NETGEARs Double-108 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter Delivers Two Networks in One

NETGEAR®, Inc., (Nasdaq: NTGR) a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking products, today announced the availability of its Double-108 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (WG111U) for desktop and notebook PCs, which simultaneously supports two separate wireless streams each at blazing-fast data rates of up to 108 Mbps. It’s the newest member of NETGEAR’s Double-108 Mbps product family, which includes the Double-108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router (WGU624) and Double-108 Mbps Wireless PC Card (WG511U) launched earlier this quarter. NETGEAR’s sleek, compact Double-108 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (WG111U) eliminates the need to open a desktop PC in order to enjoy in-home wireless networking. When using the adapter with NETGEAR’s Double-108 Wireless Firewall Router, both desktop PC and notebook computer users can enjoy 802.11a- and 802.11b/g modes, longer range, and data at rates up to 108 Mbps in either mode, ideal for uninterrupted video streaming.

Designed to address the growing need to support multiple networked devices and various applications in the digitally connected home, the Double-108 Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (WG111U) is also the first USB 2.0 adapter to ship with Super A/G™ technology from Atheros Communications. It offers twice the range of basic 802.11g technology, greatly reducing “dead spots” and making whole-home wireless coverage a reality. A free firmware upgrade to Extended Range (XR™) technology from Atheros is anticipated in the future that will boost range even further, expecting to offer distances as much as three times the range of basic 802.11g technology.

The Double-108 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (WG111U) supports two simultaneous 108 Mbps wireless streams — a 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g stream and a 5 GHz 802.11a stream — with backwards-compatibility on both wireless standards. The 802.11b/g stream is perfect for achieving a wireless network connection even at the furthest extremities of a house. Meanwhile, the 802.11a “fast lane” is free from congestion and interference, and thus ideal for high quality video streaming.

“With home networks and small businesses adding wireless applications at a feverish pace, there is a growing demand for technologies that can consolidate functionality, expand wireless capabilities and simplify use,” said Kartik Gada, NETGEAR Product Line Manager. “The NETGEAR Double-108 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (WG111U) is the first adapter on the market to offer USB flexibility and dual-band wireless coupled with the speed and stability needed to support priority and bandwidth-intensive applications at longer range.”

With microwave ovens, cordless telephones and neighbors’ wireless set-ups often interfering with the wireless home network, utilizing the 802.11a stream alleviates the often-crowded 802.11b/g bands, greatly improving performance. Users will no longer be forced to compete for bandwidth and can continue to utilize the 802.11b/g band for lower-priority wireless applications such as e-mail, online gaming, file downloads and Internet browsing, and be completely compatible with existing wireless devices.

In addition to unparalleled flexibility, the pocket-sized Double-108 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (WG111U) also includes NETGEAR’s Smart Wizard™ Install Assistant for ease-of-installation and management. Users simply have to run the Smart Wizard Install Assistant, plug the NETGEAR 108 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter into a USB slot of the notebook or desktop PC, and they can be up and running in just minutes. Pre-configured to work with other NETGEAR wireless products, this wireless USB adapter works with USB 2.0 and is compliant with Windows® 2000 and XP (with SP2) systems. Hardware-based 40/64 and 128-bit WEP encryption, as well as WPA-PSK, is available to shield the user's network from wireless eavesdroppers without sacrificing performance. The packaging includes a five-foot USB cable and a housing cradle, offering customers greater flexibility in positioning the adapter anywhere near the computer for peak signal strength and performance.

The NETGEAR Double-108 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (WG111U) is backed by a one-year warranty and 24/7 technical support. It is available now via leading retailers, direct marketers, e-commerce sites, and value-added resellers at a suggested retail price of $89.99.

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 the Company’s Double-108 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter (WG111U) product, and its expected performance characteristics, specifications, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses and user feedback, and the general market position of NETGEAR and its Double 108-Mbps family of 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 met the price, performance and ease of use requirements of customers, the performance of NETGEAR’s products may be adversely affected by real world conditions, 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 “Risk Factors Affecting Future Results”, pages 15 through 22, in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 3, 2004, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 17, 2004. 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.

For more information:

Doug Hagan
NETGEAR Inc.
(408) 907-8053
doug.hagan@netgear.com

Lisa Hawes
Account Supervisor
Sterling Communications, Inc.
(408) 395-5500 x227
lhawes@sterlingpr.com

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