Netgear WNAP210

Netgear ProSafe Wireless N Access Point (WNAP210)

Netgear's ProSafe Wireless-N Access Point (WNAP210) is specifically designed to meet the needs of small business. The WNAP210 is a single-band 802.11n access point that is backwards compatible with 802.11g. The AP, which lists for $170, gave me just average throughput in testing. It also didn't do too well maintaining throughput at longer distances. While testing, the signal dropped completely for me a couple of times and this while testing with a laptop that had Netgear's latest USB wireless adapter installed, the WNDA3100. Still, as a bridge or a repeater for use in a relatively small area - the pricing makes the WNAP210 a decent pick for small businesses. And, since the majority of small business networks are still operating at 802.11g, the single-band WNAP210 is sufficient. Why use an AP? Access points provide an easy way to allow wireless client to access a network, without requiring any additional network configuring or wiring - they are used to extend coverage of a network. APs can also serve as bridges, linking networks as well as signal repeaters. An AP can also help offload utilization on a wireless router. The small, lightweight WNAP210 would fit neatly into any corner and would also be easy to suspend from a ceiling.