NETGEAR Wireless-N Access Point

10 Review to this product

• 

  Patrick Oden
  March 21st, 2009 on 12:37 pm

  Rating

  Some products rather quickly settled into a rating, either being good or bad, or something in the middle. Other products are little more complicated, with the rating being determined by both the product and the expectations of the users. This latter aspect is the real problem as different users have different expectations and different expertise.

  This can result in unfair ratings because of an inexperienced user using a more advanced product or because a user has a different expectation that the product doesn’t live up to. Even as for the right user with the right expectation a product works fine.

  I’m giving this access point 4 stars because it is a quite usable wireless-n access point designed for an intermediate or advanced user.

  Now a short quiz. Do the terms TCP/IP, subnet mask, LAN, WEP/WPA, static IP, DHCP server make any sense to you? If these are not familiar, move along. Also, this is not a router, this is an access point, meaning there is no way to directly attach a computer from this router. If you are wanting a network with both wireless and connected computers, then move along… this isn’t for you.

  Next, this router works fine with wireless-n. It becomes a little frustrating when used in a mixed setting, where there are computers using wireless b and/or g, as well as n. If you don’t know what these terms mean, move along. If you do, but have a variety of needs, then this may still serve your needs, but not necessarily as great as other products.

  If you have a need for an access point utilizing primarily, or exclusively, wireless-n then this is well worth a purchase.

  A couple of negative thoughts even for this use, however. First, the quick start guide isn’t set up for this particular router. The instructions are basically the same, but lead you through a different setup screen process. The included manual on the cd has the accurate descriptions and steps. Next, it’s not easy setup by any means, not really for the novice user. I ran into some difficulties and got really frustrated for a bit as the instruction had an expectation of knowledge I didn’t really yet have, so I had to do some online hunting.

  That being said, it’s a fine router that works as advertised.
• 

  Tarun Chachra
  March 25th, 2009 on 1:47 am

  Rating

  HI All,

  The Netgear WN802Tv2 is an Access Point that is meant for an existing network that already has a router setup. In other words, you will need to have a wired or older wireless-g router in place before you can use this device for Wireless-N Connectivity.

  Basics first:
  
  Whats in the Box? Access Point, Ac Adapter, Ethernet Cable, Netgear CD, Quick Start guide, Warranty Card, and Stand.

  Setup:
  
  So begins the install and testing. I was mildly irritated when I read the quick start guide. Most of you that have routers with a 192.168.0.x address will be ok and can install this thing in a jiffy where as others that use different ip addresses like 192.168.1.x will have to go through a few extra steps as I did. Basically this access point comes configured with a 192.168.0.x address out of the box…therefore you must follow the quick start guide and first connect it to your computer with an ethernet cable to configure it. That being said, if your network provides 192.168.0.x addresses and you are not using 192.168.0.233 you should be ok to plug this in and set it up via your browser.

  Once the IP situation is ready to go you simply open your web browser and go to the 192.168.0.233 ip address. Log in with the username and password on the quick start card and you are given access to setup the access point with your preferences. Here are some of the basics:

  1. Upon Entry – Name of Access point and Country it is used in.
  
  2. Time Zone and If you would like to use a internet time server.
  
  3. IP Settings – you can manually assign it an ip address or have it use dhcp to get one from your existing router.
  
  4. Wireless Mode – 11b, 11BG, 11NG – all at 2.4ghz (another disappointment).

  Once you get more deeper into the setup you are able to go through a multitude of wireless options which include things like the broadcasting of your wireless id, security, quality of service etc. This access point does include Quality of Service settings for Wi-FI Multimedia (WMM) which basically provides preference to multimedia based content over the wireless network.

  This access point allows for a good array of security settings and supports Wep 128/152bit, WPA, etc….it also adds support for Radius Settings which can be found in an enterprise environment.

  Wireless Performance:
  
  This is probably one of the hardest tests to run but I was able to get some results. I used a commonly known speed test site to test my broadband connectivity whilst using the Netgear access point. As background, I have about 15-20mbps download and 2mbps upload via Comcast. The speed test on this router was similar to what I have achieved on my D-Link and Apple Airport Extremes. For that it gets a 5/5.

  Speed testing was not enough and now it was time to stream a hd quality movie from this device onto my ps3 from a mac…..this is probably where this access point will shine. I usually stream movies and get a bit of stutter here and there…so I wanted to make sure I tested a movie that I have played before. I started the the movie and saw a stutter for about one second…but once it started streaming it played on and I did not notice any of the usual issues. The WMM QOS does work (wi-fi multimedia quality of service). More testing will continue and I will update my review to indicate the good or bad.

