WD My Net N600 HD Dual-Band Router

Introduction

The WD My Net N600 HD Dual-Band Router is engineered to provide a superior home networking experience, prioritizing smooth HD streaming for movies, shows, games, and video chat. Utilizing exclusive FasTrack technology, this router intelligently detects and prioritizes entertainment traffic from popular services, ensuring a reliable and accelerated performance. With combined wireless speeds up to 600 Mbps across dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, it offers robust connectivity for all your devices. Its user-friendly design ensures a straightforward setup process, making it an ideal choice for households with multiple connected devices.

This image displays the WD My Net N600 HD Dual-Band Router from an angled top-front perspective. The router features a sleek black glossy top panel and a contrasting white base. Along the front edge of the white base, several small indicator lights are visible, along with a circular WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on the right side. The 'WD My Net N600' logo is subtly visible on the top black surface.

Key Features

• Fast Streaming and Simple Setup: Designed for quick installation and optimized for high-definition content delivery.
• FasTrack Technology: Accelerates HD video streaming by prioritizing entertainment traffic from services like Netflix, HuluPlus, and YouTube.
• Dual-Band Wireless-N Speeds: Up to 300 + 300 Mbps simultaneously on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for reduced interference and increased throughput.
• Extended Coverage: Range-amplifying technology enhances wireless signal reach throughout your home.
• Multiple Ethernet Ports: Four Fast Ethernet ports for expanding your wired network.
• USB Port: One convenient USB port for sharing external storage (e.g., My Book, My Passport), printers, and scanners across your network.
• My Net Dashboard Software: Provides easy control over network settings, including parental controls, Internet security, and guest access.
• Network Diagnostics Tool: Monitors network health, identifies connectivity issues, and assists in quick resolution.
• Advanced QoS (WMM): Prioritizes network traffic for optimal performance.
• Robust Security: Features WPA/WPA2 and SPI firewall to protect your wireless network.
• IPv6-Enabled: Future-proof compatibility with the latest Internet Protocol technology.
• Push Button Setup (WPS): Simplifies connecting new devices to your wireless network.

Setup Guide

Setting up your WD My Net N600 HD Dual-Band Router is designed to be quick and easy, typically completed in just a few steps.

1. Unpack the Router: Carefully remove the router, power adapter, Ethernet cable, and setup CD from the box.
2. Connect the Router:
   • Connect one end of the included Ethernet cable to your modem's LAN port and the other end to the Internet (WAN) port on your My Net N600 router.
   • Connect the power adapter to the router's power input and then plug it into an electrical outlet.
   • Wait for the router's indicator lights to stabilize, indicating it is powered on and ready.
3. Initial Configuration:
   • Using the CD (PC): Insert the setup CD into your computer and follow the on-screen instructions. This method is compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP (SP3).
   • Using a Web Browser (PC/Mac/Mobile): Connect your computer or mobile device to the router's default Wi-Fi network (SSID and password usually found on a sticker on the router). Open a web browser (Internet Explorer 7+, Safari 2+, Firefox 2+, Google Chrome 7+) and type wdrouter or 192.168.1.1 into the address bar. Follow the intuitive user interface to complete the setup, including setting up your network name (SSID) and password.
4. Connect Devices: Once setup is complete, connect your wireless devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) to your new Wi-Fi network using the SSID and password you configured. For wired devices, connect them to the Fast Ethernet ports on the router.

For detailed instructions and advanced settings, refer to the comprehensive user manual available on the included resource CD or the WD support website.

Operating Your Router

The WD My Net N600 offers various features to enhance your network experience. Access these settings via the My Net Dashboard.

