News

NETGEAR Simplifies Setup and Management of Secure Wireless Networks with Introduction of 'Touchless' Wi-Fi Security (3/8/2005)

NETGEAR Line of Consumer Routers and Wireless Adapters Ease Wi-Fi Security Implementation to Maximize Home Network Protection and Simplify Secure Wireless Connectivity On the Road

NETGEAR Inc., (NASDAQ:NTGR) a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking products, today announced the enhancement of the comprehensive network security provided by its industry-leading line of consumer wireless routers with the introduction of "Touchless" Wi-Fi Security, a quick, easy-to- use interface for setting up standards-based Wi-Fi network security and connecting to existing secure wireless networks. Currently available on the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router (WGT624), "Touchless" Wi-Fi Security will also be extended to NETGEAR's leading RangeMax(TM), Super G(TM), and 802.11g consumer wireless routers and adapters through Q3 2005.

Using standards-based WEP and WPA-PSK protocols, the "Touchless" Wi-Fi Security SmartWizard(TM) makes the set-up of wireless network security quick and easy by simply requesting a passphrase from the user. For NETGEAR's wireless adapters, including the RangeMax Wireless PC Card (WPN511) and 108 Mbps Wireless PC Card (WG511T), the new SmartWizard interface enables users to easily select a network, enter security credentials and save the settings for repeated use. And since "Touchless" Wi-Fi Security is completely standards- based, NETGEAR customers can easily connect to any secure network, regardless of the brand, by simply entering a passphrase or encryption key to enjoy wireless connectivity in coffee shops, friends' homes, or other public hot spots.

"As the adoption of Wi-Fi technology among consumers continues to grow in popularity, there is a growing risk that other users can exploit or even hack into unprotected networks," explained Michael Greeson, President of The Diffusion Group. "As Wi-Fi networks find their way into mainstream households, many users are finding it difficult to implement even basic security protocols into their networks, thus leaving their personal networks vulnerable to malicious activity. Features like the Touchless Wi-Fi Security and network-based security software help users easily and quickly implement strong, robust network security, and are the kinds of value-added features that will help to drive the adoption of Wi-Fi technology by security-conscious consumers."

"Consumers that choose not to secure their home wireless networks often reach that decision because they find the set-up of WEP or WPA-PSK protocols confusing and frustrating," stated Vivek Pathela, NETGEAR Senior Director of Product Marketing. "'Touchless' Wi-Fi Security addresses this issue by automatically stepping the user through a few simple steps to set up wireless network security on their router at the start and similarly for each NETGEAR wireless card when they are installed on a laptop or PC."

Shipping now on the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router (WGT624), "Touchless" Wi-Fi Security will be available worldwide for additional NETGEAR routers and adapters in the rest of the year.

www.netgear.com