- Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 50 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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3 out of 4 people found this review helpful
1.5 stars
"Major software problem with other than Netgear Pre-N Cards"
Pros: Easy detection of cable modem, and great security.
Cons: Released before bugs were properly worked out, & level 1 tech support is unaware of the problems.
Summary: This could have been the best of the best in the router picks for me (Could still be if they fix the problems quickly).
The problem is that this router will not let other 802.11B/G devices connect to the internet.
It allows them to connect to the router and the internal network to share files and such, but no internet connection can be made by the device.
I tried two different laptops (Armada 7800 6366/T/10/0/M/1 Win-2K, IBM R31 Win-XP Pro) with 2 different G & B only cards (4 cards total, all different manufacturers, IBM 12P3863 802.11B mini PCI, Microsoft MN-720 802.11G, Buffalo WLI-CB-G54A 802.11G, Orinoco Gold 802.11B), with the same problem. I also tried a total of 2 routers to confirm the problem (both had identical problems). Most people would have just taken it back and purchased something else. I spent about 50 hours of my personal time, over a 3 week period, trying to figure out the problem, and an extra $20 in shipping charges for a second router.
The unit will not detect new firmware with Version 1.0.1.2, and I cannot yet confirm if Version 1.0.1.4 will detect it until the new release comes out.
While I like the automatic internet detection, it is very slow, and could make someone believe their router is defective.
The software that came with the router on the resource CD V1.0 has some problems of its own; it locks up at a certain point. I recommend manually setting up the router rather than using the software.
The size of the router is not really a problem, but they could have made the clip on base an inch wider (and still could). A wall mount using the same Clip-on base holes would be a good idea too.
The level-2 tech support says they will have a fix in 2 more weeks with their next software release (sometime in July 2006).
The rush to the Pre-N deliveries is going to cost companies that have not properly tested their equipment with cards and devices other than their own.
Recommendation for consumers on 802.11N: WAIT! Wait until 3 to 6 months after it is ratified if you want no problems. There are plenty of other great 802.11G MIMO routers that work very well at 100MHz+ if you need something now.
Recommendation to the manufacturers: Re-call your 802.11N product if it is not widely compatible with B&G until you fix it. You're just going to give yourselves a black eye, and cause mistrust with the consumer.
Just one guys opinion...
Updated
The latest software update for the Netgear WNR834B RangeMax router has been released...
I can now honestly say this is a best in class router, my rating is now a 10... Just next time, Netgear, don't be in a rush to be first, just best...
If you are having any issues download the latest update dated 7-14-2006. Version V1.0.2.4.
If you haven't been able to connect before this will fix the problem...
I am happy to now give this router a 10 even if I can only give the Netgear pre-testing group a 2. I think there is probably a job opening (or soon to be) in that group now...Updated
The latest software update for the Netgear WNR834B RangeMax router has been released...
I can now honestly say this is a best in class router, my rating is now a 10... Just next time, Netgear, don't be in a rush to be first, just best...
If you are having any issues download the latest update dated 7-14-2006. Version V1.0.2.4.
If you haven't been able to connect before this will fix the problem...
I am happy to now give this router a 10 even if I can only give the Netgear pre-testing group a 2. I think there is probably a job opening (or soon to be) in that group now...Updated
The latest software update for the Netgear WNR834B RangeMax router has been released...
I can now honestly say this is a best in class router, my rating is now a 10... Just next time, Netgear, don't be in a rush to be first, just best...
If you are having any issues download the latest update dated 7-14-2006. Version V1.0.2.4. http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WNR834B.asp
If you haven't been able to connect before this will fix the problem...
I am happy to now give this router a 10 even if I can only give the Netgear pre-testing group a 2. I think there is probably a job opening (or soon to be) in that group now...
- 1 reply to this review
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If you are using PRE-N card DO THIS
TURN OFF SPI "Stateful packet inspection ....especialy with broadband connections"
change to channel 6 and 130Mbps Mode
then lower MTU "maximum transfer unit " TO 1400
after that you should be golden on 802.11G and b connections..
Signed Watashiwahjolan
Where to buy
Netgear WNR834B RangeMax Next Router:
$70.71 - $84.88
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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$79.99 | Yes |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$70.71 | Yes |
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$78.99 | Yes |
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$84.88 | Yes |
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