In time for Labor Day, PC Magazine published extensive reviews for the two products that NETGEAR launched as a result of an OEM deal with Firetide. (For background, see “Firetide Announces Strategic Alliance and OEM Agreement with NETGEAR.”) I included “Bottom Line” paragraphs from each review. Read the full reviews by clicking on the links:
NETGEAR ProSafe 16 AP Wireless Management System
NETGEAR ProSafe 16 AP Wireless Management System WMS5316
Rating: Very Good
Bottom Line: There aren’t too many AP-management offerings in the SMB market. The ProSafe 16 is a welcome rarity. And, while it may seem expensive, most of the other devices on the market are more enterprise oriented and more expensive. NETGEAR has created a true SMB wireless management device that doesn’t require the expertise of a dedicated wireless network administrator to set up and run. If you’re running a shop with many NETGEAR APs already in place, or plan to create a network with five to sixteen of them, the NETGEAR ProSafe 16 AP Wireless Management System WMS5316 is well worth the price.
NETGEAR ProSafe 5AP Wireless Management System (WMS105)
Rating: Very Good
Bottom Line: There’s no question that the NETGEAR ProSafe 5AP Wireless Management System performs with aplomb. But there is one question that must be asked: Does my business need it? Unless you have more than two NETGEAR access points, the WMS105 is overkill. Add a third, fourth or fifth access point, and the centralized management is becomes much more convenient. It’s simple to set up, it’s a good way to keep consistent security settings on all of the access points in a network, and the price won’t break your budget.
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/Image via PCMag.com
