Netgear WNDR3700

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Contents

[edit] Hardware Specifications

Supported Models
Feature v1 v2 v3 v4 v5
CPU Atheros AR7161
@680 MHz
Atheros AR7161
@680 MHz
Broadcom BCM4718A1
@480 MHz
Atheros AR9344
@560 MHz
MediaTek MT7621ST
@880 MHz
RAM 64 MB 64 MB 64 MB 128 MB 128 MB
Flash 8 MB 16 MB 8 MB 128 MB 16 MB
Switch Realtek RTL8366SR Realtek RTL8366SR Broadcom BCM53115 Atheros AR8327 Mediatek MT7621ST
Radios
(2.4/5 GHz)
Atheros AR9223 / AR9220 Atheros AR9223 / AR9220 Broadcom BCM4718A1 SOC / BCM4331 Atheros AR9344 SOC / AR9582 MediaTek MT7603EN / MT7612EN
Max TX Power
(2.4/5 GHz)
17 dBm / 24 dBm 17 dBm / 24 dBm 251 mW / 251 mW 26 dBm / 22 dBm  ??/?? TODO

NOTE: Max TX Power assumes used regulatory domain is Canada/USA/Haiti. Others may or may not allow higher TX powers (up to 30 dBm/1000 mW).

[edit] Version-Specific Installation Notes

NOTE: See Where do I download firmware? for up to date builds, and the forum for build recommendations.

[edit] WNDR3700 v1

  • v1 units are not labeled at all and are just called "WNDR3700".
  • Firmware for the v1 will be located in the netgear-wndr3700 folder for each release.
  • Download DD-WRT for the WNDR3700 v1 depending on the region you purchased your router from:
    • North America (NA): Go to the netgear-wndr3700 folder then download the wndr3700-factory_NA.img file
    • World Wide (WW): Go to the netgear-wndr3700 folder then download the wndr3700-factory.img file
    • Web Flash BIN (Both) to upgrade dd-wrt: Go to the netgear-wndr3700 folder then download the wndr3700-webflash.bin file
  • If you try to install DD-WRT on v1 with initial factory firmware (1.0.4.31NA), the upload will fail with "Invalid file name!"
    • Work-around for this problem is to first upgrade to a later version of factory firmware (e.g., 1.0.7.98NA) before installing DD-WRT.

NOTE: Please search the new build threads / flash and report current versions in the forum as most of the below information may no longer be relevant.

  • Please note, a smaller sized build will be required for the first flash, as newer ones (2018+) are too large for the factory sized linux partition.
    • Success for the initial DD-WRT build was found using r29059 (a 2016 build), then upgrade to the latest version of DD-WRT using the webflash file.
  • Version 35681 4/6/2018 has been confirmed to work here on the Netgear 3700 v1.

[edit] WNDR3700 v2

  • v2 units are labeled on the side of the box, in firmware, & under the router as "WNDR3700v2".
  • Firmware for the v2 will be located in the netgear-wndr3700v2 folder for each release.
  • Download DD-WRT for the WNDR3700 v2 depending on the region you purchased your router from:
    • North America (NA): Go to the netgear-wndr3700v2 folder then download the wndr3700v2-factory_NA.img file
    • World Wide (WW): Go to the netgear-wndr3700v2 folder then download the wndr3700v2-factory.img file
    • Web Flash BIN (Both) to upgrade dd-wrt: Go to the netgear-wndr3700v2 folder then download the wndr3700v2-webflash.bin file

NOTE: Please search the new build threads / flash and report current versions in the forum as most of the below information may no longer be relevant. NOTE: You must have no later than 1.0.0.12 of the Netgear factory firmware installed in order to flash DD-WRT to this unit.

  • TODO: Has the Ambit.cfg been updated to address this? -kp69
  • Version 35681 4/6/2018 has been confirmed to work here on the Netgear 3700 v2.

