Netgear WNR834B RangeMax Next Router
Manufacturer: NetGear Inc. Part number: WNR834B
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Though its maximum throughput is solid and its speed at long range is respectable, the Netgear WNR834B's mixed-mode speed is not. Save your cash until more Draft N routers make it through CNET Labs.
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CNET editors' review
Netgear WNR834B RangeMax Next Router price range: $32.99 - $79.99
- Reviewed by: Stephanie Bruzzese
- Edited by: Felisa Yang
- Reviewed on: 05/03/2006
- Updated on:08/20/2007
- Released on: 04/13/2006
The good: Among the Netgear WNR834B's benefits are satisfying maximum throughput, a slick design, simple setup, comprehensive documentation, and tight security capabilities.
The bad: The Netgear WNR834B is one of the more expensive new Draft N routers around, and it takes a big speed hit in mixed-mode environments. Also, you can't adjust its antennas, since they're located inside the case.
The bottom line: Though its maximum throughput is solid and its speed at long range is respectable, the Netgear WNR834B's mixed-mode speed is not. Save your cash until more Draft N routers make it through CNET Labs.
Editor's note: In light of the recent adoption of draft 2.0 of the 802.11n spec, we began retesting the draft 11n routers from earlier this year. Although speed improvements were not a big part of draft 2.0, we've decided to report our new numbers as they become available. Down the line, we'll be testing compatibility between vendors and publishing those findings as well. The Netgear RangeMax Next router posted the following scores in our latest tests: max throughput at 10 feet, 67.76Mbps; max throughput at 200 feet, 27.79Mbps; and max throughput in a mixed environment, 60.20Mbps.
The Netgear WNR834B RangeMax router sets new standards on the inside and out. The router is based on Draft N, the first official draft of the much-hyped 802.11n specification, which touts significantly faster performance, longer range, and backward compatibility with 802.11b/g. The device also breaks with the growing trend to include big, external antennas by placing all of its antennas inside the case. The $179 router turned in mixed results in CNET Labs' tests, with the WNR834B earning good maximum throughput and decent speed at long range, yet with slow performance in mixed-mode environments. These results reinforce what we and others have seen: that it's too soon to invest in 802.11n. So, sit tight before you buy a pricey Draft N router; our upcoming reviews of other new Draft N routers will reveal whether any of these alternates may be worth buying instead.
Can't wait for a next-gen router? Then you're better off with Netgear's much faster WPNT834. (Bear in mind, though, that any products that use MIMO but came before the Draft N spec are based on proprietary technology, so in order to get the most out of the Netgear RangeMax 240 router, for example, you'll need to pair it with the Netgear RangeMax 240 adapter.)
In a departure from Draft N routers such as the Linksys WRT300N, which features a particularly big external antenna between two smaller ones, the Netgear WNR834B hides all three of its antennas within its case. The company settled on this design to give the router a cleaner look and to help prevent users from breaking the antennas. True, the effect is sleek, but the design also means that you can't adjust the antennas' position for better signal strength.
Aside from the unorthodox antenna placement, the WNR834B includes the typical power port, four LAN jacks, one WAN jack, and a pinhole reset button on its back edge, with corresponding status lights for the power and LAN/WAN jacks on its front edge. A final status light indicates when the router is communicating with a wireless client. The device has built-in feet that enable you to stand it up on its short edge, but the absence of mounting brackets prevents hanging it on a wall where it may encounter fewer wireless signals from other devices.
Netgear bundles professionally presented documentation and a well-organized setup procedure with the WNR834B. The well-labeled CD instructs you to "Start here." After loading the disc into your computer's drive, you encounter a link to the electronic setup manual. From there, you have two options for installing the router: use the intuitive setup wizard, which will be a help to those who are new to networking, or configure it manually by connecting directly to the router's Web-based tool. Netgear makes the latter method simple by enabling you to type in the easier-to-remember www.routerlogin.net, though you can still use the device's IP address (192.168.1.1) should you choose. Once you're up and running, you may continue to use the Web tool to manipulate the router's state-of-the-art security settings, which include WPA2 support, a dual firewall via NAT and SPI, MAC address authentication, and a DMZ pass-through.
