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Updating WNDR3700 firmware to make an AP and switch hub
I have what I believe is a WNDR3700 version 1. I say version 1 because there is no version number suffix on the model label. I have had the router for several years and it has been faithful and so...
> Firmware check on the router says no new firmware.
Trust no one, I always say. I fed the model number into:
http://netgear.com/support/
and got to:
http://netgear.com/support/product/WNDR3700v1.aspx#download
where I see: "Firmware Version 1.0.16.98 (North America only)"
http://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/WNDR3700V1/WNDR3700-V1.0.16.98NA.zip
> [...] I say version 1 because there is no version number suffix on the
> model label.
Yeah. It probably became "v1" only when they released "v2".
> Im debating forcing the firmware update, but that just seems stupid
> considering the hardware may very well be incompatible..
Probably a very bad idea, but the "v1" kit should be good.
> Do I need the wireless setting "ACCESS POINT" [...]
I know nothing, but the official Access Point setting may mean only
that you use the WAN port for the feed from the router, leaving all the
LAN ports free for clients. But don't quote me. (Because, what do I
know?)
> Firmware check on the router says no new firmware.
Trust no one, I always say. I fed the model number into:
http://netgear.com/support/
and got to:
http://netgear.com/support/product/WNDR3700v1.aspx#download
where I see: "Firmware Version 1.0.16.98 (North America only)"
http://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/WNDR3700V1/WNDR3700-V1.0.16.98NA.zip
> [...] I say version 1 because there is no version number suffix on the
> model label.
Yeah. It probably became "v1" only when they released "v2".
> Im debating forcing the firmware update, but that just seems stupid
> considering the hardware may very well be incompatible..
Probably a very bad idea, but the "v1" kit should be good.
> Do I need the wireless setting "ACCESS POINT" [...]
I know nothing, but the official Access Point setting may mean only
that you use the WAN port for the feed from the router, leaving all the
LAN ports free for clients. But don't quote me. (Because, what do I
know?)
Thank you Antinode!
1.0.16.98 seems to have installed just fine and added the "enable AP mode" toggle button option.
I probably should have spent more time digging through the site for the latest firmware for my model.
I feel lazy now as your solution was pretty simple. LOL
Still annoyed the "Check for update" feature on the router failed to find this.
So my next step then is to order my new router and migrate this old work horse down as a new Access Point/Switch.
IF enable AP mode actually converts the WAN port to a LAN connection for the router to act as a switch+access point, that would be awesome leaving the other 4 LAN ports free.
Ill let you know if it works!
> IF enable AP mode actually converts the WAN port [...]
Yeah, but no bets. And if the firmware is now years newer than the
manuals, then they may not be very useful. Manuals for newer routers
(guess a model number?) might provide some clues as to how things are
done these days.
> Ill let you know if it works!
I'd be interested.