After years of using Linksys WRT54G routers, I decided that it was time to look into a newer setup for my system. I'm not currently having any problems, but my routers are the old V2 & V3 versions. They're no longer being manufactured, and if they went bad - I would have to buy either a new version of the Linksys, or an alternative.

I also use my netowrk quite heavily (you'll see why in a moment) and don't want to risk down time if one of my routers went bad.

So, I bought a NETGEAR KWGR614, mainly due to the open source feature set that it offers. First of all, let me go through my current setup, so you can see why I need to be sure that I have a good configurable router.

• There are 4 PC computers spread out throughout the home, plus an additional laptop that I bring back and forth from work.
• 1 server on the system.
• 4 TiVo's that are connected to the network in various configurations
• 3 SlingBoxes connected to the system
• 1 EVA 8000 connected to the system
• 1 Axim V51 connecting wirelessly
• 1 Sansa Connect, connecting wirelessly
• 2 Linksys WRT54G router, running in "Bridge" mode connecting wirelessly to the main router
• 1 SlingLink Turbo 4 port

I have static dedicated addresses to several computers, the TiVos, and the SlingBoxes. I do this as it makes the system more reliable and easier to troubleshoot.

So, you can see my trepidation and concerns about routers going bad, or having to install a new one. Today, I decided to roll up my sleeves, install the KWGR614, and get the basic setup completed.

First, I backed up the configuration of my Linksys, just in case something went awry. I usually back it up anytime I make a change, but wanted to be sure that I had a fresh backup.

Then, I went into the Linksys setup pages and saved the actual HTML file of any page that had something other than the factory default settings. I did this mainly because I wanted to assign the same static addresses and port forwarding that I currently use onto my new router. This would make it so I would not have to remember or write down my settings. It also gave me the ability to copy and paste the MAC addresses and names from the old router into the new one.

My setup uses the main router address of 192.168.0.1. The KWGR614 comes with 192.168.1.1 as its main setting, and then uses 192.168.1.xxx for all the devices connected to it. Instead of changing all the devices and my familiar settings, I decided to have the router use the "0" address.

This is really not a big deal. You can change the main address of your router to quite a few different ones. Just remember that you are not stuck with the router address setup that is pre-loaded from the factory, for future reference.

I unplugged everything from my current router and plugged in the new KWGR614, and hooked up all the connections.

I went to one of the machines and there was no connection, but this was easily resolved. The machines I use are Windows PC's and are set up to obtain their adressses automatically. All I had to do was to go into my Network Connection Status and on the Support tab, click on "Repair."

You can also go to Start > Run and type "CMD" into the box. A new window will open up and you can type in "Ipconfig /renew" and it will do the same thing.

After you do this, the computer will reset everything, and you should be connected to your new router.

Now that I was connected, I needed to set up the router to work on my system. I typed in 192.168.1.1 in Firefox and immediately was shown the "sign in" password screen. The name and password that NETGEAR uses is shown on the bottom of the router. So, I entered the info and got into the initial setup screen.

When you setup the router for the first time you are given a choice of using the setup wizard or configuring it manually. I chose the manual setup.

In the Manual Setup you will be shown the basic settings screen first. The first thing I wanted to do was to change the router from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.0.1. To do this, click on the LAN IP Setup tab and change the 1 to a 0.

When done, just click on "Apply". The router will reboot and guess what? You will not be able to connect again. That's because your computer is still trying to use the "1" setup. All I had to do was use the "Repair" function I described earlier, and get assigned a new address again.

I once again logged into the router and started setting up all my devices. The first thing I wanted to do was to give everything that had a static or assigned address the same adress in the new modem.

I clicked on the LAN IP Setup and then the "Add" tab. There, I could enter the MAC addresses I had used on my old router. This is where saving the web pages of my old router came in handy. I opened up the page that contained all of the old address settings (in a new window) and started copying and pasting the setup.

Once I had it done, it looked like this:

Then, all I had to do was click on "Apply," and everything was good to go. All the devices were now assigned the number they normally used.

The next thing I needed to do was to set up the port forwarding. I assign specific ports to specific devices, so I am always sure that port is open for that device.

I can tell you, this is something I always do for my SlingBoxes. I never have problems with them when I do this - I don't rely on the uPNP that the SlingPlayer uses.

To open up the ports, I clicked on the "Port Forwarding / PortTriggering" tab and again opened up the HTML file I saved from the port forwading page on my Linksys. I copied and pasted my original settings in, applied each one, and was finished.

