Eliminate WiFi Dead Spots: NETGEAR Universal WiFi Range Extender Boosts Reach of Home Networks and Is Ready in Minutes

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NETGEAR®, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, announces the easy and affordable solution for eliminating wireless dead spots at home:  the new NETGEAR Universal WiFi Range Extender (WN3000RP), now available from major retailers worldwide.

A rapidly expanding constellation of Internet-enabled mobile and entertainment devices including tablets, smartphones, Blu-ray players, game consoles, laptops and televisions are connecting to WiFi networks from around the house and even outside on decks and patios. A big driver for this trend is the increasing availability of movies, TV shows and other video through online streaming. Consumers want to watch streaming video on their laptops, tablets and Internet-capable televisions, creating greater demand for strong WiFi connections.

This makes WiFi dead spots more unwelcome than ever, but the answer up to now – running an Ethernet cable through walls and ceilings to add a second wireless access point – has been inconvenient and complicated.

The NETGEAR Universal WiFi Range Extender increases the coverage of home networks by automatically repeating the wireless signal from a WiFi router or gateway.

The extender is a single, compact, self-contained white cube that plugs into any AC outlet. No new wiring is required, and setup takes only a few minutes. When paired with routers that have a "Push 'N' Connect" (WiFi Protected Setup) button, the only configuration required is simply pressing the "Push 'N' Connect" button on the router and then on the extender.

Dynamic LED indicators on the extender help find the best location for WN3000RP in the home, usually about halfway between the router and the wireless dead spot.

The extender supports 802.11b/g/n and works with all common WiFi security standards including WEP, WPA and WPA2.

"Today consumers are connecting more and more wireless mobile devices and Internet-capable TVs to their networks, from more places in the home. These devices are often used for high-bandwidth activities, such as video streaming and multi-player games, that require rock-solid WiFi connections," said Damir Skripic, Product Line Manager for Connected Entertainment at NETGEAR. "The NETGEAR Universal WiFi Range Extender makes it possible to enjoy a robust wireless connection in remote corners of the house or outdoors, in places that now have low or no WiFi signal."

Pricing and Availability

The NETGEAR Universal WiFi Range Extender (WN3000RP) is now available worldwide from major retailers – in stores and online –with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $89.99 in the United States.

More information

To learn more about the NETGEAR Universal WiFi Range Extender, please visit http://netgear.com/home/products/wireless-range-extenders/wireless-range-extenders/WN3000RP.aspx. The extender is one of many NETGEAR products supporting the fast-growing smartphone and tablet markets; to find out more, please visit www.netgear.com/connect.

About NETGEAR, Inc. 

NETGEAR (NASDAQGM: NTGR) is a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers. For consumers, the company makes high performance, dependable and easy to use home networking, storage and digital media products to connect people with the Internet and their content and devices. For businesses, NETGEAR provides networking, storage and security solutions without the cost and complexity of Big IT. The company also supplies top service providers with retail proven, whole home solutions for their customers. NETGEAR products are built on a variety of proven technologies such as wireless, Ethernet and powerline, with a focus on reliability and ease-of-use. NETGEAR products are sold in approximately 28,000 retail locations around the globe, and through more than 37,000 value-added resellers. The company's headquarters are in San Jose, Calif., with additional offices in 25 countries. NETGEAR is an ENERGY STAR® partner. More information is available at http://www.NETGEAR.com or by calling (408) 907-8000. Connect with NETGEAR at http://twitter.com/NETGEAR and http://www.facebook.com/NETGEAR.

© 2011 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR logo are registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. NETGEAR shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.  All rights reserved.  

Note: Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput and wireless coverage will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate and wireless coverage. NETGEAR makes no express or implied representations or warranties about this product's compatibility with any future standards.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for NETGEAR, Inc.: 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning NETGEAR's business and the expected performance characteristics, specifications, reliability, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses, user feedback and market position of NETGEAR's products and technology are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the following: the actual price, performance and ease of use of NETGEAR's products may not meet the price, performance and ease of use requirements of customers; product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions; failure of products may under certain circumstances cause permanent loss of end user data; new viruses or Internet threats may develop that challenge the effectiveness of security features in NETGEAR's products; the ability of NETGEAR to market and sell its products and technology; the impact and pricing of competing products; and the introduction of alternative technological solutions. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect NETGEAR and its business are detailed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties listed in the section entitled "Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors," pages 35 through 51, in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended April 3, 2011, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2011. NETGEAR undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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SOURCE NETGEAR, Inc.