The NETGEAR KWGR614 open source router is in many ways a traditional Wireless-G router, adhering to and fully implementing the 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networking standards. It offers 1x coverage and range, so it is implementing no specialized hardware or firmware that boosts either range or coverage. However, the open platform / open standards nature of the router makes it a popular target for customized firmware (and other open source projects) which are designed to do just that.

The open source code in the router's firmware enables router customization for Linux developers and hobbyists. These techie folks can create firmware for specialized applications such as gaming, VoIP, security or increased signal strength up to 2x the WAN-to-LAN throughput of other Wireless-G routers.

However, if being used merely as a Wireless-G router, here are the set of NETGEAR-recommended wireless adapters associated with the device...

NETGEAR Wireless-G PC Card (WG511)

NETGEAR's 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card offers speeds up to nearly five times faster than IEEE 802.11b wireless networks. It is compatible with both the 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards, and fits in a standard PCMCIA slot on your laptop computer.

Put it in your notebook PC and no matter where you are, at home, at the office, at the airport or in other public access areas, this versatile adapter automatically selects the best connection available, giving you constant access to corporate resources, e-mail, and the Internet. Use it to quickly network employees, saving the time and expense of Ethernet cabling. Easy to set up and use with Netgear's Install Wizard, the PC Card auto-selects the best available connection and adapts the settings to match. And with up to 128-bit WEP encryption, you can rest assured that your wireless network communications are private.

Fully IEEE 802.11b (2.4 GHz) compliant for wireless network access from your notebook PC, this PC Card has both standards built in, so you can connect your notebook to existing 802.11b infrastructure, and also to the high-speed networks based on the 802.11g specification. Dynamic rate shifting according to environmental conditions achieves the fastest possible connections.

The NETGEAR 54 Mbps Wireless PC Card supports office roaming for notebook PC users for shared broadband Internet access and resources, and provides maximum mobility from home, the office, the airport, and other public access areas. And the NETGEAR Wireless LAN Manager lets you create profiles that reflect specific WLAN settings for each place you travel.

The PC Card comes with a 3-year warranty and it compatible with Windows 98, Me, 2000, or XP.

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NETGEAR Wireless-G PCI Adapter (WG311)

Delivers the same performance and meets the same specifications as the PC card above, but designed to fit in a standard PCI slot in your desktop PC. So, if mobility is your concern, this is not the adapter for you. However, rather than string wires throughout your home, for around $40 you can make your desktop PC just as wireless as your laptop ... even if not as mobile.

The PCI adapter comes with a 3-year warranty as well, and has the same operating system compatibility.

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NETGEAR Wireless-G USB 2.0 Adapter (WG111)

NETGEAR's 54 Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter enables 54 Mbps wireless Internet access to either your desktop or notebook PC. New antenna technology delivers greater range so you can move extended distances without losing your connection. S High-level WEP encryption shields your network from wireless eavesdroppers without sacrificing performance.New antenna technology provides superior range above previous-generation 802.11b adapters. Supports office roaming for notebook PC users for shared broadband Internet access and resources. Gives you untethered mobility at home, the office, the airport, and other public hotspots. NETGEAR's Wireless LAN Manager lets you create profiles that reflect specific WLAN settings for each place you travel. The WG111 simply plugs into the external USB port of your PC, eliminating the need to open up your desktop PC. 802.11g standard compliance ensures interoperability with existing 802.11b and 802.11g networks. This gives you unfettered mobility at home, the office, the airport, or any public Wi-Fi hotspots.

The adapter's compact, pocket-sized design can easily be carried anywhere. The WG111 simply plugs into the external USB port of your PC, eliminating the need to open up your desktop PC. It features a USB 2.0 interface that is up to 40 times faster than USB 1.1 allowing you to realize full 54 Mbps speed. As with the PC Card version of the wireless adapter, you gain full mobility with your notebook, or place your desktop anywhere in your home, without the need to use unsightly Ethernet cables.

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