Netgear WNDR3800 N600 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router - Premium Edition
Manufacturer: NetGear Part number: WNDR3800
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Netgear WNDR3800 N600 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router makes an excellent router for any home.
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CNET editors' review
Netgear WNDR3800 N600 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router - Premium Edition price range: $118.97 - $147.46
- Reviewed by: Dong Ngo
- Reviewed on: 09/28/2011
The good: The Netgear WNDR3800 N600 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router - Premium Edition offers ease of use, fast wireless data rates, and long range. The router supports true dual-band, IPv6, and cloud-based storage and has parental control features.
The bad: The Netgear WNDR3800 N600 doesn't support the faster 450Mbps wireless standard, and its USB storage performance could use some improvement.
The bottom line: The Netgear WNDR3800 N600 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router makes an excellent router for any home.
The Netgear WNDR3800 N600 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router - Premium Edition is inferior to the recently reviewed and top-notch Netgear WNDR4500 N900 only in its lack of support for the 450Mbps wireless standard and having one USB port instead of two. However, interestingly, it also offers something that the N900 doesn't: the ReadyNAS Cloud feature that enables access to data stored on a connected USB external hard drive via the Internet. Nonetheless, the two routers are very similar in terms of features and design. In terms of performance, we actually preferred the N600 since its real-world data rate on the 2.4GHz band was better than that of the N900 in our testing.
Priced at around $150, the WNDR3800 N600 router makes an excellent investment for both homes and home offices alike. For a router of similar configuration with slightly better performance and a tad fewer features, we'd also recommend the Asus RT-N56U.
Design and setup
The Netgear WNDR3800 N600 router looks like a mini version of the N900. This is not because it's a small router, but because the N900 is a very large one. Unlike the N900, the N600 has an easily detachable base, allowing the router to stay flat on a surface. It's also wall-mountable, which the N900 isn't.
On the back, the N600 has one WAN port (for connecting to an Internet source, such as a broadband modem), and four LAN ports (for wired clients). All of these ports are Gigabit Ethernet, promising a very fast wired network in case you want to have a robust home network. Also on the back, you'll find an on/off button and one USB port for USB storage devices or printers. When an external hard drive is connected to this port, apart from allowing local network users to access its data, the router is also capable of hosting a cloud storage service called ReadyShare Cloud, allowing remote users to access the data, too, via the Internet.
On the front, the router boasts an array of color-changing LEDs that reflect the status of the Internet connection, the wireless network, and the ports on the back. On top of these LEDs are a wireless on/off button and a Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button. The former quickly turns the router's wireless network on or off, if for some reason you want to do so, and the latter quickly adds a wireless client to the router's wireless networks.
It's very easy to set up the N600 with the included Netgear Genie application, which is somewhat like the Cisco Connect software that comes with the Linksys E4200. This is a newer version of Netgear Genie than the one that accompanied the N750 WNDR400, and it offers much more detailed instructions as well as deeper access to the router's settings. The best thing about the new Genie is the fact the router's firmware is now also part of it. This means if you don't want to use the desktop software and opt for the Web interface, which can be accessed by pointing a connected computer's browser to its default IP address, 192.168.1.1, you'll be presented with similarly easy-to-use wizards and instructions. You can use either the Web interface or the desktop software to manage all the settings. The only difference between the two is that the Web interface allows you to set up two separate networks for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, while the software only allows you to make one network for the 2.4GHz band. This means savvy users should definitely use the Web interface to get the most out of the router. Unlike the Cisco Connect software, Netgear Genie allows users to use both the desktop application and the Web interface to manage the router, without one canceling out the other.
If you don't want to bother with customizing, the N600 comes preconfigured with a network's name and its encryption key printed on a label on its side. If you're OK with these default manufacturer settings, all you have to do is plug the router into an Internet source, such as a cable modem, turn it on, and you're good to go.
Features
As a true dual-band router, the N600 is capable of simultaneously broadcasting Wireless-N signals in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It supports the regular N standard, which has a cap speed of 300Mbps. Other, more expensive routers, such as the N900, can also support the new 450Mbps standard, but only clients that support the same standard can take advantage of the new higher speed. Other than two main wireless networks, the N600 can also broadcast to two more guest wireless networks, one for each band. Guest networking is an increasingly popular feature that lets you create separate wireless networks that offer access to the Internet for guests while it separates them from local resources such as files or printers.