It now looked something like this:

Now that I have the addresses and ports set up, I needed to setup the wireless side of the router.

I clicked on the top "Wireless Settings" tab and entered the name, channel and WEP password I had used on my old router. This way, any wireless devices I have did not need to be changed.

Once these three things were done, the basics were setup and everything that was working before should work again. I applied all my settings and then backed up my basic configuration, so I would not lose it once I started playing around.

The backup is done simply by clicking on the backup settings tab on the left side, then clicking on "backup," and selecting a place to save the file.

Now, the basic settings were complete. I double checked all of the PC's and devices to make sure that they all worked - and they did. I tried the SlingBoxes and Tivos also, which worked like a charm. Checked the server and it was a-ok! Finally, I checked my laptop to see if it would connect wirelessly, and it sure did!

Now that I have the basics going, I can check my speeds on both the LAN and WAN and see if there is any difference. I can also play with some of the service blocking the new router provides.

Introduction

A wireless client bridge is needed to connect two LAN segments with a wireless link.  The two LAN segments will be in the same subnet.  In this article, we will show the steps to configure the NETGEAR  WGR614L with DD-WRT firmware (v-24 SP1, downloadable by clicking here) as a client bridge.
Please note that when a router is working as a wireless client bridge, we cannot connect wireless clients to it .

Primary Router Setup

The primary router can be any brand of router.  In fact, it can even be a simple AP.  The DD-WRT firmware with wireless bridge mode needs only to be installed on the secondary router (NETGEAR WGR614L) which will be configured as a client bridge.

I have given my primary router (or primary AP) an IP address of 192.168.1.11.  You can assign any IP you wish, provided that both primary and secondary routers are in the same subnet.  Usually, DHCP should be enabled on the primary router so that it can assign IP addresses by DHCP.  Without DHCP enabled, your bridged peripherals may not be able to get onto the network.

If you want, you can disable DHCP on the primary router; however, in that case, you will need to manually provide an IP address to each of the peripherals connected with the secondary router.

Configuring Secondary Router (DD-WRT):

Step 1:  Open a browser on your PC and connect to the DD-WRT router – usually, its default address is http://192.168.1.1

Step 2:  Click Setup / Basic Setup.  Scroll down to Network Address Server Settings (DHCP).  Click to disable DHCP.  This will prevent the bridged router from assigning addresses, which will be the job of our primary router... or we will assign IP addresses manually to bridged devices.

Leave the WAN Connection Type  as : Automatic Configuration-DHCP and enable STP.

Step 3:  Click Wireless/Basic Settings. For Wireless Mode select “Client Bridge.” Set Wireless Network Mode to match your primary router – “mixed” is the safe default, unless your primary router is set exclusively to b or g mode.  My primary router is using “mixed” so I have kept the same setting for the secondary router.

Wireless Network Name (SSID ) (here “home_test”) and Wireless Channel (6-2.437Ghz) should match with the primary router.  Wireless SSID broadcast should be enabled and Network Configuration should be Bridged.

You can see this setup in the picture below.

Step 4:  Click Wireless/Wireless Security.  For Security Mode, select the appropriate choice that matches your primary router – either none, WEP, WPA or WPA2.  In this example, our primary router uses none.  As such, I have kept Security Mode disabled as shown below :

Step 5:  Click Status/Wireless. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, and you’ll see a button labeled “Site Survey.”  You now need to associate this router to your primary router to create the bridge as shown below.

Step 6: In our setup, there are several wireless networks available but we want to connect with wireless network with SSID home_test because that is our primary router.  Click the corresponding Join button to create the bridge.

DD-WRT will let you know that you’ve successfully joined the network. If joining is successful a message will pop up as the one shown below :

Testing your Bridge

You’ve now completed the bridge, congratulations!  You can test it by receiving an IP address from your primary router if DHCP is enabled there. Revisit Step 1 and set your IP address back to automatic assignment and it will get an IP address through DHCP server of your primary router.  Your temporary PC should receive an IP address assigned by your primary router.  You can test this by opening a browser and connecting to an Internet web site or by pinging the primary router.

If you have not enabled DHCP in the primary router, you can manually assign an IP address to your PC, keeping the subnet same and then ping the primary router.  Do remember to disable DHCP on the secondary router (DD-WRT router) as has been shown below. It will prevent bridged devices getting an IP from the DD-WRT router.

