Sometimes, all you need are the basics.  Other times, you need to break out the "big guns."  The NETGEAR WNDR3700?  One of the big guns.

How big, you say?  Gigabit Ethernet.  680 MHz processor.  A robust 16 MB of flash and 64 (!) MB of RAM.  This thing has the power you need, maybe even more than you need, which makes it perfect in my book - and definitely leagues beyond your average cheapie generic router.

This "ultimate networking machine" is also fully decked out with everything the super-connected, bandwidth crunching, HD media streaming home requires, with power to spare.  Is the WNDR3700 right for you and your home?  Read on, and learn about the advanced features of this special router.

Unboxing the WNDR3700

I've unboxed a lot of NETGEAR products, and the WNDR3700's packaging is no different.  NETGEAR does a great job of packaging, keeping the materials efficient, with as little waste as possible, while retaining the product safely and securely.

Inside the box, you'll find the WNDR3700 router along with the installation CD (you won't really need it,) the power cord,  an Ethernet networking cable, and a stand if you wish to use it.

The router is handsome, as far as routers go.  It's made of a sturdy plastic with a glossy NETGEAR-logo-embossed top, and looks really sharp.

The back of the router is gifted with mounting holes, with which you could easily attach the WNDR3700 to a wall - for example, in your basement or in a media center.  Very handy.

The back ports are pretty standard - except for that the Ethernet ports are gigabit capable, and you also get a USB port for ReadyShare usage (more on that later.)

Installing the NETGEAR WNDR3700 Wireless Router

Ready to get this bad boy up and running?  Fortunately, NETGEAR really makes setup quite easy on this router (as well as all others that I've gotten my hands on.)  This is nice, since router setup can really be a pain, especially with cheaper products.

After plugging in the router to your local network as well as to your Internet connection and powering it on, simply navigate to 192.168.1.1 in your browser bar, and enter the "standard" credentials.  (If you need help connecting the cables, consult your user manual - but for basic purposes, plug the cable from your Internet into the yellow port, and your local network items into one of the four others.)

Admin = admin

Password = password

Pretty simple.  You'll be brought into the router interface, at which time it will check the NETGEAR servers for a newer version of the firmware.  You should allow it to do this, and complete an update if necessary.  Having the newest version of the stock firmware ensures that the device will be stable and have the latest feature set.

Now, let's get it set up.

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