  Now for my thoughts and opinion on the product:

  The size of the device is nice and the look is perfect. The picture on the product page does not do it any justice. The LED’s are perfectly light and not too bright…they wont take your eye out.

  I like the documentation, it will allow any user from novices to advanced users to be able to get up and running quickly with this device….More advanced documentation is on the resource CD. Note…you do not need the CD to install the device as the quickstart will guide you in the right direction at the get go.
  
  The price is high – If you are going to spend over $100 to buy an access point you are better off spending the same amount to buy a new router which has built in Wireless N abilities. Even if you dont need another router, you can buy one and use it as an access point.

  NO 5ghz – Another negative – most wireless-n routers are now able to broadcast in 5ghz mode. This router does not have that ability…and again for something with this price point it should. You can also spend $10-20 more and buy a dual band router which broadcasts in both 2.4ghz and 5ghz modes. With all of the wireless around our homes and offices, it is a must to have the 5ghz band so our computers can run un-affected by other wireless devices such as cordless phones etc….

  Wireless performance is on par with other products and the WMM-QOS features make this access point shine.

  Last but not least – and this may be just for me – but I think that Netgear can make this device ship so that it can pick up a DHCP address from our existing networks. This way everyone that buys one is able to plug it in and get to setting it up. I have seen this done on a multitude of products and Netgear can surely adopt those feature sets. I am a little knowledgeable in these things, but for a home user I would not want them changing ip addresses on their computers and plugging routers into them…its a bit on the complex side.

  I think there are many improvements to be had on this item and price is definitely one of them. While I like the performance of the wireless, I do not like other things, as stated above, thus my rating is on the low side.

  3/5 for me….sorry Netgear.

  NOTE: Yes, I received this product for free from Amazon…for which I am grateful. My review on the other hand is as HONEST as can be after using/testing for 2 hours. I am fortunate to be a member of the Vine but I try my best to make sure that anyone buying a product I have been given gets a honest and un-biased review/opinion. Thanks!
• 

  Lon J. Seidman
  March 27th, 2009 on 12:45 am

  Rating

  So here’s the deal: if all you do is surf the web on your laptop, or you’re looking for a ‘plug and play’ wireless-N routing solution this is NOT the product for you. If you are a medium to advanced computer user and are looking to add Wireless-N speeds to your existing network, this Netgear product is worthy of consideration.

  CONFIGURATION
  
  Network neophytes should stay away. This device is not plug and play and will require your PC or Mac to be on a 192.168.0.xxx network to connect to its web based control panel. More than likely that means you will need to manually change your computer’s networking configuration in order to set the access point’s IP address for your network. It will not receive an IP address automatically.

  Security is off by default so you’ll want to set that up during the initial configuration. IMPORTANT NOTE: Using WPA will force the unit to operate in the slower Wireless G mode (at least with a Macbook Pro). You’ll want to use WPA2 encryption in order to get Wireless-N speeds. This was not spelled out in the documentation nor was it explained on the unit’s control panel.

  After it is configured installation is relatively painless. Just connect it to an available ethernet port and wireless clients will have access to your network.

  PERFORMANCE
  
  Having used a Wireless-G router/access point for the last four years, the difference in speed for file sharing, video work, printing, etc. on this wireless-N device is substantial and immediately noticeable.

  To test throughput I transmitted a 310 megabyte file from my desktop to my Macbook Pro using both this Netgear product and my older Linksys Wireless-G access point/router. The Macbook was in the kitchen directly underneath the room containing the access points.

  The Linksys wireless router delivered the file in 3 minutes, 48 seconds. The Netgear Wireless N access point delivered the same file in 41.1 seconds. A sizable performance increase.

  CONCLUSION
  
  This product feels very ‘spartan’ and could use better documentation both in the box and also through its web based control panel. Hopefully Netgear will improve the control panel in future versions of its firmware, including adding an option to only allow the unit to operate in N mode (mixing G and N clients impacts performance).

  I have not experienced the connectivity issues others have talked about in their reviews, but I will update this review if I come across them.
• 

  M. Pickering
  April 12th, 2009 on 6:55 am

  Rating

  As an I.T. professional I have setup many wireless networks over the past few years; both in homes and in corporate settings. I am always anxious to try new products as they are released, and I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to test the new WN802T-200 Wireless-N Access Point by Netgear.