Your bridged devices should get an IP either through DHCP from primary router or through manual configuration.  Hopefully, your temporary PC has connected to the Internet or you are able to ping the primary router. Your bridge is working! You can now disconnect the temporary PC and connect the DD-WRT router to your intended peripheral(s), such as your printer or Xbox.

What To Do If Testing Fails

If your PC is not receiving an IP address from your primary router and can’t connect to the Internet, or if you are not able to ping the primary router, the bridge is not working correctly.   You will need to recheck all the steps from the beginning.  Please feel free to post comments for me in this article or on the MyOpenRouter forums if you have questions regarding this setup!

Quick Links:

Download DD-WRT v24 SP1 for WGR614L

Browse Firmware Downloads | Ask A Question On Our Forums | Serial Console How-To

So... you bought a WGR614L or WGR614v8 router, or perhaps the WNR3500 Version L, U or 2 router.  You've also been hearing a lot about this "firmware upgrade" and "DD-WRT" stuff but have no idea where to begin.

If you look around, you will see there are all kinds of firmware versions out there.  Once in a while, you'll hear about people have upgraded to the wrong thing and it "bricked" their router.  You hear that one firmware does one thing and another firmware does something different; some do it better while some others don't, and so on.  It can be confusing and even a bit intimidating.

I'm here to show you how easy it can be to find the right firmware for your router, and also share some simple upgrading steps and best practices.

Rules for Basic Firmware Installation

First, there are some general rules that apply to both the WGR614 and WNR3500 routers when applying a new firmware.  If you follow these steps, it will help to ensure a quality upgrade.

Always update via a wired connection. This eliminates the chance of errors. If you are running a computer that is both wired and wireless disable wireless. When completed you can turn it back on.

You always want to start with a clean slate when changing firmware.  The best way to do this is to do a 30-30-30 reset.

To do a 30-30-30 reset, you must push the reset button with your router powered on. Hold it for 30 seconds with the router powered on.  STILL holding it, pull the power cord for 30 seconds. Still holding it, plug the router back in and continue to hold the reset button for 30 more seconds. You will have held the button for a full 90 seconds without releasing it.  

After your router has reset, wait a few minutes for everything to stabilize before installing the new firmware.  Your router should now be using the address of 192.168.1.1. If it is not at this address, start over or read more on resetting your router here.

After flashing a new firmware to your router wait least for several minutes before doing anything with it. This gives it time to make sure all the NVRAM settings are configured. Then do a soft reset of the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

After flashing your router with new DD-WRT firmware go to 192.168.1.1 in your web browser. You should be met with a screen asking you to set your login and password. You know then that everything took.

Installing DD-WRT Firmware is a Two Step Process

This is where a lot of folks get confused. The factory NETGEAR firmware uses a filename that ends with the extension of .CHK, whereas the DD-WRT firmware's filename has an extension of .BIN. You can't simply use the NETGEAR GUI to install DD-WRT. It will say that it is not compatible.

So, what you have to do is install a temporary firmware that is created by the folks at DD-WRT.  It comes with a filename with the extension of .CHK. You first install it from the NETGEAR Factory GUI then you install your permanent DD-WRT firmware afterwards.

This goes for both the WGR614 and the WNR3500. We will describe the individual files later in this article.

Where To Get the Right Firmware Files

DD-WRT is a free third party developed firmware that, basically, is built by volunteers.  We host several firmware files for both the WGR614 and the WNR3500; you can find them via the "Downloads" tab at the top of every page for your convenience.

Note: Since they are constantly putting out new beta or test firmware, the downloads here may not be entirely up to date.  It's always good to check the main repository first to verify that a new build was not just released.

The folks at DD-WRT have made it easy to determine what their latest recommended firmware is and what their latest test or beta versions are.

There is a router database located at http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database. All you have to do is simply type in the model of the router you have and you will get their latest recommended firmwares. These should not be confused with their latest beta or test builds you may have heard about; these are tried and true firmwares that you can install with confidence.

When in the router database, simply type in your router model and you will be shown what is available.

For example, on the WGR614:

As you can see it shows the various models and if they are supported. If you have a WGR614 V8 you will see that it is supported and if you click on it you will see their recommended firmware.

This makes it very easy to find the recommended firmware for your router.

Note: Some people warn that the Router Database my not be correct for their particular router. We have found that so far it has worked fine for both the WGR614 and the WNR3500.

