Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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57 of 60 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Experienced, but Unfussy, User's Initial Opinion, October 25, 2008
I picked up this router for two reasons: (1) I wanted to upgrade from my Wireless-G to Wireless-N (draft), to make file transfers faster between my computers; (2) I wanted to give whichever router I liked less to my parents, so I could have wifi there when I visit them. My existing router was a Linksys WRT54GS, which had good wireless-G speeds (I couldn't complain) and excellent uptime, stability, and reliability. It's main drawback is that the firmware doesn't have some features I want, such as the ability to set stable IP addresses to my PCs, and it can't be flashed to Tomato or DD-WRT. When I received the router, I decided to replace it, without using the Windows-based setup wizard (networking equipment shouldn't requires Windows), and set it up in the manner of an advanced router user.
First Impressions/Hardware Impressions
This router looks very nice. The lines are clean (there is no external antenna). The plastic is shiny. The lights on the front are stylish. The only thing I didn't like was that the manual said that the unit MUST be used in the vertical position, due to concerns about operating temperature (and probably the internal antenna, too). This is fine and all, but I liked the ability of the Linksys and other routers I've owned to be wall-mounted or positioned horizontally. The router is set up thoughtfully, and I like the on/off switch; I've never seen one on a router before, and I don't intend to use it, but it's nice to be able to turn off a piece of electronic equipment for a change! The packaging was spartan, sensible, and minimal, which I liked.
Initial Setup
The router comes with a CD with a Windows-based setup wizard. As a Mac and Linux user, this made me a bit nervous. Netgear seems to understand this, and helpfully point you toward the help files on the CD-ROM, which in turn point you toward "manual" setup instructions. The instructions were clear, concise, and had clear illustrations. They are minimal, however. They don't outline the capabilities of the router's firmware, which I was very curious about.
Firmware
As far as my Internet research told me, open-source, third-party firmware such as DD-WRT is not compatible with this router. I would love to run alternate firmware on my old Linksys router, but the version I have (version 5 of WRT54GS) doesn't support it. Fortunately for me, this router's firmware has a lot more functionality. Using the manual setup instructions, I found I could connect to the router using the address [...] instead of its IP address, which I thought was a nice touch. (Routers like this one have a web interface, which lets you adjust all available settings from one of your PCs.) The firmware presents you with a three-pane interface. The right-hand pane is context-sensitive help for each function. The contextual help is pretty useful, actually, for intermediate-to-advanced users. Most home users wouldn't look at it, I don't think. Anyway, the first time you connect to the router, it automatically checks for firmware update--a good feature. The best feature of this router, to an advanced user with a home network set up, is IP address reversation: You can force the router to give the same IP address to each of your computers, every time they connect. This is great for home servers, and is so easy to set up on this router, as compared to setting up static IPs on each computer. The router also has Quality of Service (QoS) features, which allow you to shape how much bandwidth is used for internet, voice, instant messaging, video games, and so on. Personally, I don't use this, but I would have loved it back when I was a VoIP customer. There are, of course, many features that I consider standard, such as DHCP and port forwarding. All in all, I was impressed with the stock firmware and don't feel a need to replace it.
Speed
Large (1 GB+) file transfers between my wired Linux server and my wireless-N MacBook are faster than with my old wireless-G router. I'm happy. I can't compare it to other wireless-N routers, though. As for Internet speed, it certainly seems snappy, though it could just be my imagination. I am not sure if it is any faster than my wireless-G router was; if anything, my cable modem is slower than this router can handle, so I didn't expect much change.
What I Didn't Test
I'm an advanced user, and don't mind setting up the wireless network and security myself, through the firmware. Therefore, I didn't test the WiFi Protected Setup feature. I didn't test the wireless range because I have a rather small apartment and it isn't an issue I'm concerned with. I didn't get Quality of Service because I tend to use the Internet for only one thing at a time. I've only had it for a short time, so I cannot comment on stability or robustness.
Remember To
If you buy this router, remember to set a new password for it, set up Wifi security, and change the SSID (the network name) so you can easily identify it!
Verdict
I really like this router's firmware features, and think that I will hold onto it, and pass my Wireless-G router on to my parents. I'm a little concerned about the stability issues that other reviewers mentioned, so I'm going to dock the router one star for now, and revise my review (if I'm allowed to) in several months or so.
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25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not the best in performance, but it works for the price., November 20, 2008
Everytime I purchase a product, my biggest concern will always be - does it work as advertised? And if it doesn't, how does the company (including customer support) address the issues? I would advise that before you buy one, to check not only customer reviews but also their feedback in dealing with the company's customer support area. Of course you cannot please every customer and not everyone has the same technical aptitude in using a product, but reading reviews regarding reliability of the product itself and how the company is addressing it in general is always a great idea.
For the physical look of the product, I'm happy with the direction Netgear is going - a slim, vertical product like a book-end rather than the usual horizontal arrangement where you end up stacking all other components on top of each other. This design is smarter for a product that has no external antenna.
(As comparison, I have been using an Apple AirPort Extreme router also with an internal antenna and I elevate it on higher ground in order to get better coverage across the home. Although I have had no problems with the wireless coverage of the Apple Base Station, I would assume this uses a lot more power to provide a stronger signal).
With Netgear WNR2000, the vertical setup allows a bit more wireless coverage and hopefully less power. Case in point the product has gone green as well and even includes a power switch.
Anyway, the router comes with the power supply, a snap-on stand for that vertical arrangement, an ethernet cable to get you hooked up to your modem, and a CD that contains the Smart Wizard installer for Windows users.
