NETGEAR WNCE2001 Universal WiFi Internet Adapter

by Netgear

• Wi-Fi Standard-IEEE 802.11n (draft); Wireless Transmission Speed-300 Mbps; Interfaces/Ports-Fast Ethernet Port-Yes; Interfaces/Ports-VGA-No; I/O Expansions-Expansion Slots-Not Applicable; Physical Characteristics-Height-0.7 inches
• ISM Band-Yes; Wireless Security-WPA-PSK ; WPA2-PSK ; 64/128-bit WEP; ; Interfaces/Ports-Gigabit Ethernet Port-No; Interfaces/Ports-Serial Port-No; Power Description-Power Over Ethernet-No; Physical Characteristics-Width-2.4
• Avoid long stringing cables Freedom to place your home entertainment center anywhere and still connect to the Internet
• Supports Windows 8
• Wireless Security-WPA-PSK

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.2 x 2.4 x 0.7 inches ; 2.1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B003KPBRRW
• Item model number: WNCE2001-100NAS
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (471 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #36 in Electronics > Accessories & Supplies > Television Accessories > Wi-Fi Dongles
  • #52 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Networking Products > Network Adapters
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 4, 2010

Product Description

Model: N300

From the Manufacturer

Connect any Ethernet-enabled device to your wireless home network with the NETGEAR WNCE2001 Universal WiFi Internet Adapter. The adapter is perfect for home theater devices such as the Xbox 360, PS3, TiVo, Blu-ray player, and more. And thanks to its elegant, compact design, you'll save space and have a lot of flexibility in choosing where to place it.

Universal WiFi Internet Adapter At a Glance: Adds wireless capability to any Ethernet-enabled device Works with Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, TiVo, Internet-enabled TVs, and more Wireless-N for fast performance Push 'N' Connect provides easy security

The easy-to-setup WNCE2001 brings wireless-N capability to any Ethernet-enabled device. View larger.

Dynamic LEDs display real-time network connection status. View larger.

Wireless Connectivity for Your Ethernet-Enabled Devices
More and more of today's home theater devices are Ethernet enabled, including TiVo, VUDU, Blu-ray players, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Internet TVs, and more. With this NETGEAR adapter, you'll be able to cut the cord and use a wireless connection to network your devices.

Universal Compatibility
With the WNCE2001 Universal WiFi Internet Adapter, you will no longer need to buy individual proprietary WiFi dongles for the TV, Xbox, etc. because WNCE2001 works with all of them. You can simply plug it into the device when you need to and share it among multiple gadgets.

Wireless-N Technology for Fast Performance
The WNCE2001 adapter supports Wireless-N (2.4 GHz 802.11n) technology for outstanding speed and performance, keeping pace with your home theater devices. In addition, it is also backwards compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b networks.

The adapter can also repeat 2.4 GHz WiFi signals from devices made by NETGEAR and other brands, and it features dynamic LEDs that display real-time network connection status.

Push 'N' Connect for Easy Security
Setting up a secure connection couldn't be easier with NETGEAR's Push 'N' Connect technology. Push 'N' Connect using WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) offers true plug-and-play simplicity by requiring you to simply push the Push 'N' Connect button on your router. In addition, the adapter also supports WiFi Protected Access (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK) and WEP encryption.

Compact, Smart Design Can Use USB for Power
The Universal WiFi Internet Adapter is a compact device that measures just 3.2 x 2.4 x 0.7 inches, giving you flexibility in choosing where to place it. In addition, the adapter can be powered by either the included power adapter or with the USB port. By using the USB port, you can avoid using an additional power outlet, and reduce exposed wires in your home.

The NETGEAR WNCE2001 Universal WiFi Internet Adapter works with Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000, Mac OS, UNIX, or Linux. It is backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Universal WiFi Internet Adapter (WNCE2001), power adapter, and mounting kit.