How to find "BETA" or "Test" DD-WRT Firmware

It gets a lot more confusing if you want to find the latest firmware builds by the folks over at DD-WRT. They have created a download area here. This download area lists all the files they have created for public use and it is quite a big file list at this point!

Without going into alot of detail as to why, the files you would be looking for regarding the NETGEAR routers would be listed under http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/down.php?path=downloads%2Fothers%2Feko/

Then, depending on who compiled the files, the ones you may be looking for would be under BrainSlayer-V24-preSP2 or possibly under V24-K26 or maybe even under V24_TNG. Hence why it gets so confusing. If you want to see a full explanation of the different file folders see here.

However, since this particular article isn't about how to get the latest beta or test firmware but rather, how to upgrade easily, we will stick with the basic install process. Once you have become familiar with DD-WRT then you can look into testing newer firmwares.

DD-WRT and WGR614 Models

You first need to check and see if your WGR614 router is the correct model to install DD-WRT onto.  There are serveral models of the WGR614 routers. If you are not sure which one you have flip it over and take a look at the label.

As you can see this picture above is a Version 9 model.

At this time the only 2 WGR model versions able to use DD-WRT are the "L" version and the "8" version. 

DD-WRT and WNR3500 Model Routers

With the WNR3500 it can get a little confusing on the model numbers. Before upgrading to DD-WRT you first need to determine which one you have.

Here are the various options.

WNR3500 V1 - Cannot install DD-WRT

WNR3500 "U" or "L"  - Can install DD-WRT and has 8MB flash and has an USB port.

WNR3500 V2 - Can install DD-WRT, has a 4 MB flash and no USB port.

Its very important that you know which model number of router you have. For example you don't want to accidently brick your router by trying to install a firmware over 4MB on a V2 unit!

If you have a WGR614 Router go to Page 2 to see how to install DD-WRT if you have a WNR3500 click on page 3

Installing DD-WRT on the WGR614 Router

As we mentioned earlier, upgrading to DD-WRT is a two step process. You need to download these two files. 

Special WGR614 v8/L image for initial flashing and  DD-WRT Mini Generic BIN Version 13064

These are the two firmware files you will use. They will be zipped files. You will need to unzip and place them in a folder to access from your web browser. If you are unfamiliar with ZIP files, just Google it and you will find everything you need to work with them, regardless of what operating system your computer uses.

Upgrading to the initial file is easy as 1, 2, 3. (After you have performed the basic reset steps above)

1. Point your web browser to 192.168.1.1, click on "Router Upgrade"
2. Click on Browse and find the dd-wrt.v24_mini-wgr614v8-L-13064.chk you unzipped earlier.
3. Click on Upgrade.

After this, your router will reboot. Wait 3-5 minutes and again log into 192.168.1.1 in your browser. If you are presented with a screen asking you to set your name and password then you are good to go. For now enter "root" as the username and "admin" as the password. You can change this later.

Once logged in go to "Administration"> Firmware Upgrade.

Change  the "After flashing, reset to" to "Reset to Default Settings"

Browse to the dd-wrt.v24_13064_mini_generic.bin file you unzipped. Choose it and click on "Upgrade" 

Again, wait for 3-5 minutes for for the upgrade and everythng to settle down with all the default settings before doing anything.

Once done you can now log into 192.168.1.1 in your browser and create or change any settings you require.

That's it. You have upgraded to DD-WRT.  At this point if all works for you as needed there is no real reason you need to upgrade from there. But if you care to do so watch the forums or the downloads area here for the latest firmwares.

Installing DD-WRT on the WNR3500 Router

Similalrly to the WGR614L, upgrading to DD-WRT is a two step process.

You need to download these files. NETGEAR WNR3500L DD-WRT Firmware: Special File for Initial Flashing

Then either NETGEAR WNR3500L DD-WRT Firmware: Standard Version if you have a WNR3500V2 or a WNR3500L or a WNR3500U that you don't care about USB access. If you have a WNR3500L or a WNR3500U and want USB hard drive access then download this file NETGEAR WNR3500L DD-WRT Firmware: Standard_USB_FTP

These will be the two firmware files you will use. They will be zipped files. You will need to unzip and place them in a folder to access from your web browser. If you are unfamiliar with ZIP files just google it and you will find everything you need to work with them, regardless of what operating system your computer uses.

Upgrading to the initial file is easy as 1, 2, 3. (After you performed the basic reset steps above)

1. Point your web browser to 192.168.1.1, click on "Router Upgrade"
2. Click on Browse and find the dd-wrt.v24-13309_NEWD-2_K2.6_mini-WNR3500L.chk you unzipped earlier.
3. Click on Upgrade.