The N600's most novel feature, even among Netgear routers, is the fact that it supports ReadyShare Cloud. To use this, you'll first need to get a free account with Netgear's ReadyShare service and use it to register the router. After that, you can, from anywhere in the world, access data stored on the connected USB external drive via a browser by going to the same link above. You'll also have the option to install Netgear's ReadyShare Cloud PC-Agent software on the remote computer, which enables VPN-like access, as though the remote computer were in the same local network as the router.
Locally, the N600 supports the SMB protocol, meaning any computer in the network can browse for shares using a network browser, such as Windows Explorer for PCs or Finder for Macs. Once plugged in, the content of the USB external hard drive will be immediately shared across the network with everybody having full access to it. You then can restrict this access to certain folders via the router's admin log-in account. This is a rather simple yet effective way to quickly share content. We tried the router's USB port with a few external hard drives and they worked well. The router can handle hard drives formatted in FAT32 or NTFS and the USB port provides enough juice to power portable bus-powered external drives.
Apart from data sharing locally and over the Internet, the router also supports streaming digital content stored on the hard drive to DNLA-compliant network media players, such as the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, or even the TiVo. This feature automatically scans the attached external hard drive for digital content and makes it available to devices within the network. Also, the router can automatically scan for new content when new files are added or repeatedly over a period of time. We tried this out, and it worked as intended.
Another cool feature of the N600 is the OpenDNS-based Parental Controls, first introduced with the WNR2000. To use this, you first need to install the Netgear Live Parental Controls software, for which the Netgear Genie application and the Web interface both provide a download link. The software guides you through a few steps of setting up a free online account with OpenDNS and setting the overall Web filter level to high, moderate, low, minimum, or none, where high means most traffic will be blocked and none means nothing will be blocked. From there, you no longer need the software. From anywhere in the world, you can now go to the Parental Controls Center site, log in with the account you just created, and further customize the Web filtering feature of the router. For parents who are on the go a lot, this is a nice feature that makes sure they have control over the Internet access of those at home.
Like the N900, the N600 comes with a traffic meter that allows you to control the router's Internet connection. For example, you can set the router to disconnect from the Internet if a certain amount of data has been downloaded (or uploaded, or both) over a certain period of time. This is useful when you have a quota and don't want to go over. Unfortunately, the traffic meter applies the bandwidth control to the whole network rather than to individual computers, which means you can't use it to restrict one individual from downloading too much.
For security, the router supports all existing wireless-encryption methods: WEP, WPA, and WPA2. It also comes with Wi-Fi Protected Setup, a feature that enables you to add a new client to the network at the press of a button, instead of having to type in the encryption key manually. The router also supports IPv6, the new version of the Internet protocol that replaces IPv4, which is running out of addressing space.
Performance
The Netgear WNDR3800 N600 router offered very good performance in our testing on both bands.
On the 5GHz band, it averaged 89.6Mbps in close-range (15 feet) throughput tests and 74.7Mbps in long-range (100 feet) tests. These numbers put it among the top performers on our charts. Similarly, on the 2.4GHz band, the router scored 66.3Mbps for close range and 40.6Mbps for long range, being the second fastest on both counts.
The router also offered a very long range in our test faculty, up to around 290 feet away. To get the best performance, however, we recommend using it within a range of 170 feet or less.
Like other routers with built-in network storage features, the N600's data rates with a connected USB external drive didn't impress us much. When tested via Gigabit Ethernet, the router offered just about 34Mbps for writing and some 89Mbps for reading. This isn't fast enough to make it a viable network storage option; it's better suited for light document sharing or streaming of music or photos. If you want to do a lot of data sharing or HD media streaming to multiple clients, you should get a dedicated NAS server.
The router also passed our 48-hour stress test, during which it didn't disconnect once. Note, however, that the stress test was conducted within a range of just around 15 feet. As the range gets longer, the stability of the signal might be reduced.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Range | Â Â | |
Throughput | Â Â |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Range | Â Â | |
Throughput | Â Â |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Read | Â Â | |
Write | Â Â |
Service and support
Netgear backs the WNDR4500 N900 with a limited lifetime warranty. The router also comes with 90-day free and toll-free technical support. Netgear's site offers lots of support information: troubleshooting, a knowledge base, firmware, drivers, and manual downloads.
