Before Netgear’s Rangemax: Inconsistent frustrating wireless access
After Netgear’s Rangemax: Consistency! Can we make it faster?
Recommended: 4 Paws Up!
During the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, I discovered Mimo. Multiple in Multiple Out at 240 Mbps. Could this be my answer before subscribing to multiple broadband access points for the internet?
When I went searching for the new MIMO technology, I wasn’t searching for Netgear. Netgear just happened to be one of the three companies I had discovered while at CES last month, that had the MIMO technology. The Rangemax 240 Wireless Router was the fastest router I could find.
Netgear’s RangeMax boasts that it “provides wireless connections as fast as wired, with superior RangeMax coverage” while it “works seamlessly with 11g, 11b, and internal notebook wireless.” Additionally it “enables premium quality MP3 downloads, HD Video streaming, and fail-safe wireless networked storage.” Not only does it work with existing legacy 902.11b and 802.11g wireless devices, but you’ll experience up to 50% greater speeds with them.
Existing broadband service was via cable modem utilizing a Linksys 802.11b Router with Vonage phone service and a Linksys 802.11g with speedbooster in addition to wireless available through laptops. The main service reached as far as 3 rooms away. All I wanted was wireless access for two desktop computers and two laptops while subscribing to a single source of broadband service. The wireless service worked but had enough inconsistencies in strength and service to make me consider installing a second cable modem.
You’ll recall the idea of the strength/speed being that of the weakest/slowest link. For the past several months, I’ve considered buying another desktop computer, changing the Linksys to all 802.11g with Speedbooster, demolishing the walls (let’s be serious), hardwiring all equipment (what good is wireless?), crossing my fingers, living with it as is (it reminded me of cell phone service) and hoping there would be a better solution arriving soon. I had already added larger and more antennas, more outlets with greater power distribution and many other things too unspeakable to mention.
Additionally, we obtained a Netgear 240 notebook wireless adapter. The laptop while several rooms away was also inconsistent in service here and while traveling. Something interesting things we learned…once in sync with the Netgear 240 Wireless Router, it surfs faster than any of the computers at a trailblazing 240 Mbps. When at other locations, it picks up more networks with greater strengths, yet sometimes multiple systems are recognized and it actually works at a slower speed than the laptop wireless at 54 Mbps. It has also been tested with a Belkin …….. Thus while not near the Rangemax 240 wireless router, use the card first, and test without or with the Belkin for other options. Interesting how we ever got to that point, it was after searching for more options than the laptop’s wireless at 54 Mbps.
