Netgear Introduces Revolutionary New Category of Configurable Switches for Businesses to Build Better Networks

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NETGEAR??, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTGR) , a worldwide provider of technologically innovative, branded networking solutions, today announced a revolutionary new category of switches designed for growing businesses with growing network needs. The new ProSafe?? Plus Switch(TM) family empowers non-technical users with new capabilities to monitor and configure their network, helping them build a low cost network that takes advantage of big business network features.

This new family of switches includes two Fast Ethernet versions, the 16-port FS116E desktop switch and 24-port JFS524E rack-mounted switch, and one Gigabit Ethernet version, the 5-port GS105E desktop switch. At a very small cost premium over unmanaged switches, a Plus Switch delivers network monitoring, cable testing, traffic prioritization and network segmentation for better troubleshooting, security and resource allocation, making it far more powerful than unmanaged switches. Additionally, all of these switches utilize Green Ethernet features to significantly reduce the power required to operate, saving money and the environment.

"Businesses are relying more heavily on their networks as they deploy more Ethernet-based technologies such as VoIP, as well as Internet-based applications for email, calendaring and collaboration," said Maggie Wu, NETGEAR's product line manager for SMB Switching Products. "To support this trend, NETGEAR has created this simple yet powerful network switch for businesses. The ProSafe Plus Switch, as an upgrade from the simple connectivity of an unmanaged switch, offers our customers essential network features such as enhanced security, troubleshooting, traffic prioritization, segmentation and monitoring, all at an affordable price."

Key Features

ProSafe Plus Switches enable these enhanced business features with easy-to-use configuration tools. The graphically based software utility enables users to manage network traffic, which has never been seen before in this level of switch. Quality of Service (QoS) features enables users to assign traffic priority based on physically connected ports or prioritize traffic by the types of data, such as streaming video and voice. With VLAN support for network segmentation and security, users can set up network groups to enhance security and use the network resources more efficiently. Plus Switches also offer cable testing capability for troubleshooting connectivity problems. Network diagnostic tools with cable testing capabilities often cost hundreds of dollars, but this capability is included with these new switches.ProSafe Plus Switches are designed with ease-of-use in mind. They can be set up as plug-and-play switches, or be configured through a simple PC-based utility. The fan-less switches operate silently, making them ideal for placement in open work areas. The GS105E and FS116E are in compact, sturdy metal cases ideal for desktop placement, while the JFS524E can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack.

Green Features

Similar to NETGEAR's existing line of "green" switches, which includes the GS716T and GS724T Smart Switches among others, the new ProSafe Plus Switches consume up to 70 percent less power than their unmanaged equivalents. The FS116E and JFS524E are the industry's first Fast Ethernet switches to support this type of power reduction technology:

Auto Power-down - This mode reduces chip power in each Ethernet port when the signal from the copper link is not present, thus saving power, but instantly resumes normal operation when energy is detected.
Auto Cable Length Detection - This enables the switch to use lower power if its connections cover a distance of less than 10 meters.

Like many other NETGEAR products for the home and SMB, Plus Switches come in packaging that is manufactured with at least 80 percent recycled material."With many business users running multiple, real-time applications on their networks, they need to be able to segment and prioritize traffic to ensure consistent performance," said Matthias Machowinski, directing analyst of enterprise voice and data at Infonetics Research, an international market research and consulting firm specializing in data networking and telecom. "NETGEAR's new line of ProSafe Plus Switches gives SMBs greater control over their networks at only a modest premium over unmanaged switches, thereby providing a good balance between features and price."

Pricing and Availability

With full 24/7 technical support that connects customers directly with experienced switching experts, NETGEAR ProSafe Plus Switches (FS116E, JFS524E and GS105E) will give businesses a powerful new tool to organize their networks. All three Plus Switches are shipping now, and will be made available worldwide from value-added resellers, leading direct marketers, and e-commerce sites at estimated U.S. street prices starting from $70 for the GS105E, $90 for the FS116E and $110 for the JFS524E. All ProSafe products provide world-class reliability with a NETGEAR Lifetime Warranty and optional ProSupport Maintenance Packages.

More information on NETGEAR's full line of ProSafe Plus Desktop and Rackmount Switches is available at http://www.netgear.com/Products/Switches/PlusSwitches.aspx.
About NETGEAR, Inc.
NETGEAR (NASDAQGM: NTGR) designs innovative, branded technology solutions that address the specific networking, storage, and security needs of Small- to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) and home users. The company offers an end-to-end networking product portfolio to enable users to share Internet access, peripherals, files, multimedia content, and applications among multiple computers and other Internet-enabled devices. Products are built on a variety of proven technologies such as wireless, Ethernet and powerline, with a focus on reliability and ease-of-use. NETGEAR products are sold in over 27,000 retail locations around the globe, and via more than 37,000 value-added resellers. The company's headquarters are in San Jose, Calif., with additional offices in 25 countries. NETGEAR is an ENERGY STAR?? partner. More information is available at http://www.netgear.com/ or by calling (408) 907-8000. Connect with NETGEAR at http://twitter.com/NETGEAR and http://www.facebook.com/netgear.

??2009 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, ProSafe and Plus Switch 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.Note: 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 rate.

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 NETGEAR's business and the expected performance characteristics, specifications, reliability, 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; failure of products may under certain circumstances cause permanent loss of end user data; 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 36 through 50, in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal third quarter ended September 27, 2009, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 2009. 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.

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