NETGEAR Launches Dual-Band Wireless Networking Solution

August 25, 2003 – NETGEAR today launched the next-generation of business-class wireless networking solutions with the announcement of 108 Mbps speeds in NETGEAR's dual-band product line. First available in September 2003 via downloadable drivers and a firmware upgrade, NETGEAR's existing dual-band wireless networking solution will deliver wireless speeds of up to 108 Mbps in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands while providing complete compatibility with 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless standards.

In addition, the NETGEAR dual-band wireless networking solution that includes the NETGEAR WAG511 ProSafe Dual-Band Wireless Card, the new WAG311 ProSafe Dual-Band Wireless PCI Adapter, and FWAG114 ProSafe Dual-Band Wireless VPN Firewall, will offer additional security features including Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) support, 64/128/152-bit WEP encryption, and VPN pass-through.

"NETGEAR's 108Mbps dual-band wireless networking solution is designed to meet the needs of small- to medium-sized businesses for complete wireless standards compatibility and robust security," explained Patrick Lo, Chairman and CEO of NETGEAR. "And with speeds now rivaling traditional 'wired' Ethernet connectivity, we believe more and more businesses are making the move to wireless."

Based on Atheros Communications' breakthrough, performance-enhanced chipset with Super A/G technology, the 108 Mbps WAG511 Dual-Band Wireless PC Card and WAG311 Wireless PCI Adapter provide wireless network connectivity up to ten times faster than 802.11b technology when used with the FWAG114 Dual-Band Wireless Firewall Router or other products based on the Atheros Super G or Super A/G chipset. The WAG511, WAG311, and FWAG114 are compliant with the 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a standards ensuring interoperability with existing Wi-Fi hotspots and network infrastructures.

The WAG511, WAG311, and FWAG114 are the first available members of NETGEAR's 108 Mbps dual-band wireless networking family that will soon include business-class dual-band access points. These dual-band networking solutions will enable up to 108 Mbps wireless speeds and enhanced security including the highest level of industry-standard 64/128/156-bit WEP encryption, VPN, and support Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA). The WAG311 also ships with an external 5dbi attached antenna for range optimization.

Both the 108 Mbps NETGEAR WAG511 Dual-Band Wireless PC Card and WAG311 Dual-Band Wireless PCI Adapter are backed by a one-year warranty, while the FWAG114 ProSafe Dual-Band Wireless VPN Firewall is backed by a three-year warranty. All the products come with 24/7 technical support, and are now available via leading retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites, and value-added resellers, and in September 2003 come with downloadable drivers and a firmware upgrade to both the 108 Mbps and additional security features from the NETGEAR website.

For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.netgear.com or call (408) 907-8000.

SOURCE Netgear