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WNDR3700: how to create accespoint and general information
Hi, Hereby I would like to ask for your support regarding to my home network. Situation: For a couple of years I own the WNDR3700 router, which I use as a router. It's connected with a cable ...
The WNDR3700 can be used as an Access Point, but only when it is physically wired to the main router. If your house is wired for Ethernet or you are able to install Ethernet (Powerline can used as an alternative), then you can enable AP Mode in the WNDR3700's setup via ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless AP.
Personally, I prefer and recommend an alternative form of setting a router up as an Access Point. It's an old school method that was used before Netgear added the AP Mode setting. My instructions for setting this up can be found in another thread (link). Note, in particular the difference in using a LAN port instead of the WAN port!
Changing it from router to AP in the same location may not give a significant boost.
The network environment is a big factor that you may need to consider when you setup the wireless connectivity around the house.
In your case, you may need to purchase an additional unit to meet your needs such an extender or an access point.
To answer your questions:
Using the latest firmware, you may follow this link from netgear's site.
Some features will be disabled when the router is configured in AP mode. See if MAC control will be disabled but for sure WPA will always be available.
For the LAN ports, I haven't tried but it may not be available since true AP mode should only give you wireless.
Internet speed should always remains the same.
Thanks for your reply.
My goal is to use the wifi modem (1st floor) as a router so I will be able to get a good wifi signal on the first floor, while I use my router (second floor) as an acces point. So my goal isn't to boost the range of my current router, but to add an acces point to the construction which will give me two wireless connections and thus an increased range of my wireless network.
Thanks for your link. I already found it before I considered posting to the forum, but I doubted if it would apply to my model. I will try it though.
Can someone confirm if I can keep using the LAN ports? It seems that the link says that it's not possible: 'Its (the AP) sole purpose is to provide a wireless connection.'
The WNDR3700 can be used as an Access Point, but only when it is physically wired to the main router. If your house is wired for Ethernet or you are able to install Ethernet (Powerline can used as an alternative), then you can enable AP Mode in the WNDR3700's setup via ADVANCED > Advanced Setup > Wireless AP.
Personally, I prefer and recommend an alternative form of setting a router up as an Access Point. It's an old school method that was used before Netgear added the AP Mode setting. My instructions for setting this up can be found in another thread (link). Note, in particular the difference in using a LAN port instead of the WAN port!
Yes, the acces point and the router will be physically wired to each other.
I am interested in your option, however I do not fully understand what's the advantage above the AP Mode that Netgear provides. So what will be de big difference in using your 'old school method' instead of Netgear's AP Mode?
Which way will give me the possibility to keep using my Acces point's LAN ports (for my PC and game console which are right next to my WNDR3700).
Thanks!
AP Mode on many, if not most, of Netgear's routers disable hardware acceleration. This can have a negative effect on network throughput through the access point. The old school method does not disable hardware acceleration.
Both methods allow the LAN ports to be used. There will be one less LAN port available with the old school method because it is used instead of the WAN port.