NETGEAR today launched the RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Routerwith USB(WNR3500L), a full-featured Wireless-N router offering high-performance wireless range and speedalong with Gigabit Ethernet ports and ReadyShareTM USB storage access.

The RangeMaxWireless-N Gigabit Router with USB isalso designed to serve as a reliable, high-performance opensource Linux platform supporting a wide variety of applications created by multipledevelopment partnersand the dedicated opensource community.Some of these partners include BigFoot Networks for boosting network speeds for online gaming, Leaf Networks for easy remote access, Paragon Software for high-speed USB file reads and writes, and Sputnik for hotspot solutions.

The most popular free, open source Linux-based firmware – DD-WRT, OpenWRT and Tomato – arealso available on the RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router, making it easier for users to develop a wide variety of applications. Customers can download the Linux-based opensource firmware from the opensource community and development program website at http://www.myopenrouter.com.

The high-performance RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USBfeatures a 480MHz MIPS® 74K CPU core with embedded hardware acceleration and incorporates 8 MB of flash memory and 64 MB of RAM, enough to run even business-class applications. It features five 10/100/1000 (one WAN port and four LAN) Ethernet ports with auto-sensing technology with high WAN to LAN speeds in excess of 350 Mbps. It incorporates an 802.11naccess point with a wireless repeater mode to extend range. The three internal Metamaterial antennasprovide enhanced wireless range and reliable connections.

In addition to its Gigabit Ethernet ports to deliver ultra-fast wired network connections, the WNR3500L router includes a USB 2.0 host port for USB networked storage and for developing other custom applications, including remote access, DLNA/UPnP Media Server support, and USB modem support for 3G/4G/WiMax high-speed cellular connections.

The high-performance WNR3500L protects the network from intruders via a double firewall and Denial-of-service attack prevention. The wireless connection is secured with support for Wi-Fi Protected Access™ (WPA), WPA2-PSK, while Push ‘N’ Connect using Wi-Fi® Protected Setup™ (WPS) enables users to add computers to the network quickly and securely.

For maximum throughput, NETGEAR recommends the RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB be used with a matching Wireless-N client device such as the NETGEAR RangeMaxWireless-N USB 2.0 Adapter (WN111).

The NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB is supported by a dedicated opensource router community, http://www.myopenrouter.com, which provides opensource firmware downloads, applications, forums, blogs, articles, source code and user guides. Members also have access to dedicated and responsive support from opensource experts.

NETGEAR is also introducing a Development Partner Program that already includes several software application vendors who are creating custom applications for the WNR3500L router that NETGEAR customers can download and enjoy. Companies include:

BigFoot Networks – network optimized online gaming
Bigfoot Networks (http://www.bigfootnetworks.com) is a networking technology company that develops hardware and software solutions that significantly improve the online gaming experience. Bigfoot Networks is currently working with the NETGEAR WNR3500L routerto deliver optimized home networking solutions for online gamers that combine the performance benefits and flexibility of the Bigfoot Networks Killer Xeno Pro and the WNR3500L router.

Leaf Networks (http://www.leafnetworks.net) software and technology securely extends LAN-like connectivity over the Internet to embedded devices, mobile users and software applications. A streamlined version of this software is available to enable owners of the NETGEAR WNR3500L to remotely access their external USB storage device connected to the router USB port from anywhere, as if it were on their home network, using familiar tools such as Windows® File Explorer and Mac® Finder.

Paragon Software – high-speed USB NTFS read/writes
Paragon Software Group (http://www.paragon-software.com) is an innovative software developer focused on two dynamic growth markets: Data Storage, including data security, storage and management for embedded devices, PCs, servers and networks; and Mobile Applications. Paragon NTFS for Linux, based on the company’s unique Universal File System Driver (UFSD) technology, has now been developed for the NETGEAR WNR3500L open source router. It provides full access to a Windows (NTFS-formatted) hard drive attached to the WNR3500L, enabling all PCs, clients and servers, regardless of their operating system, to access and share files to and from the drive via the WNR3500L.

Sputnik – full-featured hotspot solutions
Sputnik, Inc. (http://www.sputnik.com) offers SputnikNet, an innovative web application that enables Wi-Fi hotspot providers to run free or paid public-access wireless networks of any size, with full control over branding and customer experience.With Sputnik-powered DD-WRT firmware running on the NETGEAR WNR3500L, SputnikNet enables Wi-Fi hotspot providers to build high-speed wireless networks of any size and manage them centrally over the web. In addition, SputnikNet gives the provider flexible control over Wi-Fi branding and customer experience (free, paid, ad-supported Wi-Fi). The NETGEAR WNR3500L is the first 802.11n Wi-Fi router sold directly by Sputnik with Sputnik-powered firmware.

The NETGEAR RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB (WNR3500L) will be available in Fall 2009 through select retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites and value-added resellers. The router is backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support, and has an MSRP in the U.S. of $139.99.

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