Netgear rolls out new Wireless-N devices

[HEXUS]

These new devices may still be based on the IEEE 802.11n Draft 2.0 specification, but Netgear promise they'll "deliver best-in-class performance".

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[Workaholic]

Does that mean that support will stop on the original designs, i.e. when draft N is finalised they won't have firmware released to make it work fully. Making us rely on unoffocial hacks?

Another problem - there's not one with a ADSL modem built in, meaning that we will need to get 2 devices for those of us on BT lines.

By enough of rants, they look the job...

[Funkstar]

I might have the wrong of the stick with 8-2.11n, but here goes.

The specification for N is pretty complex (hence it has taken so long to become a complete standard). And from what I can tell, there is a kind of sliding scale of performance depending on which features are used, how powerful the radio in the device is and how powerful the embeded processors are. Also notice the new Netgear products have 8 antenas. This is far more than the initial 802.11n gear.

Some of the initial Draft-N gear wasn't capable of seeing the highest possible bandwith, it would still be completely compatible, but you just wouldn't get the performance out of it. This new round of hardware on the other hand can take advantage of just about everything Draft-N has to give.

As CES is In Vegas, i would suggest the lack of ADSL hardware is because of the prevelance of cable and fibre services over there. I'd expect some ADSL and ADSL2+ variants once these hit the european market.

[mark_a_scott]

I am sincerely hoping these are Vista x64 compatible. Ever since some clueless knob decided to install a WLAN next door My wireless has been shafted

[Funkstar]

Only the USB adapter needs to be x64 compatible, everything else is networking gear that doesn't need drivers and any "Made for Vista" logos are pure marketing guff.

[tintax]

I hope they've ironed out the flaws from the previous products. Don't get me wrong, my current G network is powered by Netgear, but I rolled back my attempt to upgrade to N in disgust.

User reviews indicates that others had similar problems: the kit either worked great first time or found 101 ways to annoy you. I know it's a draft standard but still. I'll be very happy if the new versions are less hit and miss.