Netgear WGXB102 review

Netgear's wall-plugged wireless extender kit is designed more for convenience than performance. Netgear's claims of 54Mbps for the kit are misleading. Although one of the units in the package is equipped with an 802.11g access point that's theoretically capable of transferring data at 54Mbps, actual throughput shrinks to around 5Mbps once the data is passed on to the HomePlug network. CNET Labs clocked the WGXB102 kit at 6.2Mbps. That's still faster than a standard broadband connection, which makes Netgear's wall-plugged wireless extender kit more than adequate for sharing a broadband connection in a home or a building. Still, it disappoints us to see a fine company such as Netgear hoodwink its customers by overpromising 54Mbps for the kit.

CNET Labs Chariot throughput tests
(Longer bars indicate better performance)

Throughput in Mbps

Netgear WGXB102

6.2 

Linksys PLUSB10

5.2 

Corinex powerline router

5.1 

Corinex powerline access point

5.1 

Netgear covers its wall-plugged wireless extender kit with a perfunctory one-year warranty. Toll-free phone support is available 24/7, but it's available for only 90 days from the date of purchase. Netgear recently gave its support Web site a much needed makeover, but the site is still more difficult to use and offers fewer resources than other Web sites, such as those hosted by Linksys and D-Link. A detailed FAQ and user forum for the kit would be welcome additions. The lengthy 182-page reference manual for the wall-plugged wireless extender offers plenty of useful information but lacks important basics, such as warranty specifics and contact information.