Based on Broadcom's Intensi-fi chipset, the WNR834B RangeMax router can theoretically achieve throughput of up to 270Mbps, according to Netgear. CNET Labs' tests told a different story, however. Though the router did a decent job in our maximum throughput test with a throughput of 72.7Mbps (just edging out the Linksys WRT300N's 71.5Mbps), it still couldn't touch the 93.8Mbps that the older Netgear WPNT834 router earned. Similarly, the WNR834B pulled an adequate score of 32Mbps in our long-range trial but was bested yet again by the Belkin Wireless Pre-N with its 36.4Mbps throughput. In our final test of mixed-mode performance, the WNR834B puttered along with one of the worst times we've seen in a while: a dismal 26.2Mbps. Overall, none of the WNR834B's scores were the lightning bolts we'd hoped to see in this Draft N router.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
The Netgear WNR834B's warranty lasts for one year, which is about average for a Wi-Fi router yet shorter than Linksys's three years and Belkin's lifetime term. Thankfully, Netgear includes toll-free, 24/7 phone support with the device. At the time of this writing, Netgear's Web support page for the WNR834B was incomplete, lacking a link to an electronic copy of the user manual. The site also offers one of our favorite Web support options: a customer forum.
The Netgear WNR834B's performance confirmed what we've seen in Labs: the Draft N products we've seen so far are not delivering on the promise of 802.11n. Our advice is to wait out your urge to get the latest networking gear and see what later iterations of the 802.11n spec have to offer.
User reviews
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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 ...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...3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Crashes constantly, then after 6 months completely broke
by 1457riata on March 28, 2007
Pros: looks nice, easy to install
Cons: range wasn't that great, maybe 50% better than g, router was constantly crashing, at least once a week, always required restart, now after 6 months it has quit working completely, won't even power on.
Summary:
Updated...
Talked to Netgear tech support. Power on problem was due to the power adapter. This isn't good news. Unit now powers on, but is now crashing about everySummary:
Updated
Talked to Netgear tech support. Power on problem was due to the power adapter. This isn't good news. Unit now powers on, but is now crashing about every five or 10 minutes. So it's completely useless and I now longer can use the excuse that it's just a bad unit that was about to fail.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works but . . . . the firmware is crap.
by dfmcse on October 19, 2006
Pros: looks nice, it does work . . . . if you can make it work.
Cons: Firmware is crap, interface is slow, firewall is not stealth (firmware V1.0.3.5), Netgear support.
Summary: If I had bought this product I'd return it. I have the device because my rangemax 240's Internet port failed and I made a hardware warranty claim. Netgear ...
Summary: If I had bought this product I'd return it. I have the device because my rangemax 240's Internet port failed and I made a hardware warranty claim. Netgear did not have any 240s to send me so I said go ahead and send me the WNR834B. So, I get the device and plug it in. I browse to the interface and the first thing that greets me is the screen that offers to check for a firmware upgrade, I say sure. It comes back telling me that it's 3 to 4 versions behind so I go ahead and update. Big mistake, basically fries the device (as far as I could tell at that time). So, I call Netgear support back, they make me suffer for 30 minutes or so before escalating to L2. L2 calls me back the next day and they decide they sent a bad device so they are going to overnight another to me. They're so nice . . . I'm sure this will be different. I can't take anymore of they're help, it's killing me. That evening I go to Netgear's website to check out their white papers on the device and I find the exact problem I?m having. I walk through the instructions and fix the device. It seems to be working fine but the performance is not what I had hoped for, my 240 covered my house better than this thing. So, I get the new new one and I'm a glutton for punishment so the first thing I do with it is update the firmware, this time however I do it locally and it still fries it. . . . Man that's quality. I don't know who's writing the code for the firmware but they should take a class or something. I fix this one too. So after tweaking the settings and changing the placement in my home/office I get the coverage I need. So, I'm using it but I was a loyal Netgear customer, now I?m a very displeased Netgear customer. Netgear support was possibly the most painful experience I've had in dealing with tech issues and I'm a Network Administrator. . . so that's saying something. On another note the firewall on this thing is not in stealth mode, I did a port scan and several ports came back as closed. I'm like what the . . . so I have to go through and reconfigure my Network so any scans go off in to nothing so I don't have half the hackers on the internet making my life more fun. . . I mean what the heck are they doing. So now I can call Netgear back to discuss there super duper firmware or just put myself out of my misery.