Related NETGEAR Products to Enhance Your Experience
NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router (WNDR3700) Top-of-the line router, ideal for serious gamers, videophiles, and small businesses demanding high performance Dual-band Wireless-N operates simultaneously on 2.4 and 5.0 GHz frequencies for highest throughput speed and performance 600 Mbps speed, with real throughput of over 350 Mbps		NETGEAR RangeMax Dual Band Wireless-N Router (WNDR3300) Wireless N dual band router operates on both 5 GHz and 2.4-GHz bands for optimal performance Backwards compatible with Wireless-G devices Quality of Service for automatic prioritization of tasks
NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB (WNR3500L) Open-source and customizable Wireless-N router Fast performance with a 480 MHz processor and 64 MB RAM ReadyShare lets you easily share storage via built-inUSB port Four wired Gigabit Ethernet ports		NETGEAR Wireless-N Router (WNR2000) Provides blazing fast Wireless-N networks Is backwards compatible with older Wireless-G networks Has push-button connectivity Automatically configures your router for virtually all ISP connections
NETGEAR RangeMax 150 Wireless Router (WNR1000) Wireless-N technology for great speed and coverage Backwards compatible with 802.11b/g devices Four 10/100 ports for fast wired connections		NETGEAR Wireless-G Router (WGR614) Wireless-G provides speeds up to 54 Mbps Four 10/100 ports for fast wired connections Configurable network security including double wirewall

Product Description

What is NETGEAR's Universal WiFi Internet Adapter? Connects HDTVs, game consoles, and Blu-ray players to the Internet, Connects any device with a network port to existing Home Wireless Network, Wirelessly connects networked home theater devices to your home network, Universal - works with any network enabled device. No need to buy a Wi-Fi adapter that only works with one type of device, Avoid long stringing cables. Freedom to place your home entertainment center anywhere and still connect to the Internet, Learn more at www.netgear.com/connectWiFi, Package Contents, Universal WiFi Internet Adapter (WNCE2001) - Mounting kit, Ethernet cable, USB power cable, Power adapter, localized to country of sale

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

131 of 135 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely satisfied with this user friendly product June 16, 2010

By N. Shah

Style Name:N300

Excellent product, very easy to setup and use. Glad someone found how to make a device that will allow electronic devices that can only take ethernet connectiion but are far away from a Router and running a Cat5 Cable is not an option.

I have Replay TV DVR that only takes ethernet cable to update TV Guide and due to this I was stuck with using this unit only at a location where I had access to ethernet cable, I bought the Netgear WNCE2001 and now I am able to use my Replay TV anywhere around the house.

I also tried connecting this to a 24 port switch and was able to plug in devices into the switch and access internet...so in essence it made my 24 port switch into a 24 port wireless switch.

47 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice! August 19, 2010

By SkyeNoir

Style Name:N300|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

When we first got our PS3, I had looked and looked for something like this adapter but found nothing. (Our original 20GB doesn't have built-in wifi). Getting the PS3 connected to the internet turned into some of a chore, eventually settling down to a mini PC with wifi providing network connectivity via Internet Connection Sharing under WinXP. Not a good setup.

On the side, I also do work on PCs and Macs. Getting them online for the latest OS updates, drives, etc was always a task that involved transporting loads of files via USB drive and then adding a wifi dongle as needed. Not exactly ideal, but dragging an network cable around the place wasn't appealing either.

When the Netgear device came along, I was more than ready to give it a shot. Setting it up with our network info was quick and painless, just followed the onscreen instructions. Once done, I tested it with my netbook to make sure all was well. Within about 30 seconds, it was online and ready to go. Next came the PS3, which also accepted it without a hitch after half a minute or so. And finally, I started taking it around to various computers and plugging it in. Not a single item balked at using it, and transfer speeds were very good.

About the only complaint I could make about the unit is the time it takes to connect to your network initially. It's under a minute, but, I'm impatient. It certainly takes a good deal longer than any of the other wifi enabled devices we own. But, really, unless you're moving it around a lot, it isn't something you're likely to notice. (And you're likely to be more patient than me.)

