NetGear WNDR3800 N600 Wireless Dual-Band Gigabit Router - Premium Edition

• Average user rating: 2.0 stars out of 29 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars

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• 6 stars

  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 ...

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  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?

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  9 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 4 stars

  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 ...

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  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.

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  7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 1 stars

  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 ...

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  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.

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  3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 4 stars

  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 ...

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  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.

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  3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 2 stars

  out of warranty = no help if not functioning

  by yelwar on July 4, 2012

  Pros: WNDR3700 WORKED FINE FOR 19 MONTHS...
  The newer WNDR3800 is NOT warranted beyond one year.

  Cons: WNDR3700 stopped broadcasting on 2.4Ghz band one night beyond 5-ft. The 3700 was past the 1-yr warranty by 7-months. After a polite exchange of troubleshooting, Netgear confirmed the unit as faulty, but since out of warranty, nothing they would do.

  Summary: July 2012-UNFORTUNATELY, I purchased this 3800 as replacement for my WNDR3700 Router before concluding the exchange of emails with Netgear about support. The unit just stopped broadcasting on the 2....

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  Summary: July 2012-UNFORTUNATELY, I purchased this 3800 as replacement for my WNDR3700 Router before concluding the exchange of emails with Netgear about support. The unit just stopped broadcasting on the 2.4Ghz band one night beyond 5-feet. The 3700 was past the 1-yr warranty by 7-months. After a polite exchange of the problem and troubleshooting, Netgear confirmed the unit is faulty, but since out of warranty, nothing they would do. [Copied and pasted as written by Netgear rep:]
  
  "...All possible troubleshooting steps are exhausted. We can now confirm that the router is faulty. There is other way to fix the router. This is already hardware problem on the router.
  
  I appreciate for sending the proof of purchase. I checked that the router was purchased November 27, 2010. Please accept my apology that the router is already out of warranty meaning the router cannot be replace."
  
  I asked for a Supervisor to reconsider, but received...from the same technician...this message:
  
  "Please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience you may have experienced in regards to this matter. As we stand that if in case that the product's warranty is expired based on proof of purchase and product registration, we cannot replace it."
  
  A search on the NETGEAR site did find they have limited lifetime warranty on 4 products out of their entire catalog [for US purchasers]. This WNDR3800 is NOT warranted beyond one year.
  
  Buyer beware, you'll likely need to purchase again...sooner than you think. Choose to buy from a manufacturer that backs its' own design, production, & reliability, not from NETGEAR.

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  2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 5 stars

  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 ...

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  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.

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  2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 1 stars

  internet connections from wireless locks up constantly

  by jtmoderate876 on October 24, 2012

  Pros: wired connection is fine

  Cons: Useless wireless with Constant wireless lockups.
  Horrible support.
  Upgrade firmware, wait for new firmware, upgrade firmware never fixes wireless lockups.
  latest Firmware 1.0.0.40 does NOT fix.

  Summary: My long term netgear preference is over.
  Bye netgear.

  Summary: My long term netgear preference is over.
  Bye netgear.

  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 3 stars

  Signal strenght very erratic

  by brv2000 on July 26, 2012

  Pros: Has all the features you would expect from a high end router.

  Cons: Signal strenght on the 2.4GHz range is so erratic as to be very annoying.

  Summary: The router would be a good choice in the 2.4GHz signal was no so erratic. it swings widly over a >50Db rage in the matter of seconds. This ...

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  Summary: The router would be a good choice in the 2.4GHz signal was no so erratic. it swings widly over a >50Db rage in the matter of seconds. This makes using attached deviced and arnge repeaters very annoying. Tech support has been of no help as all the they ever say is get the latest firmware and rest the router to the default settings. Of course this means you have to set it up all ove again each time.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 4 stars

  Not even close to 4 stars

  by jscott418-21618367473133020464 on July 25, 2012

  Pros: Setup is perfectly OK in manual mode. I skipped the Netgear Genie.
  Can't say much else good about it

  Cons: Limited 5Ghz range, WAN drops occasionally, case get's pretty warm which can't be good.
  Setup works easier in manual mode by user then Netgear Genie. Can't download Netgear Genie software except through the router setup which is dumb.

  Summary: I bought this Netgear WNDR3800 because I had a 7 month old WNR2000 v3 that kept dropping connection. I really did not blame the failure on the router except that ...

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  Summary: I bought this Netgear WNDR3800 because I had a 7 month old WNR2000 v3 that kept dropping connection. I really did not blame the failure on the router except that I imagine we over worked it a few times with multiple streaming and multiple devices at times. Probably should have bought a WNDR3800 instead the first time. So trying to fix my problem I did buy a WNDR3800. To my surprise even after only a day of use the WAN connection just dropped. I looked at the modem and it was running fine. Even indicating it was still connected to the router. Given the poor range of the 5Ghz and the rapid drop in throughput even through a couple of drywalls. I cannot recommend people buy this router. The Netgear forums are filled with similar complaints. The CNet reviewer must have got the reference version to review. Because in my experience this one is not one I would give anymore then 2 stars.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 8 stars

  Doesn't promise the moon... just what you pay for.

  by fucdup24_7 on June 18, 2012

  Pros: Works. Great features. Easy setup.

  Cons: Too many haters.

  Summary: People like to ***** too much. If someone gets bad service or a product, they tell 10 people. If they get great service or product, they tell 1 person. All the ...

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  Summary: People like to ***** too much. If someone gets bad service or a product, they tell 10 people. If they get great service or product, they tell 1 person. All the bad reviews are older. Update the firmware to the most recent and this router works great. You can spend more and get better routers and spend less and get some with more range (& less features). Personally, I spent $100 at Costco and got what I expected. Every device saw it, receives great signal and being able to access everything from my attached hard drive is awesome. Hook it up to a 3.0 modem and it screams (tripled my download speed). To all you complaining, go spend $200+ and find something wrong with that router.

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  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

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