NETGEAR Wireless Router for Video and Gaming WNDR37AV

IntroductionThis is my third router in 5 years. I upgrade when the technology takes a jump or when I start to see a lot of network outages or both. This time I replaced a router that was 802.11n but it was not dual band (netgear 3500 series). I used the 3500 about 2.5 years and I was starting to see more and more network outages. Maybe because the router was getting old or maybe because I'm starting to add more devices to my network and it simply could not handle the traffic. Currently I have the following equipment on my wireless network: (1)Desktop, 2(laptops),(1)iPhone4, (2)iTouch, (2)Sony PS3, (1)Kodak Digital Picture, (2)Flat Panel TV's streaming video. I also support a number of devices wired directly to my router including: (1)Desktop, (1)Network Printer, (1)AT&T 3G Microcell, (1)Synology NAS, (1)Sonos Bridge, (1) Vonage Device. So, I have many devices trying to communicate through my router.Router ReviewInstallation was a snap. Out of the box, follow the quick install guide. Power off modem, connect router to modem, connect computer to router, power on modem (2 minutes), power on router (2 minutes), power on computer (2 minutes). Type in [...] to access router. Default configuration will get you online. Have the router check for firmware updates with the netgear website. If there are any upgrades available, download and install. I always change the router password from default. Setup wireless network both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. I named them both the same and added a 5G to the 5GHz band :). Setup security preferences (WPA2-PSK [AES] for me) , type in passphrase (network password). Done.I use my Synology NAS as an ftp server that can be accessed from outside my home network so I had to setup some port forwarding. This is outside the scope of most setups. Suffice to say that this operation went smoothly with no problems.I had a secure network up and running with no problems in a matter of minutes. I added both TV's to the 5GHz band using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) and I added the other wireless devices to the 2.4GHz band using the passphrase.The network has been up and running for a week now with no outages. I have really taxed the network too by streaming HD movies, moving large files from my computer to my NAS, while uploading large files to a remote backup site. No matter what I throw at this router, it doesn't miss a beat.ProsEasy setupEasy to add devices to network (WEP and passphrase)Strong signal throughout the house (much better than 3500)Cool looking design, low profile and lightsReliable (so far after a week of heavy use)Reasonable priceConsCould have included a Gensu knife or Salad Shooter with router.Based on the ease of setup, performance, and reliability under heavy traffic, I highly recommend this router.

The router works for the 2.4ghz, well, there are tons of features inside the router for one to customize it.Post about the WNDR3700 being the 37AV are correct. The router lists wndr3700v2 (version 2) on it, but WNDR37AV on the box. Kind of misleading if you ask me. The newer routers to replace the 37AV are not for sale yet but you can see them on the net gear site. The really bad thing is my new Vizio TV can see the 5ghz networks and the 2.4ghz, but will not connect. I tried several things in the netgear forum and nonworked such as downgrading to the older firmware, changing the connection speeds etc etc, I haven't tried static ip yet. This replaced my Belkin N+ router and my TV picked up that connection no problem but would freeze on Amazon and Netflix streaming.Also for gamers, the router has been stable with a good connection, but on my Belkin I would get some really full 5 green bars when playing COD on the Wii and pretty much own everyone for that game, it didn't happen all the time but it happened at least 20% of the time I play, the WNDR is not doing that, just the normal 3 green bars everytime I play and I even get lag. I ordered an ethernet adapter for the Wii to try to boost the connection speed by hard wire and will probably hard wire my TV to the router. However, if I get motivated I will probably sell it and get the Visio dual band which both TV afficionados and Gamers seem to say it is a better deal for the dollar. So it sorta works but I am not impressed.

Getting WiFi from my upstairs office into my downstairs den on the other side of a 3-story house built in 1925 proved to be a daunting task. My walls are made of thick plaster and lathe, and my den was once a boiler room, so it has a seperate solid brick wall separating it from the kitchen and other rooms. Until recently, I didn't care that much about wireless connectivity in that room, since we only watched our DVR recorded shows and regular cable with our old TV. But I finally decided to join the 21st Century and purchase a gigantic smart TV and home entertainment system, etc.I wasn't aware how important having an internet connection in that room would be until I had set everything up, and realized that there were multiple functions that required a solid connection (i.e. firmware updates). I also figured it was time to get Amazon Prime, which is an incredible deal and unlike Netflix it gives you free 2-day shipping and 14,000 free streaming movies all for one low price ($79). So anyway, my old Linksys router would stop dead in it's tracks before entering the den. I also learned that it was an old 802.11b standard, not nearly powerful or fast enough to adequately support streaming movies.So I ordered a new router (Mediabridge 150mps) and that didn't reach into the den, either, despite having the significantly better 802.11n networking standard. Having failed in that attempt, I then I ordered a wireless repeater (ERB9250 Range Extender), only to discover that it was incompatible with the Mediabridge. Flustered and angry, I returned both and ordered a much better router, the Netgear WNDR37V. Even though that was supposed to be one of the most powerful routers around, it STILL didn't reach into the den, so I paired it with a Netgear WN2000RPT repeater, and voila!It WORKED! So far, everything has functioned brilliantly. The firware updates were sorely needed and improved several functions on my TV and home theater. I commend Netgear for helping me achieve connectivity and bringin me into the current century.