Conclusion
The Netgear WNDR3800 N600 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router - Premium Edition is an excellent router for anyone who wants a fast and robust wireless solution for a home or home office.
User reviews
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Big disappointment limited range in my setting.
by wraymond on November 2, 2011
Pros: Not sure -- ease of set up I suppose. USB slot for hard drive connection is a great feature but limitations in signal range means this possibility is wasted in my setting.
Cons: Limited range, unstable signal -- Outperformed in range and speed by low end Belkin router -- really! Very big router case for very little delivery.
Summary: Bought this router on the basis of the CNET reviews despite unsatisfactory experience with other Netgear routers (signal breakdown, rebooting required several times a day, etc.) Had great hopes for ...
Summary: Bought this router on the basis of the CNET reviews despite unsatisfactory experience with other Netgear routers (signal breakdown, rebooting required several times a day, etc.) Had great hopes for this new router (again based on the reviews) and maybe it is a great router for many settings (wood framed houses), but a big disappointment in mine (cement floors and walls). Amazed that the little Belkin (1/3 the price) puts out a stronger signal (better range by a lot, in any case) the cement walls and floors don't seem to bother the Belkin as much. Wonder why?
7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Lacks many features, 5GHz connectivity not stable
by AXG on December 17, 2011
Pros: None as compared to other routers in this category and price range
Cons: Please see review
Summary: I purchased this router based on user reviews on CNET and Amazon. I found that it lacks many features.
a) This router assumes that all connectivity must go through it ...Summary: I purchased this router based on user reviews on CNET and Amazon. I found that it lacks many features.
a) This router assumes that all connectivity must go through it so it is unsuitable for AP like usage. It does not passthrough DHCP requests to WAN port if built-in DHCP server is disabled.
b) No provision to disable NAT.
c) Wireless repeater mode forces to use WEP security which is like having no security at all.
d) Guest mode does not work if the router is not directly connected to internet through cble/DSL modem. The router even fails to get date/time updates if not directly connected to internet.
e) The connection stability in 5GHz mode is shaky.
f) Netgear claims OpenSource support but there is no OpenSource firmware available for it which is even in beta state. All OpenSource firmware available is in alpha stage. No dd-wrt support.
I would personally recommend Linksys E3000 which is slightly more that half the cost of this router and provides better functionality and stability.6 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Validity of CNET's EDITORS RATING vs User reviews
by javanut4673 on March 15, 2012
Pros: This "review" is about the CNET's Editors Rating of THIS PRODUCT and its validity against all the consistently negative reviews found both here as well as at Amazon.com
Cons: In spite of CNETS 4 star review, the negative reviews which are consistent in content make me question CNET's Editor's review process.
Summary: The reviews I researched not only included CNET but also AMAZON.COM.
If all the (particularly) 1 star reviews are read, you find that the complaints seem to be amazingly ...Summary: The reviews I researched not only included CNET but also AMAZON.COM.
If all the (particularly) 1 star reviews are read, you find that the complaints seem to be amazingly consistent. Forget the percentage of 1 star out of 5 star statistics. It is the CONSISTENCY OF CONTENT / CONVICTION of the reviews that makes me wonder about the validity of using any CNET's EDITOR'S RATINGS. It is this consistency that has caused me to ignore the Editor's ratings and have chosen NOT TO PURCHASE this item. Buyer beware of using CNET EDITORS RATINGS as a possible guideline. In this case they are off their (rocker?)mark.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Daily Signal Dropouts
by Mosephus on March 6, 2012
Pros: Looks nice.
Cons: The internet drops out daily. Any updates made to router configuration will completely eject wifi connection. Very slow re-boot.
Summary: I have very simple requirements for a wireless router. I attach it, and I expect to have wireless signal to accommodate the minimal needs of a household that has only ...
Summary: I have very simple requirements for a wireless router. I attach it, and I expect to have wireless signal to accommodate the minimal needs of a household that has only two users. All it needs to do is handle streaming from an Apple TV that sits 4 feet from it, and handle wireless internet for a single story house under 2000 sf. Not world changing, right?
Should be a no brainer. I plug it in, and it works. No mussing. No fussing. No firmware updates. No manual channel switching. No daily re-booting.
So why is it that seemingly every N router available can't keep a signal for even a day? According to user reviews (not CNET reviews, as their testing parameters apparently have all the rigor of a pre-school class), the Apple Airport Extreme is the only router that is capable of providing a consistent signal.
