Dell XPS M1710 Version 2.0

The Dell XPS M1710 arrived complete with the latest wireless technology which supports the 802.11n draft 1.0 standard. Here, we were presented with the Netgear RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router (WNR834B). By supporting up to a theoretical 270Mbps and utilizing advanced MIMO (Multi-In, Multi-Out) technology, the wireless router is able to ensure the highest possible performance for wireless operation. 

Taking the WNR834B wireless router out of the package, we find that the product is a very clean and understated device. This SOHO-class product supports four physical ethernet connections in addition to the support for 802.11b/g and draft 1.0 of the 802.11n standard. In addition, the router also provides both a Network Address Translation (NAT) and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall for increased security.

Rounding out the wireless network we're creating, we have the Dell Wireless 1500 network card. As previously mentioned, this device is significantly smaller than most other wireless NIC's such as the Intel 2945 802.11a/b/g wireless card found in the original XPS M1710 we reviewed last year. Looking closely at the image above, one can also clearly see the Broadcom logo on the board's logic.