  Although most home users, who are creating a new wireless network, would likely require a wireless router instead of just an access point, an AP is a good solution for homes that already have a router in place, or for just about any business environment that undoubtedly already has routing on their network. For my testing I installed the Netgear Wireless-N Access Point in my own home, as I already have a wired router on my network. Upon opening the package I found the following items included:

  - Netgear WN802T Wireless-N Access Point
  
  - 12V Power Adapter
  
  - Ethernet Patch Cable (approx. 5 feet)
  
  - Plastic Stand
  
  - Installation Guide
  
  - Resource CD
  
  - Warranty and Registration Paperwork

  Setting up the new wireless access point was very straightforward. The only issue I had was that I needed to change the IP address of the computer I hooked to it, as my network uses a 192.68.1.xxx range, while the Netgear AP comes preset with a 192.168.0.xxx address. Once I did this I was able to connect to the AP’s built-in web interface with my web browser, by simply typing in the pre-designated 192.168.0.233 address of the device. The installation guide gives you all of the basic information you need to setup this device in minutes, including the username and password you will need to gain access to the administrative settings. I assigned my AP a static IP address, although one could just use the DHCP setting, allowing their existing router to assign a random IP address automatically. You can also setup the wireless mode your AP will use, including 802.11b, 802.11b/g, and 802.11n/g. It was at this point that I discovered that even the `N’ band of this device is restricted to using the 2.4 GHz frequency band, rather than the 5 GHz band used by many of the `N’ class wireless routers and access points in production today. This was a major disappointment, as I prefer my wireless network signal to be in the 5 GHz range, so as not to encounter interference from the cordless phones, cordless Playstation controllers, and all of the other many wireless devices in my home that operate in the 2.x GHz frequency range. Why Netgear restricted this high-end (aka. High Priced!) access point to 2.4 GHz is anyone’s guess, but I truly feel this is a major setback. You will also need to choose your security settings, which include the basic WEP, as well as WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK. It even includes RADIUS support for business (enterprise) environments.

  One of the features I like best about this access point is that it includes built-in QoS (Quality of Service) settings. It uses WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) technology to optimize audio, video and voice over your network. This is a godsend for folks that like to stream video (especially high definition video) over their network, or use VoIP telephones in their home or small business. It’s an easy feature to utilize and it is definitely worth the few seconds of effort to turn it on.

  Not having to use the CD to setup this device was very nice. I find the software based setup utilities, used by many of the wireless device manufacturers these days, are clumsy and add more frustration to the setup process; asking questions that many non-computer savvy folks find confusing. In the end I had my new Netgear Wireless-N Access Point setup and running in less than 20 minutes. It would have taken less time, but I wanted to check out every little option in the setup menus.

  My testing showed that this access point is a fine performer, but certainly not a night and day difference from my existing wireless-N router that I normally use in my home. Transfer speeds are excellent and video streaming was smooth as silk. The QoS feature of this access point definitely makes a difference! I was able to enjoy flawless video streaming while my kids were stumbling around on the Internet, streaming music and doing who knows what. I no longer have voice over IP phone service in my home, but I am sure that this access point would provide excellent stability for VoIP calls. I found the wireless range of this device to be comparable to my current wireless N router (by another manufacturer) as well. It covers my home quite nicely and offers some good coverage outside of my home as well.

  Overall I have mixed feelings about this latest effort from Netgear. It is a solid performer with some advanced features, and yet it lacks the much better 5 GHz frequency that most people desire today. As a basic wireless access point, this Netgear model is about as average as they come, which would normally prompt me to give it 3 out of 5 stars. However, the inclusion of WMM QoS service really requires a bump up in ranking. So my final verdict is 4 out of 5 stars. If the price was lower, I could forgive the lack of 5 GHz support, but for the money I think there is just no excuse for this lack of needed technology in an advanced wireless networking device. The WN802T is a good device, but for the money one could purchase a wireless n/g/b router (with built-in firewall and a 4 port switch), with dual band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) support and not have to worry about potential signal interference from other wireless devices in their home.
• 

  Zipidee
  April 16th, 2009 on 9:25 am

  Rating

  Over the past week I have been testing out the Netgear Wireless-N Access Point, and it runs pretty well. Let me start out by pointing out that if you are looking for a simple wireless point to just plug in, connect to, and get going, then this isn’t for you. If you have more of background knowledge in Network settings, and configuring routers and access points, then you shouldn’t have any trouble with this.

  I started out the journey with first setting up the Netgear WAP (Wireless Access Point). Looking through the instructions, I quickly realized that the instructions offer enough help for a network-oriented person to set it up, but are severely lacking to even give your average day Joe a chance at hooking it up. Running through the instructions, I had a few moments where I had to reset the WAP and start over, but I got it set up eventually.

  The GUI configuration is laid out similar to other Netgear routers and WAPs. It comes with your basic settings, and the Quality of Service settings which include Wifi Multimedia. You also get the basic IP settings so you can choose what IP the Wireless Access Point gets or if you want it to automatically get its own IP.