At least they replaced the devices, I wasn't sure that was going to happen the first call I made to Netgear on my 240 the gal tried to tell me the port failure was a "software" failure and would not be covered. So it might have been over if I didn't know anything, but you know I probably would have been happier because I just would of gone out and bought a Belkin.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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good router set up just 15mins
by vietanh05 on July 29, 2006
Pros: good looking ,running cool and upgreade latest firmware no problem
Cons: software set up liitle funky but no problem
Summary: Bought fromm Circuit city $100 ,good range second floor set ,good signal from Basement ,work with all comp Adapter g/b
Summary: Bought fromm Circuit city $100 ,good range second floor set ,good signal from Basement ,work with all comp Adapter g/b
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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constantly cant find or drops computer, slower than G!!
by RonB72 on November 5, 2009
Pros: there is no pros I've been dealing with this piece for 9 months
Cons: computers cant even find this network half the time even in the same room with 5 bars very slow when it works
Summary: I finaly broke down and bought a new router, Belkin N+ last week and had to right a review it was so worth the money don't waste your time ...
Summary: I finaly broke down and bought a new router, Belkin N+ last week and had to right a review it was so worth the money don't waste your time with Netgear, I called their help line for weeks and they would make up a different excuse for why it wasn't working right, turn off sleep mode, turn off screen saver, redownload software.
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After 6 months, no problems, no dropped signals.
by HWHAP on September 7, 2009
Pros: Trouble free for past six months in use 24/7 always in service. Easy initial setup, plus one button SSID broadcast. Easilly sets up guest computers with a push of a button once initial settings are made. Always a strong signal.
Cons: REQURES NETGEAR "N" ADAPTERS on remote equipment for best performance. MAY work with other leading brands but at reduced speed.
Summary: I really don't know the technical background of the reviewers, however mine is NOT network oriented. I found this unit works very well for my needs when I used ...
Summary: I really don't know the technical background of the reviewers, however mine is NOT network oriented. I found this unit works very well for my needs when I used the recommended Netgear Wireless N adapters on remote equipment. Surfers and gamers alike had no problems when I loaned them an adapter matched to the router. I use this router on a cable broadband connection realizing the full speed of my connection at every point. This technology is older now but the price remains rather high for the router and adapters in my opinion. On the other hand, for the past six months, I have had great performance from my wireless network.
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Better than DLink, Linksys, or Belkin routers
by jmcalli2 on July 22, 2009
Pros: Faster and it NEVER drops a connection.Software is a snap to install and runs unnoticed. I've had 6 PCs and a wireless printer connected at once with no problems.
Cons: Does not provide winning lottery numbers, fountain of youth address, or the meaning of life.
Summary: Quick restart after power outages too. a good piece of hardware that works.
Summary: Quick restart after power outages too. a good piece of hardware that works.
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Save your money
by joeproyaknow on May 18, 2009
Pros: You think it?s a good product at first.
Cons: Short warranty. Unreliable. Fred Sanford wouldn?t take this for free.
Summary: Something will break for sure sometime between 6 to 18 months of use. Most likely as soon as the warranty runs out. I will Frisbee this out the window when ...
Summary: Something will break for sure sometime between 6 to 18 months of use. Most likely as soon as the warranty runs out. I will Frisbee this out the window when I get a new router.
