Wireless N Router which supports "simultaneous" use of USB Printer and NAS Hard Drive

[Mutley]

Question to those who used Netgear WNDR3700
Does this one have a good signal strength and coverage?

I've got that router, bought after much research. Really like it, so far it has been very solid, and FAST. Great throughout rates. It replaces a low-grade business router, so there are some features which you don't have total control over (understandably) because the 3700 is a consumer router.

It also replaces a separate WAP (Netgear WG602v3), and I put a high-gain antenna on that. The wndr3700 has been put in the same place the WAP was - top shelf in my office, which is a small bedroom on the top floor of a 60's 3 bed semi.

2.4ghz range seems to be just the same, perhaps slightly weaker, which surprised me, I thought it might be less, given the 3700 has internal antenna). Seems faster though. I have nothing to compare to for 5ghz, but the range is somewhat shorter than the 2.4ghz band, but that is no surprise - I really wouldn't expect a 5ghz signal to travel as well as 2.4 (although I guess that depends on the power).

I'm intending to put the latest dd-wrt build on it, and use the USB connection to drive my printer. I'm sure if I connected a powered USB hub to it, the router could drive the printer and a NAS, its a powerful unit. DD-WRT will also give me more control.

Hope that helps.
Muts.

[TechieDub]

I've got that router, bought after much research. Really like it, so far it has been very solid, and FAST. Great throughout rates. It replaces a low-grade business router, so there are some features which you don't have total control over (understandably) because the 3700 is a consumer router.

It also replaces a separate WAP (Netgear WG602v3), and I put a high-gain antenna on that. The wndr3700 has been put in the same place the WAP was - top shelf in my office, which is a small bedroom on the top floor of a 60's 3 bed semi.

2.4ghz range seems to be just the same, perhaps slightly weaker, which surprised me, I thought it might be less, given the 3700 has internal antenna). Seems faster though. I have nothing to compare to for 5ghz, but the range is somewhat shorter than the 2.4ghz band, but that is no surprise - I really wouldn't expect a 5ghz signal to travel as well as 2.4 (although I guess that depends on the power).

I'm intending to put the latest dd-wrt build on it, and use the USB connection to drive my printer. I'm sure if I connected a powered USB hub to it, the router could drive the printer and a NAS, its a powerful unit. DD-WRT will also give me more control.

Hope that helps.
Muts.

If you put DD-WRT could you change it (reset) back to the original factory setting with the original firmware?

In case some trouble develops during the warrany period, and it has a DD-WRT on it, netgear might void the warranty. Any thoughts?

[razer121]

If you put DD-WRT could you change it (reset) back to the original factory setting with the original firmware?

In case some trouble develops during the warrany period, and it has a DD-WRT on it, netgear might void the warranty. Any thoughts?

I would guess that you would just flash it with netgears orginal firmware. worked on an older netgear i had so should* work on this one

*I can not say 100% this will work, i've not done it on that router!

[Mutley]

Well, the 3700 is based on OpenWRT anyway, so putting dd-wrt is pretty straight forward.
The dd-wrt site does carry lots of useful information on how to install the firmware, and how to remove it. There are a few steps involved, and it does pay to prepare thoroughly, and understand what is required. It is possible to brick the router, but if you follow the instructions, its not likely.

As for warranty, yes I would say that installing dd-wrt would void the warranty...technically.

The one possible down side to dd-wrt is that there are reports that wireless signal strength is reduced, but there are mixed messages on that. Worth reading the forums.