Review of NETGEAR WNDR3400v2 N600 Wireless Router (With DD-WRT Availability)

The NETGEAR N600 - WNDR3400 may be listed on the lower end of the latest routers available from NETGEAR... but we got a chance to give the WNDR3400v2 a spin and were quite impressed with it!

It comes with most of the extra features the more expensive routers from NETGEAR have, such as a wireless guest network, live parental controls and their NETGEAR Genie App.

It also boasts, and in our tests proved out, a wireless range similar to the WNDR3700 and WNDR3800 -- which in those tests, was much higher than our trusty WNR3500L router I have used for a couple of years.

 

Basic Setup of the WNDR3400v2

NETGEAR makes it very easy to setup and connect to the router once you have it installed and powered up. They provide a setup wizard and the NETGEAR Genie app that takes you through the steps needed for basic operation.

If you are connected to the router via wired Ethernet, then going to http://www.routerlogin.net/ in your web browser (or for advanced users, 192.168.1.1) still works as well.

If you wish to setup the router wirelessly, they have the name and password for the router on the pastic bag the router comes in. You can use your compuer to scan and find the SSID and then connect to the router using those provided credentials.

Regardless of the way you connect, the deault login name is 'admin' and the password is 'password' (case sensitive) You want to ensure that you change the password during setup.

In most cases, the basic setup for the router name, password and wireless settings will be all that's needed. If you have a special setup or need more advanced information NETGEAR provides a pdf with manual setup details.

 

How to Set Up the USB Feature of the WNDR3400v2

The WNDR3400 comes with a ReadySHARE® USB port and sharing capabilites. With this, you can plug in a USB thumb drive or an external USB hard drive and share files on them in both your home or anywhere in the world via HTTP or FTP.

You can also password protect the files so that no one gains unintended access.

When you plug in a USB drive the router immedialtely recognizes it and when looking at the setup page you will see something like this when you click on ReadySHARE.

You don't have to do anything at this point to access your USB drive, but you should check the advanced settings. NETGEAR makes this easy. Simply click on the "Edit" button and you can change the advanced settings for both LAN and WAN access.

Here you can turn on Internet access and which port to use. If you want to setup passwords or change the Share name, clicking edit again will pop up a window where you can do that.

Once set up, you can now share any file to anyone both in the home and worldwide with or without passwords required.

In our tests the transfer rate back and forth between the router and computer via the local network was as expected. There are other routers, as shown below, that are a bit faster but regardless of file transfer speed, the WNDR3400 rate was fine for watching videos or listing to music.

What's That Big Blue Button On My Router?

You may be wondering what that big blue button is on the side of the router. That is the WPS automatic setup button, and is also used to show you antennae conditions. Once you have everything set up, you can press and release it and the blue lights turn off so they are not distracting. It makes a satisfying click when pressed... It almost made me wonder if it was going to say... "That was easy!"

Third Party Firmware

The NETGEAR supplied firnware comes with a lot of options such as the guest network, Wireless repeating, traffic meter and log. With all these options it comes with all the bells and whistles most users need, and as such, you may not want to install a separate firmware.

However, those users who love to tinker with settings, who desire more flexibility and an extended set of options, or who simply just feel like it, will be happy to know that a DD-WRT build has recently been released for the WNR3500Lv2. It can be downloaded here, and make sure to comment in our forums with your experiences using it!

Specifications of the WNDR3400v2 & Comparison Chart

Check out the differences below and the detailed specs.

Which wireless router fits your needs?

WNDR3400 WNDR3700 WNDR3800 WNDR4000 WNDR4500 R6300
  WNDR3400 WNDR3700 WNDR3800 WNDR4000 WNDR4500 R6300

Where to Buy?