[edit] WNDR3700 v3

  • v3 units are labeled on the side of the box, in firmware, & under the router as "WNDR3700v3".
  • Firmware for the v3 will be located in the broadcom_K26 and broadcom_K3X folders for each release.
  • Download DD-WRT for the WNDR3700 v3 as follows:
    • Initial Flash: K26 trailed build (broadcom_K26 folder) dd-wrt.v24-XXXXX_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini-WNDR3700v3.chk
    • WebUI Upgrade: Use mega-nv64k.bin, mini-nv64k.bin or trailed (mini-WNDR3700v3.chk) images.
      • This is a Broadcom unit with 64k nvram, identical to WNDR4000.
    • CLI Flash upgrade: Use mega.bin, min.bin, or trailed (WNDR3700v3.chk) images.
    • K3.X builds do work on this unit but you must first flash K2.6, as there is no mini K3.X build:
      • (i.e. K3.x_mega-WNDR3700v3.chk K3.x_mega-nv64k.bin)

 **WARNING**:  Ensure mega builds are less than 7995392 bytes (7808 KB) in size before flashing or you will brick the unit.
NOTE: Please search the new build threads / flash and report current versions in the forum.

[edit] WNDR3700 v4

  • v4 units are labeled on the side of the box, in firmware, & under the router as "WNDR3700v4".
  • Firmware for the v4 will be located in the netgear-wndr3700v4 folder for each release.

NOTE: Please search the new build threads / flash and report current versions in the forum as most of the below information may no longer be relevant.
NOTE: If you flash with a factory img file newer than r23503, stock firmware will give a cgi timeout error.
Use the r23503 factory file to get on DD-WRT first, then use the webflash below for initial upgrade.

[edit] Reset

[edit] Recovery for v4

If the unit is soft-bricked (flashing power light) then:

  • TFTP build r23503 wndr3700v4.img to it at 192.168.1.1
    • Reset is not necessary, but if wanted see the Reset section above
  • After it boots, load the webif (at the previously set IP address if no reset), then install the last working build

To TFTP when not bricked, power-up holding the reset button to TFTP:

  1. Set a static IP (e.g. IP address 192.168.1.9, subnet mask 255.255,255.0, default gateway 192.168.1.1)
  2. In a TFTP client, use 192.168.1.1 as server, password blank, select above DD or OEM Netgear firmware
  3. Don't start TFTP yet...open a cmd window, run `ping -t 192.168.1.1` (for Windows; no '-t' for linux)
  4. Press and hold the reset button and power up the router. Start the TFTP when ping replies with TTL
    • The thread says to look for TTL=100, but this has also worked when TTL=64 is seen
  5. It should push the firmware, then wait and watch the lights and the pings.
  6. After a few reboots, with consistent ping, access the router on routerlogin.net (192.168.1.1 unless in use)

[edit] MTD backups:

[edit] WNDR3700 v5

  • v5 units are labeled on the side of the box, in firmware, & under the router as "WNDR3700v5".
  • Firmware for the v5 will be located in the netgear-wndr3700v5 folder for each release.

NOTE: Please search the new build threads / flash and report current versions in the forum as most of the below information may no longer be relevant.
NOTE: Support for the v5 and Netgear R6220 was added in build 45563.

  • It seems that only the R6220 received any feedback, so lack of reporting has caused development to be "stalled".
  • For all the similar hardware devices added around that time, the minimum usable build is 45820.
  • Minimum usable build for this device is 52869(2) (3).
  • Use factory-to-ddwrt.img for initial flash, wndr3700v5-webflash.bin for upgrade.

NOTE: You may flash the wndr3700v5-webflash.bin on the same initial flash release without consequence.

[edit] Recovery for v5

  • Use nmrpflash to de-brick. Can also be used for initial flash of DD-WRT.

[edit] DD-WRT Installation

NOTE: See version specific info above first.
NOTE: It is recommended to reset router after initial flash to avoid any possible issues by one of the following methods:

  • Reset button
  • Administration -> Factory Defaults in the DD-WRT webUI
  • Via telnet / ssh `nvram erase && reboot`

Steps derived from: How do I manually update the firmware on my NETGEAR router?

  1. Set a static IP address on your computer of 192.168.1.10, netmask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.1.1.
  2. Connect your computer to your router with an Ethernet cable.
  3. Enter routerlogin.net or http://192.168.1.1 into a web browser.
    • A login page displays.
    • Enter the router admin user name and password.
    • The default user name is admin. The password is the one you specified the first time you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
  4. Select ADVANCED > Administration.
    • Some models might use slightly different navigation, like Settings > Administration.
  5. Select Firmware Update or Router Update.
    • The label varies depending on your router.
  6. Click Choose File or Browse, then locate and select the firmware file that ends in .img or .chk.
  7. Click the Upload button.
    • The firmware update starts and the router restarts. The firmware update process takes about two minutes.

