What's new with Wireless Routers?

What's new with wireless routers? Ever expanding range, that's what. Just announced today, Netgear is releasing a new wireless router that promises to have an expanded range, that ten to thirty percent better than their competitor's. The release of the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router, with its eight antennas, puts Netgear at the top of the pack for range on wireless routers.

The new RangeMax wireless router was designed for users who play games online and stream videos. The new wireless router retails before about $130 and can be found at most local retailers.

Below are the product specifications as found on the Netgear web site:

Standards
· IEEE 802.11n draft version 2.0
· IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b 2.4 GHz
· IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11a 5.0 GHz
Wireless Configurations
· Type 1: Full 2.4 GHZ configuration supporting 802.11n/802.11g/802.11b
· Type 2: Duo 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz configuration supporting 802.11n/802.11a (5 GHz) and 802.11g/ 802.11b (2.4 GHz)
Physical Specifications
· Dimensions: 223 x 153 x 31 mm (8.8 x 6.0 x 1.2 in)
· Weight: 0.5 kg (1.2 lb)
Ease of Use
· Smart Wizard® simplifies setup by automatically detecting and configuring your router for virtually all ISP connections
Security
· Double firewall: –Network Address Translation (NAT) to hide PCs and files from outside users–Stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall to deny outside requests for personal information
· Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention
· Intrusion detection and prevention (IDS)
· Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK)
· Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) 64-bit, 128-bit encryption
· Wireless access control to identify authorized wireless network devices
· Exposed host (DMZ) for secure gaming
Privacy and Parental Control
· “Trusted user” control
· Time-based usage controls
· Web site logging
· Remote management
· URL content filtering
Functions
· Auto firmware detection algorithm
· QoS function
Warranty
· NETGEAR 1-year Warranty (see information enclosed)
Package Contents
· RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router (WNDR3300)
· Stand
· Ethernet cable
· Setup CD
· 12V, 1.5A power adapter, localized to country of sale
· Warranty/support information card

If You Are Not Wireless, Why Not???

Are you tired of wires stretching across your room to connect your desktop or laptop computers to the Internet? Maybe it is time for your home to go wireless. Senior technicians say that someone who is moderately tech savvy can set up his or her own home network.

There are A, B, G and new N-type wireless access points. But do not let that confuse you. All you need to know is the most common type right now because N is not widely supported yet. So, look for a G type access point. Linksys and NetGear are the most common brands of wireless routers and networks. Remember that a wireless network is not recommended unless you have a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL).

If your laptop already or desktop already has a wireless card, all you need is a wireless access point or wireless router, and some Ethernet cable. Most DSL modems are also routers, but if you are not sure about your modem, check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). In the rush to get your wireless network working, critical security issues are often overlooked.

Your wireless router acts as a basic firewall by denying access to your home computers, but once you set up a wireless network, depending on how it is configured, other computers can gain access behind the router firewall. At a minimum, all computers should be password protected and be running their own firewall software. Far too many people just plug the access in, get it working, and leave it at that. When it comes to computer security, you do not want to do that.