The CNET glorified Netgear N600 is no exception. Despite a hefty $130 price tag, this router consistently drops wireless signal on a daily basis requiring re-boot. The re-boot itself can take 5 to 10 minutes. The range is strictly average, less than should be expected of a router at this price. You can make (and chances are will need to make) manual changes to the router configuration. Any changes drops all existing connections, and you need to re-connect once the network re-appears to confirm that your changes in fact have taken place.
In my humble opinion, if a router does not consistently connect to the internet without constant maintenance, it is not acceptable product. And I don't want to spend a agonizing hour phone call to Mumbai to correct its faults. A router should be easy enough to your mom to use.
In short, this router is being returned to be replaced with the only router (CNET - THE ONLY ROUTER!!!) that user reviews have flagged for consistent internet signal.
To the other manufacturers - your output is pitiful.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Lack Simple Access Restriction Setup
by SBHU on January 3, 2012
Pros: Laundry-list-long features
Cons: Lack Simple Access Restriction Setup
Summary: I want to be able to schedule the time that my children can access internet. In other routers I have used this is typically done via the client's MAC ...
Summary: I want to be able to schedule the time that my children can access internet. In other routers I have used this is typically done via the client's MAC address. I dig through the menu but could not find this function. There is a blanket schedule setting that apply to all client which cannot not work in my case. There is also a separated parental control feature that can be done via Netgear's website which may support this function but I felt this is a rather cumbersome approach. I end up returning the router to the store.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Lots of features, if you can connect to the router.
by rkoolkin on March 14, 2012
Pros: Setup is easy, good help, mounting/positioning options, good indicators, 8 Gig-E ports
Cons: Must be rebooted (not power cycled) daily or even more often.
Summary: Mediocre range, Not recommended.
Summary: Mediocre range, Not recommended.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent Speed!!!
by jschlere on December 22, 2011
Pros: Three times faster then top of the line Linksys Router dual band router I previously used.
Easy setup for novice user.Cons: A/P point setuo relies on WEP.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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AVOID THIS PRODUCT
by mysharonna on May 13, 2012
Pros: It's pretty and the described feature sound fabulous
Cons: Chronic signal drop and pathetic customer support for a design flaw.
Summary: First, the signal drops continually for about a minute each time and happens throughout the day nearly everyday. Second, tech support is really non-existent. They allow one free phone call (...
Summary: First, the signal drops continually for about a minute each time and happens throughout the day nearly everyday. Second, tech support is really non-existent. They allow one free phone call (like prison)then you pay for further support unacceptable when the flaw is due to their poor design. The dropped signal issue dominates blogs re: discussions for the WNDR3800 router and owners are fed-up with the lack of response from Netgear. I've repeatedly contacted Netgear for support, repeatedly tried all of their resolution suggestions without success. Their solutions seems aimed at wearing you down rather than offering support. A demonstration of good would be to offer all purchasers a refund on this model. It is fundamentally flawed and therefore a useless piece of equipment. Netgear products? No more.
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In 2 words: it sucks.
by ethan1el on April 11, 2012
Pros: Strong signal.
Cons: 1. Very slow interface. Pages with settings take forever to load.
2. Open firmwares like tomato and dd-wrt do not work properly.
3. The Parent feature is simply a DNS control. For example it's not possible to block internet access for my child.Summary: I would recommend wnr3500 over this router.
Summary: I would recommend wnr3500 over this router.
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Great initially then failed, so did customer service.
by no_more_troubleshooting_ on March 25, 2012
Pros: When working it had good range.
Cons: Started dropping connection to wireless clients after about a week of operation; later randomly failed to transmit data even though it showed a good connection; hard wired clients lost their connection too. NETGEAR support leaves a lot to be desired.
Summary: I had three technical support cases. All of the tech support is in India. Sometimes the agents are quite pushy. During the first case some changes were made to the ...
Summary: I had three technical support cases. All of the tech support is in India. Sometimes the agents are quite pushy. During the first case some changes were made to the wireless settings. The problem initially seemed to be fixed, but then it continued. Similar actions and results for the second case. During the third case I was directed to upgrade to the new .25(Beta) firmware and to choose a fixed wireless channel. Again this appeared to work initially. In a few days I had the problem of no data transmission even though a good connection to the router was indicated. Additionally all of the devices connected to the gigabit ports on the router were indicating a failed connection. A shutdown and restart of the router worked for a day or two. I replaced the router with my free router supplied by Verizon FIOS and it works without a problem; although I don't have the gigabit ports or faster wireless.