One other thing I'd like to note is the dual power options. The unit comes with a small wallwart, but, you can power it up via USB port.... Both work equally well, and have their benefits. The difference is that if you use USB, the unit will power up and down with whatever you have it plugged into, which is when you might see the lag in connecting. If you use the wallwart, then the unit stays on all the time and you will only see the lag the fist time you use it.

It's a very nice tool to have on hand, and the price is on par with a number of the standard USB wifi adapters that can't be programmed. So far, range hasn't been an issue, but I haven't tested it extensively. I also haven't tried using it as an input to another wifi router, though I plan to at some point. Read more ›

67 of 71 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Device and Price is Right! August 14, 2010

By urban tech guy

Style Name:N300

WOW! I purchased the Netgear Universal Wifi Internet Adapter today and I was a little hesitant because it less expensive than other similar devices I've seen. Once I got home I opened the package and my Mac computer was connected to my WiFi Connection at home within minutes, so simple to set up. You can do a WPS automatic Connection if your wireless router supports that feature or you can set up the device using your computer (which is how I connected my device). I powered up my device and then connected the included ethernet cable to my Mac and opened the browser. The Netgear setup screen appeared and showed all the wifi networks available near me. I selected my network and less than a minute later I was connected. I suggest you connect the device wherever you're going to use it so you won't have to unplug and move the device like me. I purchased this adapter to connect my Samsung Blueray Player to the internet. Works perfectly, watching Netflix Streaming Movies and Listening to Pandora with no problems. Good range with this device as well, my wireless router (Belkin) is on the second floor of my house and the Netgear Internet Adapter is in the basement, works just fine.

The manufacturer commented on the review below

72 of 78 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Adapter will not stay connected August 18, 2011

By Joel P

Style Name:N300|Amazon Verified Purchase

Disclaimer: I am a very experienced network technician. I am not a clueless user who is having a problem.

This is a nice looking adapter, feels well made. I was hoping this bridge would work seamlessly with my Netgear cable modem/router, they are the same brand. Big disappointment, and I really think Amazon needs to allow a rating of zero for products like this.

Setup attempt #1-4: Tried to connect using WPS, since both the brand new router and the adapter both have the feature. It will not connect for the first 8 times even though both router and bridge are less than 10' apart. Finally on the 9th attempt, it connects and works flawlessly... Suddenly while streaming Netflix the next evening it quits working and will no longer connect. Finally after a dozen attempts to reconnect during which time I repeatedly power cycle both the bridge and the Netgear router, am forced to do a factory reset. Again, same process - multiple attempts using WPS fail until it finally succeeds on the 10th or 12th try. Works again for 24 hours to the minute, and then disconnects again. Another factory reset, multiple failures using WPS. Getting suspicious, the next night I connect both a laptop and an Android device to the router to see if they lose connectivity also. No problem with them, but the bridge is once again dead. Finally figure I will manually configure this.

Setup attempt #5-7: Follow the steps in the user manual (written in absurd ChinEnglish) and connects on the first attempt. I am happy, thinking maybe the WPS just sucks on this device.

24 hours later to the minute from the time of connection, device again dies. It will not reconnect on a power cycle of either the bridge or the router, so another factory reset.... This same process occurs the next day as well, so finally call Tech Support. They assure me there is no setting in the router which should disconnect using either method, and state that once connected, it will remember the security credentials until I reset them.

Following two hours during which Netgear cannot find any reason for this to occur, they agreed to replace it. They send an email to process the RMA, which I promptly process and receive confirmation of. Three weeks goes by, during which time nothing shows up. When I call Netgear seeking status of the RMA, they say nothing has been done on it and it will not be shipped to me unless I pay additional fees since the device is now over 2 weeks old.

Fortunately for me, I am still inside the Amazon return window by 4 days and sending back to them. At least they have the buying power to force Netgear to make good on this. Read more ›

The manufacturer commented on this review (What's this?)

NETGEAR Team saysAugust 23, 2011

Hi Joel,

We apologize for the difficulties you had with customer service and we'd like to help. When you receive the new adapter, if you have any problems, contact us directly at [e-mail].

Regards,

NETGEAR Team