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"Excellent Performance & Great Looks!" on by mistertee
Pros: Easy setup and management, very good range, runs cool, nice cosmetics, reasonable price.
Cons: No USB port (only a "con" if you want to connect a USB print server or other USB device directly to the router).
Summary: I tried several " Draft N" routers in the under $80 price range and found the WNR2000 offered the biggest bang for the buck. The installation CD works in conjunction with Netgear's online resources and provides a simple yet highly configurable setup procedure suitable for both novice and experienced users. I especially like it's ability to automatically install the latest firmware during setup. Once installed, the router can be managed from any computer in your network or limited to a specific machine if desired. The unique "Push N' Connect" feature allows you to add additional computers to the network quickly and securely. In any case, both the management UI and feature set are useful, well designed and highly intuitive.
Although performance testing (and subsequent results) will vary depending on terrain, wireless adapter, etc., the WNR2000 was the hands down winner of all the units I tested in the under $80 price range. According to Netgear's web site, this router would typically be paired with a WN511B wireless adapter however I found a rather dramatic increase in throughput using the slightly higher priced WN511T adapter. With the "B" version, throughput at 50' typically ranged between 108-162 Mbps whereas the "T" provided an improved speed ranging between 208-270 Mbps. That said, the "B" card showed slightly stronger signal strength averaging 8 of 10 bars on the Netgear management interface versus 7 of 10 bars for the "T". However, using Microsoft's Vista UI both cards were consistent at 4 of 5 bars. The point is, the WNR2000 is quite capable of impressive throughput depending upon your choice of wireless adapter. So far I haven't experienced any random disconnects.
As for cosmetics, the WNR2000 is (in my opinion) a very stylish unit. The array of backlighted icon-like status indicators are very easy to see from a distance of 5 or 6 feet. This certainly isn't the case with many of it's competitors. The unit is designed to be used in the vertical position but the stand is removable for those who prefer horizontal orientation.
Obviously I would highly recommend the WNR2000 to anyone in the market for an "N" (non-gigabit) router. Even so, I always suggest purchasing network devices from a local retailer whenever possible. If things don't work out (often the case with these types of products) it makes returns and exchanges so much easier. -
"Great Router! Smoked two previous routers I owned" on by SledgeNet
Pros: Increased range...increased download and streaming speed...sleek design...quick and easy set up
Cons: No Gigabit-Ethernet (printer) slot
Summary: Did tons of research online trying to replace my old Netgear wireless G...Decided to go to Best Buy to ask for advice. Both my cable guy (Cox) and the Best Buy rep reccomended a Linksys (RangePlus Pre-N). Bought one of those...It was impossible to set up and it was dropping out to often...plus my wireless connection was no stronger than before...Went back to best Buy and purchased the WNR2000...What a difference, set-up took about 20 minutes-with no issues Netgear set-up the connection and it was good to go. Also,setting up Security was dumb simple-very intuitive. Compared to the other routers I had tried, this one doubled my wireless connection and have had great success with download and streaming...and as of yet no drop outs...This one also has a on/off button-pretty cool. Overall great router. Here's my set-up. 1 bedroom APT in San Diego (Cox Cable)...router in bedroom-wireless devices in living room. Connected to a PS3, TIVO, and a laptop. I was scared about switching to a N-Router, but so far my cable guy was wrong on that one.
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"Great product under $100.00" on by hvchapade
Pros: Easy set up, Good Range and Speed, Compact in size and great looks, Good tech support
Cons: Set up instructions could have been made simpler.
Summary: I have been looking for a router for many weeks, and i finally zeroed on this peice, mainly because of the promotional price and the Netgear redemption offer for a adapter with it. I was keen on one from the Rangemax series, but they quite dint fit my budget. Specs on WNR2000 meets most of the Rangemax features including the extra security. Speed (up to 130 mbps) and range (up to 30 meteres), are consistent when moving between rooms or outside home.
Pre Sakes support and Tech support was great
I have not tried any other gadgets (such as a XBox) as yet.
Over all it is good decent router if for an average user who is looking forward to explore its multi functionality in near future. -
"Difficult to install, highly unreliable once installed." on by Pat Wurdeman
Pros: Looks good.
Cons: Unreliable. Frequent dropouts (goes offline and runs self-test). Remarkably poor "customer support". Phone line doesn't connect, and chat drops you.
Summary: The unit I bought may have been defective, but I can't recommend spending time trying out the WNR2000v3.
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"drops wireless connections often!" on by jjgjjg
Pros: fast, easy to configure
Cons: drops connections to iPhones, Squeezebox continually. Need to reboot router every day or two. Very annoying and cannot seem to find settings to fix this. Customer service/Netgear website is useless.
Netgear Wireless-N Router WNR2000 user reviews