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Can't keep a signal , Unplug & plug many time per day.
Pros: It looks cool
Cons: No customer service from India . No help after calling many times ...
Summary: Do not buy from this company , they don't give a flying **** ...
Summary: Do not buy from this company , they don't give a flying **** ...
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The software didn't work straight out of the box.
by trtlegrrl on February 2, 2009
Pros: Looks really cool, space saver.
Cons: The software didn't even work coming out of the box.
Summary: This was a walmart impulse buy. It looked neat, and was about $70. I took it home, and pulled out the CD and pushed setup. it gave me an error!! ...
Summary: This was a walmart impulse buy. It looked neat, and was about $70. I took it home, and pulled out the CD and pushed setup. it gave me an error!! Tried over and over. So I checked on here and found the terrible reviews about spotty service, but wanted to try anyway. Called the "24/7" tech support, waited on hold forever at midnight! I decided it wasn't worth the headache, and I'm returning it to walmart tomorrow.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: NetGear Inc.
- Part number: WNR834B
- Description: RangeMax NEXT extends the possibilities of your wireless home network by providing a Steady-Stream of up to 270 Mbps, and is compliant with draft 802.11n. This next generation wireless standard utilizes advanced MIMO (Multi-In, Multi-Out) technology, which delivers incredible speed and range, and for the first time provides wireless interoperability at the highest speeds with other products with InteNsi-fi. A RangeMax NEXT wireless network creates and maintains stable connections and enough bandwidth to surf the Internet, download MP3s, make Internet phone calls, share files, play network games, and stream high-definition videos, simultaneously at any distance or location in the home or office. Because RangeMax NEXT is compatible with all legacy b and g wireless products, you are sure to be connected. Preset internal antennas and draft 11n-True-Test high-performance testing and tuning, provides maximum performance and high-quality streaming every time. Touchless WiFi Security makes creating the highest level of network security easy and includes WEP, WPA-PSK, or WPA2-PSK.
General
- Device Type Wireless router
- Form Factor External
- Width 6.8 in
- Depth 1.5 in
- Height 8.8 in
- Form Factor External
- Weight 1.3 lbs
- Built-in Devices Antenna
- Localization North America
- Localization North America
Networking
- Wireless Capability This product uses the draft version of the upcoming 802.11n standard. Its compatibility with other and future products is not guaranteed, and it may interfere with current 802.11b and g products.
- Integrated Switch 4-port switch
- Data Transfer Rate 270 Mbps
- Connectivity Technology Wired, Wireless
- Data Link Protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
- Switching Protocol Ethernet
- Frequency Band 2.4 GHz
- Features NAT support, URL filtering, MIMO technology, Firewall protection, DoS attack prevention, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)
- Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Communications
- Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces 4 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45, 1 x Network - RJ-45 ( WAN )
- Compatible Slots None
- Port(s) Total (Free) / Connector Type 4 Network Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX:RJ-45, 1 Network RJ-45
Modem
- Modem Type None
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Vertical stand
- Encryption Algorithm WPA2, WPA-PSK, 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP
- Microsoft Certifications Works with Windows Vista
Power
- Power Supply / Device Power adapter External
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Expansion / Port(s) Required
- Slot(s) Required None
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Drivers & Utilities
- OS Required UNIX, Linux, Apple MacOS, Novell NetWare, Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
Warranty
- Service / Support Details Limited warranty 1 year
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
CNET Labs' Benchmarks
- CNET Labs long-range tests (in Mbps) 32
- CNET Labs maximum throughput tests (at 10 feet, in Mbps) 72.7
- CNET Labs maximum throughput tests with mixed 802.11b/g and draft N, MIMO clients (at 10 feet, in Mbps) 46
Manufacturer info
- NetGear Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse NetGear Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.netgear.com/
- Address:
4500 Great America Pkwy.
Santa Clara, CA 95054 - Phone: 408-907-8000
- Email: support@netgear.com
- Fax: 408-907-8097
