USB - 108Mbps - MPN: WPN111
Strengths: Speed works almost as good as promised even through three floor levels. Makes a desktop computer wireless in a snap without having to open the computer (as long as you have USB Ports).
Weakness: See comments...
Installation was difficult (I consider myself very experienced with computers) because the autorun installation kept on crashing. It was impossible to do it this way. After doing the manual intallation I kept receiving an error message stating that the drivers were not installed succesfully---yet, there's no other way of installing them. NETGEAR, please update the drivers for this device on MS Windows XP SP1.
I cannot have the wireless USB device connected prior to booting up the PC. The device only activates and works properly when it is connected to the booted computer. This becomes very annoying when you have a computer installed in a closet rack the way I have mine for the media room.I believe the drivers have bugs that need to be worked on.
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TopStrengths: Easy to Install
Weakness: Connection drops out .. every 10 minutes Net gear support is hopeless Encryption WEP difficult to configure.
Check the Netgear Public forum search WPN111 to see the problems faced by Netgear customers.
forum1.netgear.com/sup...
The connection drops out every 10 minutes . Updated with a new driver . But still the problem exist.
Also the adapter never achieved the RangeMax speed specified in the specifications
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TopHi I have the same experience.
I have used other USB wireless adapters before with little or no problems. This one on the other hand is a piece of junk. Googling for wpn111 gives that many other are having the same fault.
It seems that the USB adapter simply 'shuts down' - making it impossible to see any wireless networks. XP "ejecting hardware" is also impossible (since it shutdown) but removing it and inserting it makes it work again. Very annoying bug.
Strengths: Better Range
Weakness: Had one minor glitch when instaling the drivers but that was fixed easy
Better range then my Dlink DWL G 132. And I like the software of the Netgear alot better as well. Tested both adapters in the exact same spot ( middel of window ) and did notice the the Netgear gets a stronger signal so I took the Dlink back and kept this Netgear WPN 111. I just wish it had a hot spot finder in the adapter it self. I seen some other brands doing this and hope that Netgear will follow.
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TopStrengths: easy install, great if close to transmitter
Weakness: none
You get what you pay for, don't expect this to act like a product that does the same thing but cost $300.00. For the price this product is great. It does what it is suppose to do but it does need to be close, but then you should expect that.
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The Netgear RangeMax WPN111 is an entry-level Wireless-G USB 2.0 adapter that works with Microsoft Windows desktops and laptops. Although it’s not as fast as a Wireless-N adapter, Netgear claims that it does at least provide 10x the speed AND coverage of a conventional Wireless-G device. This means that it can be used for bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming music/video, making Internet...
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Performance is Average according to 7 Wireless Router experts. -- "The RangeMax Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter is optimized for use with the RangeMax Wireless Router so that everyone will enjoy high-speed connections, everywhere in your house - no drop-outs, and no dead spots."-tigerdirect.com Read more to find expert opinions on more features like Security, Support, Setup, Connectivity, etc.
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Netgear RangeMax WPN111 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter
Strengths: Easy install. Good signal strength.
Weakness: A bit long for front-mounting on PC, but not too unsightly. Flashing blue LED may get annoying over time given front-mount.
Software installed cleanly, plugged-in and running within minutes. Netgear installs their own wireless network configuration software, which seems to work fine. Currently running front-mounted for least obstructed path to AP. This small USB 2.0 adapter replaced a Linksys Wireless-G PCI adapter with a Super Cantenna. Signal strength is much better. Total distance is probably 15-20' through a couple light walls and the bandwidth has never been below 54MB. Have seen 108MB a little, but not consistently.
Kit comes with USB extension cable and cradle. Directions are provided on mounting the cradle to a laptop or desktop monitor. However, it is unclear whether or not this is actually necessary or useful for improving performance. Cable has reasonable length, even to extend from PC on floor to monitor on desk.
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