• FasTrack Technology: This exclusive feature automatically detects and prioritizes popular streaming services like Netflix, HuluPlus, Pandora, CinemaNow, and YouTube. You can also customize it to recognize other internet favorites for smooth, uninterrupted HD entertainment.
• Parental Controls: Manage and restrict website access for children, set time limits for internet usage, and enhance online safety.
• Internet Security: Utilize built-in security features to protect your network from malware and spyware attacks.
• Guest Access: Create a separate, secure wireless hotspot for guests. This allows them to access the internet without gaining full access to your main network, with password protection for controlled access.
• USB Port Functionality: Connect external storage devices (like WD My Book or My Passport) to create a personal cloud within your home network. You can also share printers and scanners with all connected devices.
• Push Button Setup (WPS): Easily connect new WPS-enabled devices to your wireless network by pressing the WPS button on the router and the device.
• UPnP/DLNA: The router supports UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) for easy discovery and auto-configuration of other compatible devices on your network, enhancing your entertainment experience.

Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your WD My Net N600 router, regular maintenance is recommended.

• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the Western Digital support website for new firmware updates. Firmware updates can improve performance, add new features, and address security vulnerabilities. Follow the instructions provided with the update carefully.
• Network Diagnostics: Utilize the included network diagnostics tool within the My Net Dashboard. This tool monitors your network, shows connected devices, analyzes common connectivity issues, and helps in resolving them quickly.
• Physical Placement: Ensure the router is placed in a central location, away from obstructions and other electronic devices that may cause interference. Keep it in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.
• Cleaning: Gently clean the exterior of the router with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.
• Rebooting: If you experience slow performance or intermittent connectivity, a simple reboot of the router (unplugging the power for 10-15 seconds and plugging it back in) can often resolve minor issues.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your WD My Net N600 router, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

• No Internet Connection:
  • Check all cable connections: Ensure the Ethernet cable from your modem is securely connected to the router's Internet (WAN) port.
  • Reboot your modem and router: Unplug both devices from power for 30 seconds, then plug the modem back in first. Wait for it to fully boot up, then plug in the router.
  • Verify modem status: Check your modem's indicator lights to ensure it has an active internet connection.
• Slow Wi-Fi Speed:
  • Check for interference: Move the router away from other electronic devices (cordless phones, microwaves) or large metal objects.
  • Optimize router placement: Place the router in a central, elevated location to maximize signal coverage.
  • Utilize the 5 GHz band: For devices that support it, connect to the 5 GHz network for less interference and potentially faster speeds, especially for HD streaming.
  • Update device drivers: Ensure your computer's wireless adapter drivers are up to date.
• Intermittent Connection:
  • Check for firmware updates: Ensure your router's firmware is the latest version.
  • Adjust Wi-Fi channels: In the router's settings, try changing the Wi-Fi channel to a less congested one (e.g., 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4 GHz).
  • Reduce network load: Too many devices or heavy usage (e.g., multiple HD streams, large downloads) can strain the network.
• Cannot Access Router Settings:
  • Ensure you are connected to the router's network (wired or wireless).
  • Clear your browser's cache and cookies, or try a different browser.
  • Verify the correct address: Type wdrouter or 192.168.1.1 into your browser's address bar.
• Forgotten Wi-Fi Password or Router Login:
  • Perform a factory reset: Locate the reset button (often a small pinhole) on the router. With the router powered on, use a paperclip to press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the lights flash. This will revert the router to its factory default settings, including the default Wi-Fi name and password (usually found on a sticker on the device). You will then need to reconfigure your network.

If problems persist, consult the Western Digital support website or contact their customer support for further assistance.

Specifications

What's in the Box

• WD My Net N600 HD Dual-Band Router
• Setup and Resource CD
• Ethernet Cable
• Power Adapter
• Quick Install Guide

System Requirements

• CD Setup for PC: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP (SP3)
• Web Setup for Mac: Safari 2 or higher (access via wdrouter or 192.168.1.1)
• Supported Browsers for Setup and Advanced Settings: Internet Explorer 7+, Safari 2+, Firefox 2+, Google Chrome 7+ (access via wdrouter or 192.168.1.1)
• Note: Compatibility may vary depending on user's hardware configuration and operating system.

Support

For additional support, product information, or to explore other Western Digital products, please visit the official Western Digital Store at Amazon.com:

Visit Western Digital Store