NETGEAR, Inc. believes open source firmware represents an excellent way to expand product capabilities, has been an open source advocate for years and an Open Invention Network (OIN) member since 2010. In July 2008, the company introduced its WFR614L router, which was “the world’s first native open-source consumer router,” according to PC Magazine, and noted as the “first out-of-the-box open source router” by other media sources.

Since opening its business in 1996, NETGEAR has turned ideas into fundamental connectivity hardware products — including routers, DSL/cable gateways, switches, wireless access points, network attached storage and security cameras — for consumers, businesses and service providers. Built on proven technologies such as wireless (Wi-Fi and LTE), Ethernet, powerline and open source software, NETGEAR’s products are available in different configurations to address customers’ needs in their geographic region.

Based in San Jose, California, NETGEAR products are sold in roughly 30,000 retail locations around the world, distributed by approximately 25,000 Value-Added Resellers (VAR), and sold through major cable, mobile and wireless service providers.