Netgear has launched the Centria, an all-in-one backup/media server and dual-band high-performance Wi-Fi router. It includes Netgear's ReadyShare Vault for backing up Windows-based PCs, and support for Apple's Time Machine for Mac.
Netgear's Centria is available in two flavors: the WNDR4700 which allows users to insert their own HDD into the internal storage bay, and the WNDR4720 which comes with a pre-installed 2 TB HDD. Both Centria models offer two USB 3.0 ports for adding additional USB 3.0-based external drives, and an SD card reader featuring simple, single-click backup of media to the internal hard drive.
Netgear said its ReadyShare Cloud makes sharing media across the network safe and easy, viewable locally or by remote from an office or hotel room. Even more, Netgear's MyMedia app turns any Android or iOS device into a remote control so that users can stream media to a DLNA-enabled HDTV.
On a hardware level, the router offers both the 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n) and 5 GHz (802.11 a/n) bands at 450 Mbps each (900 Mbps combined), theoretically delivering fast, smooth streaming and gaming. For even smoother HD media streaming and gaming, the home network can be prioritized by device or application using the router's Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities. There's also four Gigabit Ethernet ports if you want to take the wired route.
According to the specs, security features include WiFi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2-PSK), double firewall protection (SPI and NAT), and denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention. Other features include parental controls, guest network access, AirPrint for printing on any USB printer from an iPad or iPhone, a broadband usage meter and more.
"With increasing reliance on their computers to store important data and irreplaceable family photos and videos, it is imperative for consumers to backup their PCs and Macs so that if their computer crashes or is lost, then their important files will still be safe and accessible on Centria," said Sandeep Harpalani, senior product line manager for wireless networking, Netgear. "After the fast initial setup, Centria will automatically backup PCs and Macs every time they connect to the home network. This makes data backup a simple set-and-forget operation and simplifies digital life for consumers."
Netgear Centria WNDR4700 and WNDR4720 are available immediately from major worldwide retailers in stores and online for $229.99 and $349.99 USD respectively.
