4. Will NetGear be providing free firmware upgrades for all of its older router or similar connectivity hardware to support IPv6, similar to what ZyXEL pledged to us in 2008?

NetGear:
For Service Providers, we negotiate these on a case-by-case basis. It’s all part of the purchase contract and based on what each individual SP chooses.

[ISPr Editor: NetGear's initial response did not appear to answer our question, thus we re-drafted it slightly and asked again. The second reply can be found below.]

NetGear's Second Reply:
NETGEAR has a policy of providing regular firmware updates on currently supported products to meet new requirements. With respect to IPV6, many of our current routers are already IPV6 certified and in the next several quarters, NETGEAR plans to roll out IPV6 in a firmware upgrade to several supported products. NETGEAR supports the IPv6 standard and is working with several Service Providers globally to ensure a smooth migration path for our customers.

[ISPr Editor: Sadly no firm list of the 'supported products' was included, although we assume this to mean their more recent models]

5. "IPv6 Support" is usually about more than merely covering the basics. For example, some routers can handle a /64 prefix delegation but most only do /48. There's also the need to have a stateful IPv6 and IPv4 capable firewall by default, among many other things. What do you think "IPv6 Support" should signify?

NetGear:
Our current firmware passes the delegated prefix to LAN hosts, even if it's less than 64 bits (e.g. a 48-bit prefix). Soon, our implementation will pass 64-bit prefix to LAN hosts: if the delegated prefix is less than 64 bits, we will fill with 0's (padding 0's) and make it a 64-bit prefix for LAN hosts.

PLUS: Stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall for both IPv4 and IPv6.

6. Many consumers in the UK often have to keep track of broadband ISP usage allowances. In recent years some routers have started to add LCD displays that provide useful information, such as to inform you about how much data has been downloaded and uploaded over the past few days, weeks or months. Is this something that NetGear will be adding in the future?

NetGear:
We’ve incorporated a usage meter on many new Router and Gateway products for over 2 years. Many SPs have chosen them.

7. The availability of router source code is often a sticking point for some manufactures, yet many knowledgeable consumers would like to see access to this opened up for custom enhancement. How does NetGear approach this issue and what are the arguments against open source firmware?

NetGear:
We offer an Open Source (Linux) Router for these customers. For example, SamKnows, a company based in the UK, has implemented its “TestMyISP” speed test project with this router, the WNR3500L.

[ISPr ED: The WNR3500L can be puchased online for £60 to £90]

8. Some routers can be very stylish to look it, while others are quite ugly. Is design style important and something that router manufactures should be paying more attention to?

NetGear:
Yes, stylish design is important to NETGEAR, and we spend considerable resources in making sure our consumer products are stylish and attractive. We’ve won several awards over the years reflecting our emphasis on attractive design.