     **CAUTION**:  After you start the firmware update, do not try to go online, turn off the router, or do anything else to the router until it finishes restarting.

  8. Set your computer's ethernet interface back to auto DHCP.
  9. In your browser, go to http:/192.168.1.1
    • You should be greeted by the password change page of the DD-WRT webUI.
  10. Set username (optional, default username is root) and password (enter password twice, these *must* match and are case-sensitive).
    • You should be greeted by the System Info page of the DD-WRT webUI
  11. Click on Setup to begin configuration to your needs.
    • You will be required to enter username and password previously set.
  12. Click Save on each page (unless otherwise noted in a specific tutorial).
  13. When finished, Click on Services or Administration tab and click Reboot.

NOTE: Some people have run into problems following the directions above, an alternative method is located in this forum thread - Netgear WNDR3700, not possible to install DD-WRT on it :) - pg 3

See also: Installation Wiki.

[edit] Upgrading (or Downgrading) DD-WRT

NOTE: See version specific info above first.

  1. Connect your computer to your router with an Ethernet cable.
  2. Enter http://192.168.1.1 (or whatever you set your router IP to) into a web browser.
  3. Enter username and password as required.
  4. Go to Administration -> Firmware Upgrade
    • Leave Do Not Reset selected for After Flashing
  5. Click on Browse and select the appropriate webflash.bin file specific to your router model version.
  6. Click Open
  7. Click Upgrade
    • The firmware update starts and the router restarts. The firmware update process takes about five minutes.

     **CAUTION**:  After you start the firmware update, do not try to go online, turn off the router, or do anything else to the router until it finishes restarting.

  8. If the webUI does not automatically go back to the Setup -> Basic Setup page, or does not stop at the progress bar page to allow you to click Continue after waiting at least five minutes (i.e. if you get a "Connection Reset" or other error page in your browser), enter http://192.168.1.1 (or whatever your router IP address is) manually or click and hold the "Back" button and select the appropriate history entry.

[edit] Recovery

NOTE: See version specific info above first.

To recover from bricking or a bad flash TFTP the stock firmware or a known working build of DD-WRT (.chk or .img file).
See:

[edit] Known Issues

[edit] Weak Radios (v1 only)

There has been some reports of very weak radios (both 2.4GHz and 5GHz) after flashing DD-WRT, but there is also reports of weak wireless with those that never flashed DD-WRT. The issue seems to be faulty hardware, a fairly large bad batch off the assembly line (see "fix" below). Owners with this problem report the wireless is so weak one can't move any further away from the router than 1 meter. A chart has been made by a WNDR3700 owner that is linked at the bottom of this page, you have over 85% chance to get a good working router. See this thread on netgear forums for some low S/N information: http://forum1.netgear.com/showthread.php?t=54442

According to this thread TA numbers ending in 01R15 are likely to be bad. 01R17 are better, 07R18 is 50/50, and it appears 01R21+ are usually fine. Anything starting with 02R is from the "2nd generation" and no issues have been reported with the 2.4Ghz/5.0Ghz bands.

Fix: Exchanging the router for another one.

[edit] MAC Address

Some report MAC addresses changing to FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF, this is caused by a improper flash. Reflash following the steps above before attempting the fix. If reflashing did not fix the problem replacing caldata should, see fix link.

Fix: Have WNDR3700 would like to test any builds available - pg 95 (whole thread overall has lots of info)

[edit] FAQ

See Firmware FAQ first before posting a question in the forums.

Q: After flashing DD-WRT, the LAN LEDs are now green for 10/100M and orange 1000M? (v1/v2 only)

A: This is an intentional change by the DD-WRT developers, Netgear had the colors backwards as gigabit is usually orange (check any other NIC!).


Q: I heard some WNDR3700 radios were dying shortly after flashing DD-WRT? Does the firmware damage routers?

A: No DD-WRT does not damage routers, there is also reports as said above, of WNDR3700's having weak wireless even when DD-WRT was never put on it. It is a faulty hardware issue.


Q: Is there going to be a special version of DD-WRT for this router?

A: No, there are no special versions anymore except for Buffalo routers.


Q: Is it possible to restore the factory or stock firmware that came with my router?

A: Yes. Refer to WNDR3700: Restore Factory Firmware in Five Easy Steps.

[edit] Further Reading, Useful Information, Links