Ericsson, Netgear team on 3G/Wi-Fi router
updated 08:10 am EST, Tue February 9, 2010
Netgear MBRN3300 shares 3G with the home
Netgear on Tuesday made an unusual branch into 3G this morning through teamwork with Ericsson. The MBRN3300 can use an internal 3G modem, including HSPA+ at roughly 20Mbps, and share the link through either 802.11n Wi-Fi or through four 100Mbps Ethernet ports. The companies envision it as a modem for homes where regular cable, DSL or fiber isn't available, or for completely mobile local networks; it even has the option of a car charger or a battery pack to run free of a traditional plug.
As a networking peripheral, it shares all the features of traditional Wi-Fi routers with parental controls, an SPI firewall and Wi-Fi Protected Setup. Unique to the 3G is a bandwidth usage meter so that those on capped 3G service can be aware of how much data the connection uses and avoid overage fees. Owners can also selectively switch off the 3G, Wi-Fi or both when they're not in use.
Netgear primarily intends the router as an option for carriers and so hasn't provided a price, but the MBRN3300 is available as of today.
