Model

N900 WNDR 4500 v 2

Brand

Netgear

Netgear N900 (WNDR4500) v2 While generally not considered part of the storage ecosystem, networking gear plays a key role in transporting data from device to device. In this case we’re taking a look at Netgear’s latest high-performance router offering, the N900 (WNDR4500). The N900 offers all the wired and wireless standards, including 802.11 b/g/n on the 2.4 GHz spectrum and 802.11 a/n on the 5.0 GHz spectrum, which incidentally has had its range increased this time around. It also offers features like wireless printer sharing, and ReadyShare USB storage access, which can deliver HD video streams to wired or wireless media streamers around the house. Netgear’s pedigree in wireless networking is well known, and a proper in-depth review of the ins and outs of their routing and wireless range is beyond the scope of this review, we’ll leave others to that task. Our objective with the N900 is to help users better understand the role the router can play in the home and office, and the value the direct attached USB storage access offers. Netgear N900 Specifications IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11 a/n 5.0 GHz Five 10/100/1000 (1 WAN and 4 LAN) Gigabit Ethernet ports with auto-sensing technology Two USB 2.0 ports WiFi Boost with high powered radio amplifiers Memory – 128 MB Flash and 128 MB RAM IPv6 Support (Internet Protocol Version 6) NETGEAR Genie —Easy dashboard control to manage, monitor, and repair home networks Push ‘N’ Connect using Wi-Fi Protected Setup WiFi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK) Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT firewall) Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention Dimensions: 258 x 172.5 x 81 mm (10.15 x 6.79 x 3.18 in) Weight: 0.68 kg (1.5 lbs) Design and Setup With most of our Netgear product reviews revolving around home office or business-grade NAS equipment, it was a refreshing change to see an aseptically-friendly product come down the line. The N900 router sits on top of a Plexiglas base, with a semi-transparent design offering a mix of clear and black plastic. No matter if the router needs to be presented from and center on a home media shelf or hidden behind the scenes, the Netgear N900 is already designed to fit in.