  The speed of the Netgear Wireless-N Access Point is definitely noticeable over the speed of regular Wireless – G devices. I compared a few different movie transfers using the Wireless – N, and the Wireless – G. The Wireless – N transferred the movie about 25% faster than the Wireless – G. After the initial setup with the Netgear Wireless-N Access Point, I had no noticeable problems. I’ve been using it for about a week now and it’s still running smooth without any of the issues some of the other user seem to suffer.

  There is one downside to this Wireless Access Point though. It’s the price; it’s a little too steep for this product. While it is a trusted brand, there are far more Wireless – N Access Points to choose from that are far cheaper than this. Other then this and the few problems I had setting up the Wireless Access Point in the beginning, it’s a pretty solid product.
  
• 

  www.luxuryreading.com
  April 22nd, 2009 on 5:43 am

  Rating

  I’m unsure why so many people mentioned the difficulty with instructions; the front of the box clearly says the Netgear Access Point has to be connected to an existing router. There are also diagrams on the side of the box, on the back, and in the instructions. We had no trouble connecting the Access Point and getting it to work.

  Wireless-N claims to increase the speed by up to 15x, and coverage by up to 5x. I can’t vouch for the increase in speed, since we did not really notice any (which is why I rated this product 4 stars), but the access was much improved. We’ve previously had problems with our laptop catching the wireless signal downstairs. After using Wireless-N, there are no issues whatsoever. The signal is there as soon as we turn on the laptop. I’ve also walked around the house quite a bit to test the coverage, and it was perfect everywhere. Personally, we’re very satisfied with the product.
• 

  Heath L. Buckmaster
  April 26th, 2009 on 7:04 am

  Rating

  The Good: Easy to setup and configure, easy to install, provides fast wireless repeating even inside a sheet-rock wall garage.

  The Bad: The high price. I have purchased wireless gateway devices that have repeater functions for a lot less than the price of an access point.

  The Details: I do not recommend using the install CD to configure the access point. There’s no need to install extra software on your system when you can configure it with a web browser in about 15 minutes.

  First you configure your machine with a static IP (using the guided instruction sheet) then connect to the AP. Configure your wireless settings, security, repeater functions, etc. and you’re good to go. If you want to use this as a wireless repeater you will need the MAC address of your base unit (I’m using another Netgear WNR2000), and you’ll need to tell the base unit the MAC address of the repeater. After that, put it anywhere you want and you’ll get wireless repeating. But wait there’s more…

  At first I didn’t think the ethernet port on the AP would be useful unless I hard wired it to the base, but you can plug a computer or a switch into it and plug in a bunch of hard wired systems as well. They will then use the wireless network!

  Very flexible – this means you can EITHER hard wire the AP to your base, OR use it as a wireless repeater. It’s compatible with B/G/N, so you have flexibility either way you go and no matter what kind of wireless devices you have in your house.

  NOTE: It does not support WPA security for wireless repeating – only WEP. I have not seen this to be a major problem, although WEP does have more overhead than WPA.

  All in all I’m giving this product 5 stars because it can function wired or wireless, supports all my devices, and it works inside a sheet-walled garage with barely any signal degradation.
• 

  D. Hamilton
  May 20th, 2009 on 6:08 pm

  Rating

  After going through the directions and finding that they were absolutely useless. I did some research, and figured out how to set this up. Now mind you, I am not very computer savvy, and I think I went into settings on my computer that I didn’t even know I had. The reviews here on Amazon helped me as well. After going through all the trouble of setting it up and having such high hopes for exceptional speed on surfing the web, I was actually very disappointed. My router that I have already set up was actually better. Only because I didn’t get dropped as often until after this was all set up. I used it for a little while, then I decided not to use it any longer, because I felt that it was more of a hassle just trying to stay online. Maybe the next one that comes out will be better.
• 

  Kevin Barmish
  May 28th, 2009 on 10:12 pm

  Rating

  This device works exactly as advertised. That said I do not recommend it unless you are very computer savvy; the instructions will be very confusing to anyone not familiar with configuring TCP/IP settings, manually assigning IP addresses, etc… This device is not a router (nor does it claim to be) but beware you’ll need a router in order to get it to work!
• 

  K. Nordhus
  November 19th, 2009 on 2:42 pm

  Rating

  A decent enough product but a little pricey for just what it can do.
  
  It does work pretty good once everything is set up. But the instructions are not all that easy to follow. Because of
  
  this I suspect that some people may give up and end up returning the product. Bottom line you’re going to need to be a little computer
  
  savy to use this product without getting very frustrated.