TMCnet News
NETGEAR First to Extend Home Network Range Via Powerline, Wireless 802.11g Combination SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NETGEAR(R), Inc., a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking products, today announced the launch of the revolutionary WGXB102 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender Kit. This compact kit, the first from a major brand, consists of the new WGX102 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender and the XE102 Wall-Plugged Ethernet Bridge. The kit utilizes a combination of HomePlug(R) and 54 Mbps 802.11g wireless technologies to create a unique method of wireless range extension. Used in tandem, the products extend the range of a wireless network to any area in the house where an electrical outlet is available, enabling whole-home coverage. Both products come in an attractive, portable, platinum colored wall-plug form; there is no external antenna to bend or break.For users with a broadband connection entering their house at an inconvenient location, or those who would like to have wireless access originate from the middle of their home without any visible cables, this kit offers an attractive and versatile solution. The NETGEAR Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender Kit is interoperable with 802.11b and 802.11g, and even wired routers. "As home network users continue to expand both the reach and usage of their network, whole-home coverage is essential," said Kartik Gada, NETGEAR Product Line Manager. "The range extension capabilities of this kit exceed those of other products, as the NETGEAR Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender can originate from a power outlet at the furthest extremity of the home, and the wireless coverage can begin from that point. Furthermore, this kit works with existing home networks from any vendor of any Wi-Fi standards. Its plug-and-play setup enables users to extend their wireless networks in a few seconds without any configuration requirement." NETGEAR's WGXB102 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender Kit incorporates technology from Intellon, whose integrated circuits enable consumers to share Internet connections, stream digital audio and video, and network PC and consumer entertainment devices by simply plugging into existing power outlets. Intellon's PowerPacket(TM) technology was selected by the HomePlug(R) Powerline Alliance as the basis for its industry specification 1.0 following a 500-home test. "The NETGEAR/Intellon combination has resulted in a product that provides customers with a simple, inexpensive yet powerful device to extend the network in spaces previously not covered by wireless," said Charlie Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Intellon. "We're very happy to work with NETGEAR, an industry leader known for its product innovation, on this first-of-its-kind product category." The NETGEAR Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender Kit offers plug-and-play functionality out of the box, along with configurable security settings to prevent hackers and eavesdroppers. The kit packs security features such as 64 or 128-bit WEP encryption, wireless SSID suppression and WPA PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key) support. The kit's XE102 Ethernet Bridge, certified by the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, features universal plug-and-play access and HomePlug 1.0 technology. The kit's WGX102 Wireless Range Extender features both HomePlug 1.0 powerline and IEEE 802.11g-compliant wireless technologies. The NETGEAR WGXB102 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender Kit is backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. It is available in early October via leading retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites, and value-added resellers, at a retail price of $149.99. About NETGEAR(R), Inc. NETGEAR(R) designs technologically advanced, branded networking products that address the specific needs of small and medium business and home users. The Company's suite of over 100 products enables users to share Internet access, peripherals, files, digital multimedia content and applications among multiple personal computers and other Internet-enabled devices. NETGEAR is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.netgear.com/ or call 408-907-8000. NOTE: NETGEAR, Inc., NETGEAR, and the NETGEAR logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. HomePlug is a registered trademark of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc. Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for NETGEAR, Inc.: Various matters set forth in this press release, such as statements relating to the expected performance characteristics, specifications, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses and market position of NETGEAR, Inc. and its products and technology are forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the price/performance requirements of customers, the ability of NETGEAR to sell products incorporating the technology, the impact and pricing of competing technologies, the introduction of alternative technological solutions, and other risks detailed from time-to-time in NETGEAR'S SEC filings and reports. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030730/NETGEARLOGO ) Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030730/NETGEARLOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 212-782-2840 NETGEAR, Inc. CONTACT: Doug Hagan, Director, Corporate Marketing of NETGEAR, Inc.,+1-408-907-8053, or [email protected]; or media, Lisa Hawes, AccountSupervisor of Sterling Communications, +1-408-395-5500, ext. 227, [email protected], for NETGEAR, Inc. Web site: http://www.netgear.com/ |