The worst part about this is NETGEAR support. I asked technical support for a refund because there was no other contact to ask. Then I was directed to send an email to customer.support@netgear.com; there was no response. Next I was directed to email sales@netgear.com; again no response. Next I called the support phone number and chose options until I got a human on the other end (hint: use the pre-sales option). They promised to get back to me, and they did: with a refusal (see below).
As an end user I'm willing to put up with some troubleshooting. But three support cases that drag me out past the return window at the store where purchased, and hours on the phone? No thanks!
Here's their response:
My name is Shantelle; I am a Customer Care Advocate for NETGEAR, Inc. I have recently received your product refund request. I have reviewed your case and after careful consideration, regret to inform you that your request has been denied as per company policy.
I'm sorry that you have been experiencing issues and wish to return your product. NETGEAR is able to replace products found to be defective with the same model or a suitable upgrade if the model is unavailable, according to the lifetime hardware warranty for Prosafe products. The following link details ProSafe product warranty information:
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101672.asp
As NETGEAR does not sell products directly, returns are handled directly through the reseller where the product was purchased, according to our warranty policy:
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n100002.asp
While NETGEAR is unable to provide a refund, we are happy to help troubleshoot the product so that we can work out a way that it will meet your needs. Technicians are available 24/7, and reachable at the following numbers:
1-888-NET-GEAR
(888-638-4327)
(Toll Free in US and Canada) )Option 4, option 5 then option 2.
Online (email) support is also available through the online support portal located at:
https://my.netgear.com/myNETGEAR/support.asp
I apologize for the inconvenience that you have experienced, but we are happy to work with you to find a resolution. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Yours in service,
Shantelle M.
Customer Care Advocate
NETGEAR, Inc.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: NetGear
- Part number: WNDR3800
- Description: The NETGEAR N600 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router Premium Edition is the ultimate networking machine. It offers the high performance wireless Internet access needed for demanding applications, such as streaming HD video and multiplayer gaming running a powerful processor inside. It supports a wide range of features and applications such as ReadySHARE remote, interference avoidance, support of multi-function printers and much more. Dual band technology avoids interference, ensuring top speeds and the greatest range, while Gigabit offers ultra-fast wired connections.
General
- Device Type Wireless router - 4-port switch (integrated)
- Enclosure Type Desktop
- Connectivity Technology Wireless ,
Wired - Data Link Protocol Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11n,
IEEE 802.11a,
IEEE 802.11g,
Fast Ethernet - Frequency Band 2.4 GHz,
5 GHz - Data Transfer Rate 600 Mbps
- Remote Management Protocol HTTP
- Encryption Algorithm WPA-PSK,
WPA2-PSK,
128-bit WEP,
64-bit WEP - Features IPv6 support ,
DoS attack prevention ,
Firewall protection ,
ReadySHARE ,
Live Parental Controls ,
Broadband usage meter ,
Quality of Service (QoS) ,
Apple Time Machine compatible ,
Clear Channel Selector ,
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) ,
Multiple SSID support ,
Firmware upgradable ,
Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) support ,
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) ,
NAT support - Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11g ,
IEEE 802.11a ,
IEEE 802.11n ,
DLNA CERTIFIED ,
Wi-Fi Protected Setup ,
IEEE 802.11b - Processor 680 MHz
- RAM 64 MB
- Flash Memory 16 MB
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces LAN : 4 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45,
WAN : 1 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45,
Hi-Speed USB : 1 x 4 pin USB Type A - Expansion Slot(s) None
Networking
- Networking type Wireless router
Antenna
- Antenna Internal integrated
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Communications
- Type None
Miscellaneous
- Width 8.8 in
- Depth 6 in
- Height 1.2 in
- Weight 1.1 lbs
- Included Accessories Vertical stand
- Cables (Details) 1 x Network cable
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
- Compliant Standards CEC,
WEEE,
RoHS Software / System Requirements
- Software Included NETGEAR Genie
- OS Required UNIX,
Apple MacOS,
Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7,
Linux
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse NetGear products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:NetGear
- Address:
350 East Plumeria Drive, San Jose, CA 95134-1911 - Phone: 1-408-907-8000
- Email: support@netgear.com
- Fax: 1-408-907-8097
