Netgear Announces Wireless-N Upgrade Kit

Netgear today announced the launch of the Wireless-N Upgrade Kit (WNEB3100), a plug-and-play solution that promises to make it fast and easy to add 5GHz Wireless-N access to any existing network and upgrade a computer to dual-band Wireless-N.

The Wireless-N Upgrade Kit, which includes Netgear’s 5GHz Wireless-N HD Access Point (WNHDE111) and RangeMax Dual-Band Wireless-N Adapter (WNDA3100), plugs into an existing router or gateway (router with integrated modem) so you can immediately take advantage of the enhanced performance delivered by 802.11n.

Adding the Wireless-N Upgrade Kit to an existing 802.11b/g network will create a dual-band network capable of supporting any Wi-Fi-compliant computer or device. While laptops with embedded Wireless-N will natively connect at the highest possible Wireless-N speeds, the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Adapter provides a boost in wireless performance to desktops and older laptop computers.

Equipped with Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) and pre-configured security, the Wireless-N Upgrade Kit utilises Netgear’s ‘Push ‘N’ Connect’ function which eliminates the need to enter pass codes or long encryption keys and makes it quick and simple to establish secure communications with any WPS-enabled device. The Wireless-N Upgrade Kit also supports automatic Quality of Service (QoS).

The WNHDE111 can be used as a standalone bridge or can function as a 5GHz Wireless-N access point when connected to an existing router or gateway. It can also act as a bridge to connect game consoles or media receivers such as Netgear’s Digital Entertainer HD to a dual-band Wireless-N router like the RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router (WNDR3300). The WNHDE111 supports a wireless ‘ad-hoc’ mode for wireless LAN peer-to-peer gaming, and multicast point-to-multi-point high-definition video streaming.

The WNDA3100 is backward compatible with older 802.11g equipment and provides enough bandwidth to support music downloads, file sharing, and high-definition multimedia applications. It utilises patented metamaterial micro-antennas to provide better speed and range than other 802.11n adapters to provide reliable connectivity to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wireless-N channels, said Netgear.

Netgear’s Wireless-N Upgrade Kit is backed by a 1-year warranty and 24/7 technical support, and is available worldwide via select retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites, and value-added resellers at a retail price in the U.S. of $149 (around £99.99).