A junction affine network model is solved for chains following a Redne
r-des Cloizeaux distribution. In a gel at c the network strands behav
e as isolated chains. In a good solvent their elastic properties canno
t be obtained from Gaussian statistics as in the classical models of r
ubber elasticity. Instead the Redner-des Cloizeaux distribution is emp
loyed, which is known to be an excellent approximation to the end-to-e
nd distance distribution of flexible polymer chains in a good solvent.
The implications of using non-linear entropic springs, the role of fl
uctuations and the quality of the affine approximation are worked out
for a Flory-Rehner model. The applicability to swollen networks and th
e elasticity of two dimensional c-gels are briefly discussed.