CES: Netgear showcases wireless routing and storage advances for the home

New models seek to extend coverage and collaboration

LAS VEGAS: Networking hardware specialist Netgear has unveiled a range of devices designed to improve the performance of home office and consumer networks.

The company gave details on a series of home routers and storage devices that can connect to multiple devices and platforms over a home network.

Among the new products is the Media Storage Router. By combining a traditional wireless router with networked storage, this device allows users to remotely back up and share important data and media files wirelessly. The device will support Apple's Time Machine platform as well as the Netgear Readyshare Vault tools.

"You get complete connectivity, and at the same time you get storage to protect the data that you cherish the most," said David Henry, vice president of product management for Netgear's retail business unit.

In addition to dual-band Wi-Fi, the router features a pair of USB 3.0 ports for wired connections. Maximum internal storage for the device will be 2TB.

To help users better manage their wireless networks, Netgear is expanding its Genie control console. The addition of Netgear Genie for mobile applications will allow users to manage settings through their handsets, controlling operations such as parental controls and device blocking.

Other planned enhancements to the router line include the addition of support for .11AC and Powerline connections, which will bring maximum performance for both protocols to over 1Gbit/s.

For users looking to extend the reach of their wireless networks, Netgear has developed a universal wireless range extender. Designed to eliminate "dead spots" in Wi-Fi coverage, the device can be used to amplify wireless strength in remote locations.

Other updates include an N900 adapter designed for use with gaming consoles and a refresh for the NeoTV box, which will add support for Hulu Plus.

Henry said the new products were designed to equip home networks for a growing range and number of devices. With households increasingly looking to connect six or more wireless devices at a time, the company sees a need for extending capacity and compatibility.

"What we need is a network upgrade," Henry explained.

"The demands on the network and the challenges are definitely new, so the network has to evolve as well."