Netgear DGN2200M Router/Modem Uncovered

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At CES last week, Netgear showed off the perfect solution for those times when you lose your DSL/cable connection. Their new hybrid DSL Modem/Wireless Router (model name: DGN2200M) will be able to connect to a 3G or 4G data network. In the event that your DSL connection drops, you’ll be able to connect to the cell network ‘as a backup’.

For the wireless router part of the device, Netgear has included the new, fast 802.11n wireless standard on the device. As for the emergency cellular option, American-based Netgear says that inspiration came from outside the country. “Cellular network connections for routers are becoming increasing popular in many countries as backup for DSL,” Netgear’s press statement explains.

Although they make it clear that they’ve intended the 3G/4G/WiMax ability on the router to be used as an emergency contingency, they also mention that the device could appeal to people who can’t get cable or DSL to their home but are in range of a 3G/4G/WiMax connection. This router will make it easier for these people to use the cellular connection on their home computers, as they won’t need to tether it to a cell phone anymore or anything of the nature.

Of course, there’s the issue of a 4G data plan. It’s hard to imagine a private citizen who wasn’t doing something illegal that led them to need 24/7 internet access and couldn’t wait for their DSL/cable line to return. At any rate, you’d need to pay for a 3G/4G/WiMax data plan for your router. The router will sell for $180 and will start shipping in April 2010.