NETGEAR WNDR3700 N600 Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router User Manual

1. Introduction

The NETGEAR WNDR3700 N600 Dual Band Gigabit Wireless Router is designed to provide robust wireless performance for home and small business networks. It features simultaneous dual-band operation, offering both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies to optimize network traffic and reduce interference. With four Gigabit Ethernet ports, it ensures maximum wired speeds for connected devices. The router also supports USB access for external storage and includes the NETGEAR Genie App for simplified network management.

Figure 1: Front view of the NETGEAR WNDR3700 N600 Wireless Router, showing LED indicators for power, Wi-Fi bands, and Ethernet ports.

2. Key Features

• Wireless 802.11n Dual Band Gigabit: Supports N600 speeds (300 Mbps + 300 Mbps) for efficient data transfer.
• Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Five (5) 10/100/1000 (1 WAN and 4 LAN) Gigabit Ethernet ports with auto-sensing technology for high-speed wired connections.
• Simultaneous Dual Band: Operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies concurrently, doubling bandwidth and reducing Wi-Fi interference for improved connections.
• NETGEAR Genie App: Provides an easy-to-use dashboard for monitoring, controlling, and repairing home networks from a tablet or smartphone.
• Advanced Wireless Security: Offers the highest grade protection for your wireless network.
• USB Access (ReadyShare): Wirelessly access and share USB hard drives via one (1) USB 2.0 port.
• Amazon Alexa Compatibility: Control your NETGEAR Wi-Fi network with simple voice commands.

3. Setup Guide

3.1 Initial Connection

1. Power On: Connect the power adapter to the router and plug it into an electrical outlet.
2. Connect to Internet: Connect your modem's Ethernet cable to the yellow "Internet" port on the back of the router.
3. Connect Devices: For wired connections, use Ethernet cables to connect your computers or other devices to the numbered LAN ports (1-4) on the back of the router.

Figure 2: Rear view of the NETGEAR WNDR3700 N600 Wireless Router, showing the USB port, four Ethernet LAN ports, one yellow Internet WAN port, power input, and power button.

3.2 Router Configuration

1. Access Router Interface: Open a web browser on a connected computer and navigate to http://www.routerlogin.net.
2. Login: Use the default username (admin) and password (password) as indicated on the router's label or in the manual.
3. Run Setup Wizard: Follow the on-screen instructions of the setup wizard to configure your internet connection.
4. Update Firmware: It is highly recommended to update the router's firmware immediately after initial setup to ensure optimal performance and security. Check the router interface for available updates.
5. Change Default Password: For security, change the default login password for the router interface. This prevents unauthorized access to your router settings.

3.3 Wi-Fi Network Setup

1. Set SSID and Password: In the router interface, navigate to the Wireless Settings. Change the default Wi-Fi network name (SSID) for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Set strong, unique passphrases for each network.
2. Guest Network: Consider setting up a separate guest network with its own SSID and password to provide internet access to visitors without compromising your main network's security.

4. Operation

4.1 Dual Band Wireless

The WNDR3700 operates on two distinct Wi-Fi frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band offers wider coverage and better penetration through walls, suitable for general internet use and devices further from the router. The 5 GHz band provides faster speeds and less interference, ideal for high-bandwidth activities like HD video streaming and online gaming, especially for devices closer to the router.

4.2 USB Storage (ReadyShare)

Connect a USB storage device to the router's USB port to enable network-wide file sharing. The ReadyShare feature allows all connected computers on your network to easily access and exchange media, documents, and other files. For automatic PC backup, utilize the ReadyShare Vault software.

4.3 NETGEAR Genie App

The NETGEAR Genie App provides a convenient way to manage your network. Use it to monitor network status, control settings, diagnose issues, provide guest access, view the network map, and even reboot your router from a tablet or smartphone. The app also supports a single sign-on (SSO) feature for all your NETGEAR accounts.

4.4 Quality of Service (QoS)

The router's Quality of Service (QoS) algorithms ensure seamless streaming of HD video and lag-free online gaming by prioritizing network traffic. This reduces packet loss and jitter, providing a smoother experience for bandwidth-intensive applications.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Firmware Updates

Regularly check for and install firmware updates for your router. Firmware updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and security enhancements. You can typically find these updates through the router's web interface or the NETGEAR support website.

5.2 Security Practices

• Strong Passwords: Always use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi networks and router administration. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• WPA2-PSK Encryption: Ensure your Wi-Fi networks are secured with WPA2-PSK encryption for the highest level of protection.
• Guest Network: Utilize the guest network feature for visitors to isolate your main network and its connected devices.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Connectivity Issues

• Slow Internet/Intermittent Disconnections: If you experience slow speeds or frequent disconnections, first try power cycling the router (turn it off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on). Ensure your Wi-Fi devices have updated drivers. Check for unauthorized users on your network and secure your Wi-Fi with a strong password.
• Router Freezing: If the router becomes unresponsive, perform a power cycle. If issues persist, a factory reset may be necessary (see 6.3 Factory Reset).

6.2 ReadyShare USB Drive Issues

If you encounter problems with a USB hard drive connected via ReadyShare, especially disconnections or data access issues, ensure the hard drive is properly formatted. Some users have reported that reformatting the drive before connecting it to the router can resolve these issues.

6.3 Factory Reset

If you experience persistent issues or forget your router's login credentials, you may need to perform a factory reset. Locate the small reset button on the router (often recessed) and use a paperclip to press and hold it for about 10 seconds while the router is powered on. The router will restart with its factory default settings, requiring you to reconfigure it.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty & Support

8.1 Warranty Information

The NETGEAR WNDR3700 N600 Wireless Router comes with a 1 Year Hardware Warranty from the manufacturer. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

8.2 Technical Support

For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or further information, please refer to the NETGEAR support website or utilize the NETGEAR Genie App. The app provides tools to diagnose and repair network issues, and access support resources.