After this your router will reboot. Wait 3-5 minutes and again log into 192.168.1.1 in your browser. If you are presented with a screen asking you to set your name and password then you are good to go. For now enter "root" as the username and "admin" as the password. You can change this later.

Once logged in go to "Administration"> Firmware Upgrade.

Change  the "After flashing, reset to" to "Reset to Default Settings"

Then browse to the dd-wrt.v24-13309_NEWD-2_K2.6_std.bin or the dd-wrt.v24-13309_NEWD-2_K2.6_std_usb_ftp.bin, file you unzipped. Choose it and click on "Upgrade"

Again, wait for 3-5 minutes for the upgrade and everything to settle down with all the default settings before doing anything.

Once complete, you can now log into 192.168.1.1 in your browser and create or change any settings you require.

That's it. You have upgraded to DD-WRT.  At this point if all works for you as needed there is no real reason you need to upgrade from there. But if you care to do so watch the forums or the downloads area here for the latest firmwares.

Go to the next page to see all the various DD-WRT versions.

DD-WRT Versions

If you look around you will see several versions of  DD-WRT. Although it may change in the future, here are the basic details as of the creation of this writeup.

DD-WRT Versions for the WGR614

From the DD-WRT Wiki  for V24_pre_sp2 K24 these are the various Build Features and what is included. 

Notes

(1)Official dd-wrt builds by Brainslayer
(2)Eko specialized Builds
(3)Smaller VPN JFFS builds are available for 4MB units: downloads/others/eko
(4)Only on DD-WRT v24 (8MB+ flash required)
(5)Apparently, IPv6-related features DO NOT work by default in DD-WRT v24. See IPv6 on v24.
(6)Not available on VPN-builds for v24sp1 (see prerequisites for JFFS).
(7) CFE Compressor needed to run.

For the WGR614 router what you would be looking for would be a firmware file named something like dd-wrt.v24_TYPE_generic.bin where the "TYPE" is one of the features shown above.

Keep in mind that WGR614 only has 4MB available to Flash. So when choosing a firmware make sure you choose one under 4MB.  

DD-WRT Versions for the WNR3500L

From the DD-WRT Wiki  for V24_pre_sp2 K26 these are the various Build Features and what is included. DO NOT use a K26 version for WNR3500L.

Hopefully this information helps and answers some questions but if you get stuck or have any issues or questions on DD-WRT and your NETGEAR router there are lot's of experienced members here so don't hesitate to ask questions!

The NETGEAR N600 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit ADSL2+ Modem Router is the Ultimate Integrated DSL Networking Gateway. It offers concurrent dual band technology which avoids interference and ensures top speeds and the greatest range for demanding applications, such as streaming HD video and multiplayer gaming. Complete with a built-in DSL modem, it is compatible with all major DSL Internet service providers.

• All-in-one — Built-in ADSL2+ modem and WAN Gigabit Ethernet port for cable/fiber combined with a wireless router create the Ultimate Integrated Home Gateway
• Concurrent Dual band — Eusuring top speeds and the greatest range while minimizing interference
• Faster multimedia streaming — Provides Wireless-N speed for streaming HD videos, simultaneous downloads, and online gaming in addition to basic Internet applications
• Shared storage — Two (2) ports for ReadySHARE® USB Storage Access provides fast and easy shared access to an external USB storage device
• Live Parental Controls — Keeps your Internet experience safe
• Guest network access — Provides separate security and access restrictions for guests using the network
• Secured connection — Push ‘N’ Connect ensures a quick and secure network connection
• Broadband usage meter — Monitors Internet traffic and sends customized reports to help keep costs under control
• Easy installation — Connect to PC and open your browser to install
• Compatibility — Compatible with all major ADSL Internet service providers (ISPs)
• Broadband usage meter — Monitors Internet traffic and sends customized reports to help keep costs under control

DGND3700 Specifications

Advanced Features

• Live Parental Controls with flexible and customizable filter settings
• Simultaneous Dual Band—2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation
• Two (2) ports for ReadySHARE® USB Storage Access—supports FAT16/32, NTFS Read/Write
• DLNA®—stream media to DLNA media players
• Multiple SSID guest networks (separate security and access restrictions)
• Broadband usage meter measures Internet usage
• Power and Wi-Fi on/off buttons