Rather than the usual generic blinking lights, the front display has an etched out graphic from top to bottom indicating that there is power, an internet connection has been established, a wireless connection has been established, a wired ethernet port is connected, and a WPS-capable device is connected.
The back panel has (again from top to bottom) a reset switch, the four ethernet ports (LAN), a ethernet WAN port to connect to the modem, a power button to finally allow you to shut down completely the device, and the power outlet.
It takes minutes to set up and connect especially if you've opted to use the Smart Wizard installation CD. Otherwise, from a Mac user perspective it's easy to get up and running by connecting to the router via your favourite browser (Safari, Firefox, etc). You simply enter the supplied user name and generic password (change the password so no one can hack into your system and change the settings soon enough).
Once inside, the router checks for updated firmware (which I strongly suggest getting the latest) and after an update you can now continue to adjust settings as needed. If you don't know what settings to use, I would suggest the default first until you know how to enhance performance or fix a problem.
PROS:
1. Easy set up and configuration right out of the box
2. Sleek, simple and elegant design
3. Respectable price to obtain Wireless-N performance
4. No protruding and unsightly plastic antenna sticking out that looks like an old TV box
5. Automatic Firmware upgrade checking
6. Energy Star Partner / Netgear Green product
CONS:
1. 2 internal antennas (versus 8 internal antennas for the RangeMax line)
2. NO GIGABIT wired ethernet connection. For a little bit more, you can get the WNR3500 with greater wireless coverage and faster wired speed (if your computer supports it, of course)
3. Hit and miss quality and longevity per user feedback here and elsewhere
4. Hit and miss customer support including attitude and price for after-sales warranty service
5. Should already be half-price due to the existence of a better Netgear RangeMax product line
6. A wireless printer support via USB port would be nice
BOTTOMLINE:
If you're only just investing in a Wireless-N router, I would get the RangeMax WNR3500 version for just a little bit more. If you're shady about reliability and customer service, I would look into Belkin reliability as well. Another more expensive option, I haven't actually had any problem with my Apple AirPort Extreme even including my patronizing their previous units. Reliability, longevity and customer support is on par with a company that cares as well as protects their product and its image. (Your mileage will of course vary depending on the customer personnel handling your call that day).
For overall reliability and product longevity, I would honestly recommend an Apple Extreme Base Station. However, for a solid PC user who constantly is on the edge of technology and tweaks the performance then a Netgear or Belkin is best.
As for this Netgear WNR2000, if this is within your budget and intend to operate it on a relatively small or wide-open space then I can't argue with the price.
I would actually give 2 stars for an average feature and performance including a poor and outdated 10/100 ethernet feature as well as no wireless USB printer port. But the neat design, energy-efficiency and nice front-panel markings I bump it up to 3 stars overall.
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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good basic wireless router, November 4, 2008
I tested the Netgear WNR 2000 router on this setup:
iMac G4, system 10.4.11 (wired)
Safari 3.1.2 web browser
DSL broadband
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iPod Touch, first generation (wireless)
PlayStation 3 (wired & wireless)
Sony Vaio laptop (wired)
Apple iBook laptop (wireless)
Setup:
*Setup and configuration on my iMac was fairly easy, even though the Netgear setup Wizard is not available for Macs. All I had to do was insert the "Start Here" CD-ROM and click on an HTML document. After that, I followed the basic step-by-step setup instructions by accessing the router through a web browser.
*However, a key thing that made setting up the router simple was that I already had my computer configured to use a wired DSL router. Somebody setting up a router and a network for the first time might need more help, especially Mac specific help, than the CD-ROM offers.
Pros:
*The router is quite compact and doesn't have any external antennas.
*The power adapter is Energy Star certified and has a slim profile. Anybody using a plug strip will appreciate the adapter's small footprint.
*Each time the router is turned on, it automatically checks for firmware updates.
*All the critical information for running the router is printed on the back panel (MAC address, default login name and password, security PIN). The back panel also has a power on/off button, which is an unusual--and appreciated--feature for a router.
*According to the Shields Up firewall checking website (grc.com), the built-in firewall is set to complete stealth mode by default.
*Most of the instruction screens that are part of the web browser-based configuration function are clearly written and easy to understand.
Cons:
*The Ethernet ports do not support gigabit Ethernet.
*There isn't any way to change the login name used to configure the router (it is easy to change the password, however).
*It took me some trial-and-error to figure out how to restrict wireless access to the router using MAC addresses. Neither the documentation nor the web browser interface help screens were much help.
*The status lights glow either amber or green. Unfortunately, the amber color can be difficult to distinguish from the green without looking closely at the router.
Operation:
*No problems with the wired connections to my DSL modem, desktop computer, PS3, and obsolete Sony laptop.
*No problems with the wireless connections to my iPod, PS3, and an old iBook. I surfed the Web and used various web applications on the iPod and iBook. On the PS3, I did some downloads from the PlayStation Store and played Resistance 2, Pure, and Burnout Paradise online.
*I live in a densely populated area (both people and WiFi networks) and the router seems to be effective at both avoiding interference and maintaining contact with whatever is connected to it. However, I don't know how well the router would perform in a multiple story house or apartment.
Bottom line: The Netgear WNR 2000 is a good router for basic WiFi connections. If you are a Mac owner and don't feel comfortable setting things up without some handholding, you might want to consider an Apple Airport instead. Also, power users who do a lot of video streaming, connect multiple computers to WiFi, require gigabit Ethernet ports, or want an extremely strong signal with maximum range may want to consider Netgear's RangeMax routers.
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