Netgear WPNT511 RangeMax 240 Wireless Adapter

by Netgear

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.1 x 4.8 x 0.3 inches ; 1.9 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000BZ4TZ6
• Item model number: WPNT511
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 7, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer You may not even know it but your wireless home network may be slowing you down. As everyone in your home begins to stream more video, download more MP3s, back-up and synchronize files on networked storage, play online games, and make more Internet phone calls, you place a greater demand on your home network. What you need is the speed to move content faster to everyone in your home without interruption and without wires.

The RangeMax 240 Wireless Notebook Adapter connects to any available CardBus slot.

Effective throughput (speed) comparison.

Now you can with the RangeMax 240 Wireless Notebook Adapter, the first notebook adapter to deliver wireless speeds as fast as your wired connection, up to 240 Mbps when used with the RangeMax 240 Wireless Router. And with Adaptive Channel Expansion (ACE) technology, the RangeMax 240 dynamically adapts to wireless interference to deliver the speed that your applications require on-demand. So whether you are streaming audio and video, uploading large files to your Storage Central, or just surfing the web, RangeMax 240 delivers the speed you need for today and beyond. Now the performance and quality-of-experience once only associated with wired networks can be achieved in your wireless home.

The RangeMax 240 Wireless Notebook Adapter features a PCMCIA Type II connector that connects to any notebook PC with an available PCMCIA or CardBus slot. The wireless interface of the adapter remains outside of the notebook PC chassis when the wireless PC card is inserted into a notebook. An LED indicates the wireless link condition of the adapter with another wireless node or the associated access point.

Superior RangeMax Coverage
Does your current wireless network cover your entire home? Today, most wireless routers are only able to "listen" to one wireless signal at a time, the strongest one. If that signal is blocked or interfered with for example by a closing door, cordless phone, or your microwave oven, it can result in a wireless dead spot, cutting you off from your network. However, the RangeMax 240 is capable of "listening" to multiple signals simultaneously, utilizing its advanced MIMO (Multi-Input, Multi-Output) technology. So if any one of those signals is disrupted, the RangeMax 240 automatically maintains your network connection, eliminates dead spots and extends your range throughout your home.

With other wireless, your signal fades as you move further from the router. With RangeMax 240, you maintain a strong signal throughout your home.

Enhanced Wireless Speed
The RangeMax 240 Wireless Router and Adapters are twice the speed of other MIMO products, and for the first time perform at virtually the same speeds of wired networks. In addition, it is fully compatible with your legacy (802.11b/g) equipment, in fact those legacy devices will experience up to 50 percent better performance -- especially at long distances. The RangeMax 240 enables higher quality video streams, faster MP3s downloads, uninterrupted Internet phone calls, and more efficient file sharing all with your existing equipment.

Unsurpassed Security and Ease
With Netgear's exclusive Touchless WiFi Security, you can rest assured that what happens on your network stays on your network. Touchless WiFi Security guides you through the simple set up of standards based wireless security, allowing you to securely connect all of your wireless clients, whether they are from Netgear or from another brand. The router's powerful safeguard against unauthorized network access includes a double firewall, WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), WPAPSK, and WPA2-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access, Pre-Shared Key).

Netgear's SmartWizard also makes installation simple. SmartWizard automatically detects your ISP's network settings then easily configures your router for optimal performance and security. You also are automatically notified on all product updates, so you will know your performance is always optimized. You are also backed by Netgear's 24/7 technical support.

What's in the Box
RangeMax WPNT511 240 Wireless Notebook Adapter; installation guide; resource CD with driver, SmartWizard software, and user manual; warranty card; and support information card.

Product Description

Unleash Your Home Network with 240 Mbps Wireless Speed. You may not even know it but your wireless home network may be slowing you down. As everyone in your home begins to stream more video, download more MP3s, back-up and synchronize files on networked storage, play online games, and make more Internet phone calls - you place a greater demand on your home network. What you need is the speed to move content faster to everyone in your home without interruption and without wires. Now you can with the RangeMax 240 Wireless Notebook Adapter (WPNT511), the first notebook adapter to deliver wireless speeds as fast as your wired connection, up to 240 Mbps when used with RangeMax 240 Wireless Router. And with Adaptive Channel Expansion (ACE) technology, the RangeMax 240 dynamically adapts to wireless interference to deliver the speed that your applications require on-demand. So whether you are streaming audio & video, uploading large files to your Storage Central, or just surfing the web, RangeMax 240 delivers the speed you need for today and beyond. Now the performance and quality-of-experience once only associated with wired networks can be achieved in your wireless home.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Problem with Firmware/Software renders card useless, February 15, 2007

By 

B. Chiu "Spud" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Netgear WPNT511 RangeMax 240 Wireless Adapter (Personal Computers)

I have a RangeMax 240 Router in our house that has performed well for a year. So I thought of buying a compatible adapter card (WPNT511) to maximize the performance. I followed the instructions, which is to load the software first, to install the card. When the installation prompted for card insertion, I followed and it froze the laptop. If I manually unplug the card, the computer would unfreeze (and even perform keystrokes I have had entered during the freeze). I thought the card was not compatible with my computer's particular setup. But when I tried it with a second laptop (completely different brand/setup) it freezes in the same way.

So instead, I tried avoiding the software, and just use Windows to install the driver and manage the wireless. I got that to work maybe 5% of the time, the rest would result in the same freeze until I remove the card. After searching online, I found that I am not the only case experiencing this or similar problem with the product.

I looked on NETGEAR's website and found that there are no firmware updates available since the initial release in 2005. Apparently, the card has been phased out in favor of the newer RangeMax NeXT series (including WN511B & WN511T).

I would avoid this card and look at the newer, and probably better supported, RangeMax NeXT cards. If you could wait (and has it been a long wait) I'd suggest waiting till they ratify the 802.11n spec so that companies can start making inter-compatible adapters/accesspoints.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Avoid this product, Avoid Netgear, September 7, 2007

By 

Kron "Avid Reader" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Netgear WPNT511 RangeMax 240 Wireless Adapter (Personal Computers)

I wish I had researched Netgear more thoroughly before I bought my wireless gear from them. I regret it. Despite good editorials, their products break down with astonishing regularity. My first WPNT511 was bad out of the box, the next one broke down in under a year. If that isn't bad enough, their scripted, plastic technical support seems to be designed more to deliver infuriating platitudes and block the customer from getting any meaningful resolution to their problem (that might cost Netgear an extra penny) than to be sincerely helpful.

Consider this a "danger sign." You may choose to ignore it, but be ready for the consequences.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars DOA - dead on arrival, August 22, 2007

By 

K. Woods (MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Netgear WPNT511 RangeMax 240 Wireless Adapter (Personal Computers)

The adapter was dead on arrival. Too bad the Belkin Pre-N's are not available anymore.