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Solvenet's avatar
Solvenet
Aspirant
Dec 29, 2023

WNDR3400 as ethernet switch paired with T-Mobile gateway (2023) TMO-G4AR

Greetings. Recently joined T-Mobile home internet (it was good deal).   T-provides a gateway that only comes with two ethernet output ports.   For security reasons, I prefer to use wired connection ...
Solvenet's avatar
Solvenet
Aspirant
Jan 02, 2024

Thank you.  From another community, it seems Netgear took away the "access point" option from the WNDR3400v2.

Anyone, please, know a workaround to be able to convert the Netgear WNDR3400v2 into an Access Point?  thanks.

  • michaelkenward's avatar
    michaelkenward
    Guru - Experienced User
    Jan 02, 2024
    Solvenet wrote:

    From another community, it seems Netgear took away the "access point" option from the WNDR3400v2.

     

    That's interesting. Where can we find that "other community"?

     

    What happens when you try to follow the instructions in the manual for your device?

     

    Visit the support pages:

    Support | NETGEAR

    Feed in your model number and check the documentation for your hardware.

    Check the section in the manual Advanced Wireless Settings

    The WNDR3400v2 is so old that it predates the official instructions:

     

    How do I change my NETGEAR router to AP mode? | Answer | NETGEAR Support

     

    But I have never seen any suggestion here that Netgear has made it impossible. AP mode is a basic function of routers.

     

    Select Advanced > Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings

     

     

    What firmware is installed on your router? If Netgear did disable AP mode, you can always go back to an older version that still supports that.

     

     

    • Solvenet's avatar
      Solvenet
      Aspirant
      Jan 03, 2024

      Thank you for the response.   After looking at the manual and links provided in this thread, I went to routerlogin.net (see picture below).   It seems to confirm the option to select Access Points is taken out of the current firmware.   I am concerned about reverting to a prior firmware (not knowing the consequences).  Any other option?

       

      Also, someone inquired where did I learn about the Access Point elimination (where could it be found?).  It was actually part of the Netgear Community.   Here is the link: https://community.netgear.com/t5/SMART-Wi-Fi-General-and-Legacy/WNDR3400v2-Access-point-setting-GONE/td-p/1005078

       

      I appreciate all the interest in helping me so far and patience.

      If Access Point is still a possibility (especially without going to a prior firmware), advice will be appreciated.  

      Thanks again.

       

       

       

       

       

      • michaelkenward's avatar
        michaelkenward
        Guru - Experienced User
        Jan 03, 2024
        Solvenet wrote:

         

        If Access Point is still a possibility (especially without going to a prior firmware), advice will be appreciated.  

         

        What is wrong with going to older firmware?

         

        Remember, many router features do not work in AP mode.

         

        Disabled Features on the Router when set to AP Mode | Answer | NETGEAR Support

         

        This means that the router is not open to the security issues and other things that could hit your WNDR3400.

         

        Your router is in charge of just about everything that matters, including control of the wifi devices on your network.

         

        We are talking about a basic router from 14 years ago that you want to use for a limited set of features.