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Thread: Opinions on the Netgear WNR3500l

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    Opinions on the Netgear WNR3500l

    Hi all,

    I'd love to get your opinions on these two routers:

    Netgear WRN3500L
    Netgear WNDR3700

    My tired old router needs to be replaced with something that can support a Gbit LAN. I like the "open" part of the 3500L, such that I could install DD-WRT or Tomato, but it also seems a little underpowered. The 3700 has a more powerful processor and functions, but not as configurable (through changing the firmware) as the 3500.

    I like that they both have a USB connection that will support an external disk - although I like even more that with the 3500L I could reconfigure that to be a printer port to make a print server.

    Anyone got experience of either of these routers, and have any recommendations?

    Thanks,
    Muts.

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    Re: Opinions on the Netgear WNR3500l

    give em a miss to buggy in the firmware

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    Re: Opinions on the Netgear WNR3500l

    Quote Originally Posted by shamus21 View Post
    give em a miss to buggy in the firmware
    You could always replace the firmware provided with a powerful open source one like DD-WRT. I can see that the WNDR3700 is supported by DD-WRT so that's always one route you could look to go down.

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    Re: Opinions on the Netgear WNR3500l

    It'd make quite an attractive looking doorstop. Although there's more weight to a Netgear Nasbox if that's what you're after.

    They make the odd bit of gear that works, but generally a brand to avoid.

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    Re: Opinions on the Netgear WNR3500l

    I've generally found the reverse. I've used Netgear switches, routers and waps for a while now, and while I've had the occasional problem, I've found them to be good equipment.

    But Ive not bought any new network gear for a couple of years, and things can change...

    Lee, where did you see that the WNDR3700 can support DD-WRT? That is very interesting, and makes that route a lot more interesting.

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    Re: Opinions on the Netgear WNR3500l

    What about Cisco WRT610N, by comparison?

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    Re: Opinions on the Netgear WNR3500l

    Mutley,

    http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database

    If you put the model number in, it shows it's supported and also has links to the specific firmware

    I've just recently whacked DD-WRT on my WRT160NL and so far it's surpassed my expectations.

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    Re: Opinions on the Netgear WNR3500l

    Lee, Thanks for the heads-up,looks for interesting.

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    Re: Opinions on the Netgear WNR3500l

    Quote Originally Posted by Mutley View Post
    I've generally found the reverse. I've used Netgear switches, routers and waps for a while now, and while I've had the occasional problem, I've found them to be good equipment.
    They have a nasty habbit of creeping into commercial networks since they make stuff that'll fit in a rack. They ALWAYS end up being the first port of call when issues arise. There are worse brands out there, but at least they're cheaper than Netgear.

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    Re: Opinions on the Netgear WNR3500l

    Quote Originally Posted by Mutley View Post
    Lee, Thanks for the heads-up,looks for interesting.
    It is - if you want a demo play with the features it can offer I would recommend visiting the following link ;

    http://www.dd-wrt.com/demo/

    I've got DD-WRT on a DIR-615 which is now a wireless access point with repeater function (which it did not even offer with the standard D-Link firmwares!) and I've also implemented DD-WRT on my WRT160NL as well.

    Now I've got a very good set of routers doing crazy things. The DIR-615 is now dragged round the house when needed and plugged in so the other halfs son is able to play on xbox live on his xbox and I also use it to connect my media streamers to the PC and internet so they can get updates, view youtube and stuff like that.

    So...Rather than spend more money to fix a problem, I've implemented a open-source firmware which has overall improved the network speeds and fixed a problem we had of getting hardware on the LAN by using wireless.

    Not bad for a 10 minute job done late one night

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    Re: Opinions on the Netgear WNR3500l

    Quote Originally Posted by Lee @ SCAN View Post
    It is - if you want a demo play with the features it can offer I would recommend visiting the following link ;

    http://www.dd-wrt.com/demo/

    I've got DD-WRT on a DIR-615 which is now a wireless access point with repeater function (which it did not even offer with the standard D-Link firmwares!) and I've also implemented DD-WRT on my WRT160NL as well.

    Now I've got a very good set of routers doing crazy things. The DIR-615 is now dragged round the house when needed and plugged in so the other halfs son is able to play on xbox live on his xbox and I also use it to connect my media streamers to the PC and internet so they can get updates, view youtube and stuff like that.

    So...Rather than spend more money to fix a problem, I've implemented a open-source firmware which has overall improved the network speeds and fixed a problem we had of getting hardware on the LAN by using wireless.

    Not bad for a 10 minute job done late one night
    Very cool! I'll go and have a play...

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