NETGEAR WPN511 RangeMax Wireless PC Card

by Netgear

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 2.2 inches ; 1.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0007OWNC2
• Item model number: WPN511
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #58 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Networking Products > Network Adapters > Laptop Network Adapters
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 8, 2005

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The NETGEAR WPN511 RangeMax Wireless PC Card offers: Advanced MIMO technology that offers greater speed and range compared to standard 802.11g Enhanced security with support for WPA 128-bit WEP encryption Backwards compatibility with 802.11b networks

The NETGEAR WPN511 RangeMax Wireless PC Card makes it simple for you to provide wireless internet access to your notebook computer, letting you surf the web, check email, and chat online without the need for cables. It is up to ten times faster and has up to ten times more coverage than Wireless-G for a speedy network that won't get bogged down when you you stream music and videos or make internet phone calls.

The WPN511 has ten times the range of standard 802.11g. View larger.

Easy Setup
The WPN511 is a PC Card and requires a Pentium class PC with an available 32-bit CardBus slot for installation. It supports Windows Vista and is also compatible with Windows XP, 2000, 98SE, and Me. Setup is as simple as inserting the card into the slot and installing the included software. A built-in antenna helps you receive a strong signal for the fastest possible speeds.

Fast and Secure
The NETGEAR WPN511 supports the 802.11g protocol standard but is able to provide better performance thanks to Smart MIMO technology that incorporates intelligent internal antennas into the router. The router automatically senses interference from devices such as microwaves and cordless phones, and adjusts accordingly. The upshot is speeds up to 108 Mbps with a longer range and a lack of "dead zones" in your home. The adapter is also backwards compatible with 802.11b networks so you don't have to worry about not getting a connection at specific hotspots; the WPN511 will automatically detect the network and allow you to connect to it at the highest speed possible.

The PC card supports 40/64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption as well as WPA-PSK for security so you don't have to worry about anyone eavesdropping on your emails or stealing your passwords. The included software makes managing different WEP passwords a breeze as you can set up different profiles for each location you frequent, saving yourself the trouble of having to type in encryption keys each time you connect to a hotspot you've already used.

The NETGEAR WPN511 Wireless-G PC Card is backed by a 1-year warranty.

What's in the Box
WPN511 RangeMax Wireless PC Card, setup CD, installation guide, and warranty/support information card.

Product Description

NETGEAR's WPN511 RangeMax Wireless PC Card, when used with the WPN824 Wireless Router, delivers up to 1000% the coverage and speed of 802.11g. New antenna technology has increased range beyond what was ever possible with previous generation Wi-Fi adapters. Keep your network private with WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). Setup is quick and easy with the Smart Wizard install assistant. With the RangeMax Wireless Network, you have the longest range of any wireless device on the market today - up to 10 times the wireless coverage of 802.11g. So you'll have a sizzling-fast, consistent connection in every room of your house and beyond. Range Matters: RangeMax adjusts to the interference and physical barriers in your home, and delivers up to 500,000 square feet of coverage - 1000% more than 802.11g. And you don't need to throw away your old wireless devices; RangeMax is 100% compatible with your existing 802.11b/g products and will boost their range and speed by up to 50%. Power Under the Hood: RangeMax is an advanced Smart MIMO (Multi-In, Multi-Out) technology that uses seven internal antennas. RangeMax constantly surveys your home environment for physical barriers and interference and adjusts the wireless signal to compensate for these performance blockers. For example, if you carry your laptop from the family room to the bedroom, RangeMax automatically senses the change and selects from over 100 possible antenna configurations to deliver you the fastest, clearest connection! Simple, Safe, Secure: NETGEAR's SmartWizard makes the set-up easy and hassle-free. SmartWizard automatically detects your ISP's network settings, then walks you through each step of the installation process. It's like having your own computer technician, right by your side. NETGEAR also ensures that every computer user in your home network is protected from intruders by using: a double firewall, WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), and WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access, Pre-Shared Key) Security.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars it does extend range if used with a range-max router or wap -- but it's not spectacular, October 18, 2005

By 

CS (Acton, MA, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: NETGEAR WPN511 RangeMax Wireless PC Card (Personal Computers)

Yes, it does "work". Meaning if you get the RangeMax router or wireless access point, the pair of them do give you better range than (for example) a Netgear WGT624 router with a WGT511 card (and other such combos that I've tried). It's a bit erratic -- the signal level fluctuates, which seems to me to be a software (algorithm) problem. I hope they can improve it further, but for now it's meeting my needs.

A bit more detail: I have a large house, and the networking stuff is all at one end (never mind why), so at the other end of the house the wireless signal would fade to nothing. With this RangeMax combo I can now get an adequate signal (2 bars) where I used to get nothing.

So don't expect too much, but also don't be daunted by the bad reviews, it's worth a try. As you know, every building is different, so as they say in another context, your results may vary.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So Much Better than my Linksys..., September 29, 2006

By 

Patricia Koyshman (DENTON, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: NETGEAR WPN511 RangeMax Wireless PC Card (Personal Computers)

Wow, this was a find! I purchased it in July and have had no problems with it. I actually purchased it from another site "refurb" and mine is FABULOUS! I am pairing it with an old Netgear WiFi 11b system, and when I was visiting family, they had the D-Link 54g and wow a tri-level home and I had outstanding signal. So I give this a BIG THUMBS UP! I am preparing to purchase either the Next or Mimo router this evening..so wish me luck!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great product, July 29, 2007

By 

L. song - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: NETGEAR WPN511 RangeMax Wireless PC Card (Personal Computers)

I did quite extensive research before decided to purchase this item. Most of my friends/reviews suggested buying from Netgear. I followed the product guide to do the installation. It went very smooth and took less than 10 minutes. It has been up running for almost two months now, very sound product!