Yesterday, I tried to install a NETGEAR WNR834B - replacement (the original didn't work properly, so it was returned to NETGEAR for replacement).
Initially it appeared to work better. Upon login, it appeared that The Firmware Upgrade Assistant would work! (didn't with original unit.)
It reported:
A New Firmware Version is Found.
Do You Want to Upgrade to the New Version Now?
Current Version V1.0.1.4
New Version V(I forget)
YES, I clicked! (The prior unit would try to contact each of 3 servers, without success, even when my 'net connection was functioning fine otherwise.)
RESULT:
Upgrade file is not the correct type or version for this device.Upgrade failed.Please obtain the correct file and try again.
Now device will reboot.It will take about 35 seconds...
Tried several times, with no success. How much QA (Quality Assurance) does a company really need to do to find a bug that appears within a few minutes of product use? More than NETGEAR does, it seems.
I'm certainly not going to try to use a bleeding edge (pre-N) product without the latest firmware...
Client wanted the improved range and speed. I'll try a Linksys WRT350N next; it's running what seems to be a tried and true base (plus enhancements, like pre-N and mimo and more) Linux firmware from the same code base as the Linksys WRT54GL. Actually, it has poor reviews too; maybe the new (square, n, Gb) Apple Airport Extreme Base Station will do the trick.
Switched back to the old Belkin that needs a reboot every couple months or so, for now.
I listed the CompUSA price.
Support was lousy; getting them to accept a return for an obvious product defect was a PITA. Also showed no interest in fixing the problem.
Iffy form factor as well; some folks prefer to lie the router flat, this isn't an option.
PS What's with epinions showing 8 products when I search for WNR834B? They're all the same product!
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/WNR834B.asp shows that generally only one product is for sale -
WNR834B RangeMax™ Next Wireless Router
Family Support Page
This describes versions of the WNR834B, identified on the package or the unit's bottom label.
* Versions are similar in the way they work, but firmware is not always interchangeable!
* It is not possible to order a particular version on the Web. Usually, only the most recent version is available.
* No upgrade between versions is available.
Recommended:
