SAN JOSE, Calif., April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, today announced two new wireless access point platforms that meet exploding wireless demands in growing business networks. The NETGEAR ProSafe® Wireless N Access Point (WNAP320) and the NETGEAR ProSafe Dual Band Wireless N Access Point (WNDAP360) offer connectivity, performance and management for companies of all sizes, while avoiding the cost and complexity of traditional big IT wireless networking products.

These new ProSafe access points are ideal for first-time small company single installations or for widely scattered corporate network "edge" deployments. Reliability comes from both a lifetime warranty and sophisticated security features such as WPA and WPA2 encryption, multiple VLAN and VPN pass-through support, rogue access-point detection, and 802.1X authentication with RADIUS support. Both access points automatically integrate with NETGEAR's WC7500 series wireless controller hardware and WMS management software and systems, controlling management costs even when user and device counts increase. Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3afPOE), wireless bridging and repeating capabilities, and an "easy mount" frame with an unobtrusive smooth white cover make for simple setup on walls or ceilings.

"Small and midmarket companies are at the center of increasing WLAN momentum" said Tim Zimmerman, Principal Analyst at Gartner. "802.11n solutions are providing the increasing bandwidth and reliability for voice, video and data services at the edges of converged networks. These new expectations bring management and security challenges that can be daunting to IT generalists. Leading wireless vendors must address these dynamics through complete wireless solutions that fit the budget of this market segment without overloading on complexity."

James Bricknell, a LAN designer for ATG-IT, an IT sales and solutions firm in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, United Kingdom, evaluated the NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless-N Access Point and reports: "The WNAP320 has a great signal. Even through concrete and other significant obstructions, speed is never an issue. I'm also really impressed with its reliability. Despite everything I threw at it, it held up. And people who aren't familiar with security wouldn't have a problem with configuration. It supports WPA and WPA2, up to eight SSIDs, and is particularly capable of supporting VLANs, so a business can segregate access permissions at the machine level, rather than just groups. With other brands, this capability is only available at a much higher price point."

"Mobile computing devices now outsell desktop PC platforms, and wireless networks are now mission-critical for businesses of all sizes. Delivering wireless video, voice and data solutions often bring hidden management costs" said Maggie Wu, product line manager for wireless networking at NETGEAR. "The NETGEAR ProSafe WNAP320 and dual band WNDAP360 are part of our continuing campaign to deliver 'smart IT, not big IT' solutions for growing companies demanding reliable, affordable and simple solutions."

Pricing and Availability

The NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless-N Access Point (WNAP320) is available now worldwide with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) in the United States of $350. The NETGEAR ProSafe Dual Band Wireless-N Access Point (WNDAP360) will be available later in the second quarter of 2011 at a price to be announced. WC700 series wireless controllers and WMS series wireless management software and appliances are sold separately.

More information

To learn more about NETGEAR wireless access points for growing companies, please visit http://netgear.com/business/products/access-points-wireless-controllers/access-points/default.aspx.

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 over 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, the NETGEAR logo, and ProSafe are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. 

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 11 through 29, in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 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.