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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 solid. I want to upgrade my primary wireless network to a new Nighthawk, and move this router further out on the network as a wireless access point and a switch if possible. In preparation I have been reading how to configure it as an access point and switch.
From what Ive read it shoudl be easy, I just need to turn off DHCP, and set the advanced router wireless settings to "ACCESS POINT"
My problem is that I have no "ACCESS POINT" setting in my current router firmware.
Hardware version: WNDR3700 (assuming its a version 1, its old and no v* suffix)
FIRMWARE version: V1.0.7.98NA
Firmware check on the router says no new firmware. Website only has a copy of version 1.1.0.32 but this is for a WNDR3700v5.
Im debating forcing the firmware update, but that just seems stupid considering the hardware may very well be incompatible..
SO...any suggestions? Can I turn it into a wifi access point and switch by simply disabling DHCP? Do I need the wireless setting "ACCESS POINT" and if I do how do I upgrade my firmware for this hardware version to give me that option?
> [...] 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?)
> [...] 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?)
Re: Updating WNDR3700 firmware to make an AP and switch hub
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.
Re: Updating WNDR3700 firmware to make an AP and switch hub
> 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.
