance RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB features a 480MHz MIPS® 74K CPU core with embedded hardware acceleration and incorporates 8 MB of flash memory and 64 MB of RAM, enough to run even business-class applications. It features five 10/100/1000 (one WAN port and four LAN) Ethernet ports with auto-sensing technology with high WAN to LAN speeds in excess of 350 Mbps. It incorporates an 802.11n access point with a wireless repeater mode to extend range. The three internal Metamaterial antennas provide enhanced wireless range and reliable connections.
In addition to its Gigabit Ethernet ports to deliver ultra-fast wired network connections, the WNR3500L router includes a USB 2.0 host port for USB networked storage and for developing other custom applications, including remote access, DLNA/UPnP Media Server support, and USB modem support for 3G/4G/WiMax high-speed cellular connections.
The high-performance WNR3500L protects the network from intruders via a double firewall and Denial-of-service attack prevention. The wireless connection is secured with support for Wi-Fi Protected Access(TM) (WPA), WPA2-PSK, while Push 'N' Connect using Wi-Fi® Protected Setup(TM) (WPS) enables users to add computers to the network quickly and securely.
For maximum throughput, NETGEAR recommends the RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB be used with a matching Wireless-N client device such as the NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter (WN111).
A Community of Developers
The NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB is supported by a dedicated open source router community, http://www.myopenrouter.com, which provides open source firmware downloads, applications, forums, blogs, articles, source code and user guides. Members also have access to dedicated and responsive support from open source experts.
NETGEAR is also introducing a Development Partner Program that already includes several software application vendors who are creating custom applications for the WNR3500L router that NETGEAR customers can download and enjoy. Companies include:
-- BigFoot Networks - network optimized online gaming: Bigfoot Networks
(http://www.bigfootnetworks.com) is a networking technology company that
develops hardware and software solutions that significantly improve the
online gaming experience. Bigfoot Networks is currently working with the
NETGEAR WNR3500L router to deliver optimized home networking solutions
for online gamers that combine the performance benefits and flexibility
of the Bigfoot Networks Killer Xeno Pro and the WNR3500L router.
-- Leaf Networks - easy remote access: Leaf Networks
(http://www.leafnetworks.net) software and technology securely extends
LAN-like connectivity over the Internet to embedded devices, mobile
users and software applications. A streamlined version of this software
is available to enable owners of the NETGEAR WNR3500L to remotely access
their external USB storage device connected to the router USB port from
anywhere, as if it were on their home network, using familiar tools such
as Windows® File Explorer and Mac® Finder.
-- Paragon Software - high-speed USB NTFS read/writes: Paragon Software
Group (http://www.paragon-software.com) is an innovative software
developer focused on two dynamic growth markets: Data Storage, including
data security, storage and management for embedded devices, PCs, servers
and networks; and Mobile Applications. Paragon NTFS for Linux, based on
the company's unique Universal File System Driver (UFSD) technology, has
now been developed for the NETGEAR WNR3500L open source router. It
provides full access to a Windows (NTFS-formatted) hard drive attached
to the WNR3500L, enabling all PCs, clients and servers, regardless of
their operating system, to access and share files to and from the drive
via the WNR3500L.
-- Sputnik - full-featured hotspot solutions: Sputnik, Inc.
(http://www.sputnik.com) offers SputnikNet, an innovative web
application that enables Wi-Fi hotspot providers to run free or paid
public-access wireless networks of any size, with full control over
branding and customer experience. With Sputnik-powered DD-WRT firmware
running on the NETGEAR WNR3500L, SputnikNet enables Wi-Fi hotspot
providers to build high-speed wireless networks of any size and manage
them centrally over the web. In addition, SputnikNet gives the provider
flexible control over Wi-Fi branding and customer experience (free,
paid, ad-supported Wi-Fi). The NETGEAR WNR3500L is the first 802.11n
Wi-Fi router sold directly by Sputnik with Sputnik-powered firmware.
Pricing and Availability
The NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB (WNR3500L) will be available in Fall 2009 through select retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites and value-added resellers. The router is backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support, and has an MSRP in the U.S. of $139.99.
For more information:
-- Photos and data sheets:
http://www.netgear.com/Products/RoutersandGateways/RangeMaxWirelessNRout
ersandGateways/WNR3500L.aspx
-- Open-source community web site: http://myopenrouter.com
About NETGEAR, Inc.
NETGEAR (NASDAQGM: NTGR) designs innovative, branded technology solutions that address the specific networking, storage, and security needs of Small- to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) and home users. The company offers an end-to-end networking product portfolio to enable users to share Internet access, peripherals, files, multimedia content, and applications among multiple computers and other Internet-enabled devices. Products are built on a variety of proven technologies such as wireless, Ethernet and powerline, with a focus on reliability and ease-of-use. NETGEAR products are sold in over 29,000 retail locations around the globe, and via more than 41,000 value-added resellers. The company's headquarters are in San Jose, Calif., with additional offices in 25 countries. NETGEAR is an ENERGY STAR® partner. More information is available at http://www.netgear.com or by calling (408) 907-8000. Follow NETGEAR at http://twitter.com/NETGEAR and http://www.facebook.com/netgear.
©2009 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo and RangeMax are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Wi-Fi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.
Note: Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput will vary from maximum signal rates stipulated. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for NETGEAR, Inc.:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning NETGEAR's business and the expected performance characteristics, specifications, reliability, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses, user feedback and market position of NETGEAR's products and technology are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the following: the actual price, performance and ease of use of NETGEAR's products may not meet the price, performance and ease of use requirements of customers; product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions; failure of products may under certain circumstances cause permanent loss of end user data; new viruses or Internet threats may develop that challenge the effectiveness of security features in NETGEAR's products; the ability of NETGEAR to market and sell its products and technology; the impact and pricing of competing products; and the introduction of alternative technological solutions. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect NETGEAR and its business are detailed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties listed in the section entitled "Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors," pages 35 through 49, in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal second quarter ended June 28, 2009, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 6, 2009. NETGEAR undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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SOURCE NETGEAR, Inc.