CES 2009

The all new true dual-band wireless router WNDR3700 at CES 2009.

(Credit: Dong Ngo/CNET Networks.)

I reviewed the Netgear WNDR3300 wireless router a while ago and complained that it wasn't a true dual-band router, citing that it was only able to offer Draft N performance in one band at a time. Now at CES 2009, Netgear makes up for that with its all new successor called RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WNDR3700.

Netgear hopes to make the WNDR3700 the ultimate in wireless routers for both home and small business environments. Like all true dual-band wireless routers, such as the D-Link DIR-825 or the Linksys WRT610N, the WNDR3700 features separate Wireless-N access points that can operate concurrently. This means both 5Ghz-based and 2.4Ghz-based wireless-N clients can get connected to the router at the same time.

The router also supports Gigabit Ethernet with all of its ports (4 LAN and one WAN) being able to handle bandwidth up to 1000Mbps. Like the Linksys WRT610N, the WNDR3700 supports external storage via its USB port. Coupled with an external hard drive, the router offers network storage functionality to all computers in the network.

Other than that, the rest of the router's features include:

• Powered by a 680 MHz MIPS processor, efficient power amplifiers and eight ultrasensitive antennas--promising some of the highest speeds and most reliable coverage.
• Advanced QoS with automatic traffic shaping ensures lagfree gaming, solid VoIP call connections, and jitter-free HD streaming.
• New Smart Wizard installation process, featuring a multilanguage graphical user interface
• Simplifies security setup with a "Push 'N' Connect" button that seamlessly connects wireless clients based on WPS
• Provides double firewall to protect the network from external hacker attacks
• Supports multiple SSID feature for guest access
• Configurable as a wireless repeater

The new Netgear WNDR3700 will be available in the first quarter of 2009 and is estimated to cost $179.