Amazon.com

N600 WiFi Dual Band Router N600 WiFi Dual Band Gigabit Router N600 WiFi Dual Band Gigabit Router - Premium Edition N750 WiFi Dual Band Gigabit Router N900 WiFi Dual Band Gigabit Router R6300 WiFi Dual Band Router
Performance            
Combined WiFi Speed N600 N600 N600 N750 N900 1750
WiFi Range good good good best ultimate ultimate
WiFi Transmit Power To Maximize Range Good Better Better Best Best Ultimate
No. Of USB Ports 1 1 1 1 2 2
Ethernet Ports - 4 LAN + 1 WAN 10/100 Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet Gigabit Ethernet
USB Storage Access Speed Better Best Best Best Best Ultimate
Features            
Live Parental Control yes yes yes yes yes yes
Broadband Usage Meter yes yes yes yes yes yes
Guest Networks yes yes yes yes yes yes
DLNA Media Streaming   yes yes yes yes yes
CD -Less Install With Smartphones/Tablet     yes yes yes yes
Premium Features            
Genie - Dashboard Control yes yes yes yes yes yes
WNDR3400  
Features
Video Features Live Parental Controls with flexible and customizable filter settings
Video Features Simultaneous Dual Band-runs both 2.4 and 5GHz bands at the same time
Video Features ReadySHARE® USB-Wirelessly share a USB hard drive with Macs and PCs
Video Features Multiple SSID guest networks (separate security and access restrictions)
Video Features Broadband usage meter measures Internet usage
Video Features Power and Wi-Fi on/off buttons
Video Features Package Contents
Video Features N600 Wireless Dual Band Router (WNDR3400v2)
Video Features Stand
Video Features Ethernet cable
Video Features Power adapter, localized to country of sale
Tech Specs
Tech Specs System Requirements:
Tech Specs Broadband (cable, DSL) Internet service and modem with Ethernet connection
Tech Specs 2.4 or 5.0 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n specification wireless adapter or an Ethernet adapter and cable for each computer
Tech Specs Microsoft® Windows® 7, Vista®, XP, 2000, Mac OS®, UNIX®, or Linux®
Tech Specs Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 5.0, Firefox® 2.0 or Safari 1.4 or higher
Tech Specs Standards:
Tech Specs IEEE® 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz
Tech Specs IEEE 802.11 a/n 5.0 GHz
Tech Specs Five (5) 10/100 (1 WAN and 4 LAN) Ethernet ports with auto-sensing technology
Tech Specs Performance:
Tech Specs 530 MHz powerful MIPS 32-bit processor
Tech Specs Memory: 8 MB flash and 64 MB RAM
Tech Specs Five (5) (1 WAN, 4 LAN) Fast Ethernet ports
Tech Specs Advanced Quality of Service (QoS)
Tech Specs Supports Wireless Multimedia (WMM) based QoS
Tech Specs Security:
Tech Specs Wi-Fi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2-PSK) and WEP
Tech Specs Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT firewall)
Tech Specs Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention
Tech Specs Ease of Use:
Tech Specs NETGEAR Genie™-Easy dashboard control to manage, monitor, and repair home networks
Tech Specs Push ‘N' Connect using Wi-Fi Protected Setup® (WPS)
Tech Specs Physical Specifications:
Tech Specs Dimensions: 223 x 153 x 31 mm (8.8 x 6.0 x 1.2 in)
Tech Specs Weight: 0.5 kg (1.2 lb)

For more information you can Download the User Manual in pdf form

Tags: 

davinder
davinder's picture
how can i connect my internet

how can i connect my internet phone to router.i tried but not workin.before i connect with TP LINK every thing.please let me know.Thanks.

joshua
joshua's picture
I am very disappointed with

I am very disappointed with Netgear products, Not to mention the Routers. The router blocks UDP ports and you cannot reset or open it / unblock it. My best recommendation is for you to purchase a new router: Western Digital 750. Setup is easy and you can connect all your devices with ease, and you would be able to print from you smart phone as well.

joshua
joshua's picture
Test

Test

slemos
slemos's picture
Hi, it's correct this

Hi, it's correct this information
"will be happy to know that a DD-WRT build has recently been released for the WNR3500Lv2"?

Is this ok for WNDR3400v2? If it is, please share the link.

Thanks!!

andycocking
andycocking's picture
Hi all,

Hi all,

I'm a noob at DD-WRT, but would like to try my hand at it. I have a spare WNDR3400v2, and I found a build that will work on this website. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find instructions on how to install it. Does anyone know if there are instructions available for this router or general instructions that will work?

 

 

Vexing
Vexing's picture
I am also running and

Andy, I also have a WNDR3400v2. I think you should read all that is on this link http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=153543 and maybe look for more dd-wrt info there and on their wiki. The v2 router does not have official support but their are reported "working" versions floating around the web. I am also a noob at this but I will tell you what I did. If you brick your router (it stop working) do not blame me and look on the dd-wrt forums (or google) for help. With anything like this, I suggest you go some research first as my instructions come with no warnings. Also be certain you have the V2 as it looks like the V1; on the bottom of the router, the model should be listed as v2. 

1) You need to do a 30-30-30 reset (see dd-wrt wiki for info).

2) Connect to your router with a cable as doing the next steps over WiFi can lead to problems (maybe google how to turn off WiFi for your OS to be safe).

3) Log into the router's web GUI, the netgear one (type 192.168.1.1 in a web browser). Your username/password should have been reset to admin/password, if not, do another 30-30-30.

4) Under one of the tabs (on the far right if I recall) is an option to update your firmware, pick the option that lets you point to a file on your computer. Select the firmware and just click ok on the pop up telling to that you are downgrading.

5) At this point take a 5 minute brake as the web interface can be off about the progress and you are better safe than sorry.

6) When you come back do another 30-30-30 reset and you should be done. Login at 192.168.1.1 and have fun! :)

Reply how things go for you and if you did anything different, as others may want to know.

If anyone wants to point out a way to get CUPS running without a usb hub that will be great.

alphathinktink
alphathinktink's picture
With an old vavilla

With an old WNDR3400v2 router I did a 30-30-30 reset first then flashed the heartblead version.  After flashing, whenever I try to change any of the settings (including [Setup] and [Wireless]) when I click either [Save] or [Apply[ the page goes to an empty response error page (using Chrome.)

The firmwire version that was on the router before DD-WRT flashing (from OEM) was V1.0.0.38_1.0.61

Am I supposed to run another flash on this router after this first flash?  If so, which?  Did I miss instructions from somewhere else?

I've DD-WRT flashed other routers before without issue, this one is my first.  I realize this is a WIP but when I searched around for issues similar to mine I could not find any related to what I'm experiencing, or at least I'm not using the magic search keywords to find it.

Any help appreciated.