NETGEAR Introduces First Dual-Band Secure Wireless-N Solution for Small Businesses

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Map) - SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NETGEAR(R), Inc. (Nasdaq: NTGR), a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking products, today announced an addition to its award-winning, high-performance line of security solutions for small businesses, the new ProSafe(R) Wireless-N VPN Firewall (SRXN3205 -- the first product to combine dual-band Wireless-N with SSL and IPsec VPN. By incorporating these advanced features, NETGEAR is providing small offices with an enterprise-class networking solution that addresses both top security and wireless performance needs, but at a fraction of the cost.

"Today's small businesses can no longer afford to cut corners when it comes to network security, as they're actually more vulnerable to malicious Internet-based threats than many large organizations," said Jason Leung, NETGEAR's senior product line manager for SMB security. "In order to fully protect themselves, SMBs require the same advanced security technologies currently employed by large companies, but in a size scaled specifically for their environments, with easy-to-use system configuration and operation, and at a cost-effective price. With the SRXN3205, we have integrated the strengths of our Dual WAN Gigabit SSL VPN Firewall (FVS336G) with that of a dual-band Wireless-N access point. Since the embedded dual-band Wireless-N radio works at either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz spectrum, offices in the middle of network upgrades can run at 2.4 GHz for full backwards compatibility with legacy 802.11g, or 5 GHz for maximum Wireless-N throughput and range."

Similar to NETGEAR's well-received Dual WAN Gigabit SSL VPN Firewall (FVS336G), the ProSafe Wireless-N VPN Firewall offers two types of Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnels -- Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and IP Security (IPsec). With this dual option, unmatched by competing security solutions for SMBs, the innovative Firewall provides 25-user offices with optimal, secure remote connections to their wireless networks. In addition to VPN flexibility, the SRXN3205 supports businesses transitioning from legacy networks to draft 802.11n networks.

The SRXN3205 Wireless-N VPN Firewall supports up to five SSL VPN tunnels and five IPsec VPN tunnels simultaneously for enhanced protection from network security threats. SSL VPN tunnels enable clientless, individual remote access to corporate data, anytime and anywhere -- without needing to install a software client. Moreover, the SSL VPNs support industry-strength encryption algorithms and features such as automatic cache cleanup after session termination to ensure protection and privacy of sensitive data. IPsec VPN tunnels deliver secure site-to-site tunnels connecting multiple offices together, as well as legacy, client-based remote access. The sophisticated Firewall also provides denial-of-service (DoS) attack protection, stateful packet inspection (SPI) to curb hacker threats, URL keyword filtering, SYSLOG support, and e-mail reporting.

NETGEAR's SRXN3205 fully delivers the coverage and speed advantages of draft 802.11n wireless networks. Operating in either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz radio bands, the SRXN3205 provides the flexibility to transition from legacy networks. The 2.4 GHz radio band operating mode provides Wireless-N connections while maintaining support for existing 802.11g and 802.11b networks. Wireless-N clients on this network will experience improved throughput and range, while legacy clients will continue to function at their optimal levels.

The 5 GHz radio band operating mode provides maximum wireless speeds by creating an overlay network that does not interfere with other existing 802.11g and 802.11b networks that include devices such as older laptops, print servers, hand-held inventory scanners, and IP cameras. While only Wireless-N clients can use the 5 GHz radio band, these Wireless-N clients realize benefits such as up to ten times the coverage and up to fifteen times the speed of 802.11g networks. To maintain wireless security, features such as WPA, WPA2, and 802.1x with RADIUS support are included. The device also includes four Gigabit LAN ports, which ensure network bottlenecks are minimized.

As with all NETGEAR ProSafe products, the SRXN3205 contains several ease-of-use features to simplify implementation: an "Auto Detect" function connects to a user's ISP promptly; the Web-based ProSafe Control Center graphical user interface (GUI) offers simple configuration screens; an Install Assistant to reduce setup time; and an IPsec VPN wizard automates IPsec VPN configuration and creates secure connections to multiple sites.

The NETGEAR ProSafe Wireless-N VPN Firewall (SRXN3205) is compatible with Windows(R), UNIX(R), Macintosh(R), and Linux(R) OS and comes with full 24/7 technical support. All NETGEAR ProSafe products, including the SRXN3205, are backed by a lifetime warranty and optional ProSupport Maintenance Packages. It is available from leading direct marketers, e-commerce sites, and value-added resellers at an estimated U.S. list price of $485.

About NETGEAR, Inc.

NETGEAR (Nasdaq: NTGR) designs technologically advanced, branded networking solutions that address the specific needs of small and medium business and home users. The Company's product offerings enable users to share Internet access, peripherals, files, digital multimedia content and applications among multiple personal computers and other Internet-enabled devices. As an ENERGY STAR(R) partner, NETGEAR offers products that prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the U.S. government. NETGEAR is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. For more information, visit the company's Web site at http://www.netgear.com or call (408) 907-8000.

(C)2008 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, ProSafe and the NETGEAR logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. Actual data throughput will vary from maximum signal rates stipulated. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput.

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 expected performance characteristics, specifications, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses, user feedback and market position of NETGEAR's 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 meet the price, performance and ease of use requirements of customers; product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions; new viruses or Internet threats may develop that challenge the effectiveness of security features in NETGEAR's products; 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 "Part II - Item 1A. Risk Factors", pages 28 through 39, in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2008, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2008. 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.

(Logo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030730/NETGEARLOGO)