Package Contents

• N750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router (WNDR4000)
• Stand
• Ethernet cable
• NETGEAR Genie™ installation CD
• Power adapter, localized to country of sale

Warranty

• Localized to country of sale

System Requirements

• Broadband (cable, DSL) Internet service and modem with Ethernet connection
• 2.4 or 5.0 GHz 802.11a/b/g/n specification wireless adapter or an Ethernet adapter and cable for each computer
• Microsoft® Windows® 7, Vista®, XP, 2000, Mac OS®, UNIX®, or Linux®
• Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 5.0, Firefox® 2.0 or Safari 1.4 or higher
• Use with an N600 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter (WNDA3100 for maximum performance)

Standards

• IEEE 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz
• IEEE 802.11 a/n 5.0 GHz
• Five (5) 10/100/1000 (1 WAN and 4 LAN) Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Two (2) USB 2.0 ports
• One (1) ADSL2+ port

Performance

• All-in-one—High Speed ADSL2+ Modem (built-in) and WAN Gigabit Ethernet port for cable/fiber
• Powerful Dual Core (400 MHz each) processor
• High speed access to external USB storage using 2 USB 2.0 ports
• Memory: 128 MB Flash and 128 MB RAM
• Five (5) (1 WAN, 4 LAN) Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Advanced Quality of Service (QoS)

Security

• Wi-Fi Protected Access® (WPA/WPA2—PSK) and WEP
• Double firewall protection (SPI and NAT firewall)
• Denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevention

Ease of Use

• Easy installation—connect to PC and open your browser to install
• Push ‘N’ Connect using Wi-Fi Protected Setup® (WPS)¹

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 223 x 153 x 31 mm (8.8 x 6.0 x 1.2 in)
• Weight: 0.5 kg (1.2 lb)

[More information at NETGEAR's official site]

We live in a world of apps. Apps are everywhere and lie at the core of most of our mobile computing lives--especially when it comes to tablets and smartphones. Lesser known is the ability to install apps on network connected devices, such as network-attached-storage (NAS) products and other equipment.

In the past, this has usually been done through direct installation--one has to download the app and install it through the GUI of the network device.  This has been a common practice with the NETGEAR ReadyNAS series of products for quite some time. However, NETGEAR aims to really change how the average user (and power users, too) interact and expand the value of all their networked equipment, including they router itself.

As part of NETGEAR's Developer Program and Smart Network, users are able to use the Genie+ Marketplace to install apps directly to their compatible routers, NAS devices, and other network equipment. Although this service was just revealed, and it is quite new, I'm happy to say that it's not only exciting, but useful and well-executed so far. Let's take a look at how it works.

Make Sure You Have a Compatible Device & Update to Latest Firmware

Currently, only a few devices are supported: the ReadyNAS Duo v2, ReadyNAS NV+ v2, and WNR3500Lv2. NETGEAR's Smart Network FAQ states that every month, additional devices will be added until all routers, gateways, STB, and NAS products are included in the program. This is very exciting for NETGEAR fans!

Assuming that one has a compatible device, it's important to make sure that it's updated to the latest firmware, as the updates for these products enable the Genie+ Marketplace functionality, and are essential for using the service.

Sign Up for a Genie+ Marketplace Account

The first step is to create a username and password to use to the Genie+ Marketplace--a pretty standard process with any "app store" I've used, including the Apple App Store, Amazon App Store, and Google Play store.

Verify Your NETGEAR Devices With the Genie+ Marketplace

Once logged in and ready to go, it's easy to verify and connect the devices in a network to the marketplace. In fact, the Marketplace dashboard will automatically detect and display the compatible devices that you own. You simply have to click on the device and verify via email to get started. I didn't have any problem with this, and verification was virtually instantaneous.

Browse, Download, and Install Apps

For a first version, early on the service, the Genie+ Marketplace is pretty well designed, and while not gorgeous in an Apple-like way, it's very functional. The Marketplace tab lists the apps available for each device in your network.

Clicking the icon for each will open a separate tab with details on the app, what the app does, as well as ratings for the app. I had no problem at all installing a few free apps for my WNR3500Lv2 as well as a paid app for my ReadyNAS.

Using the Genie+ Marketplace Apps

For the WNR3500Lv2, I installed the "Guest Network" and "WiFi Settings" applications. The former allows one to enable and disable as well as configure the guest network for their router remotely, and the "WiFi Settings" app allows the same, except for the main network.

Both work flawlessly, both from local browsers and remotely via my Android phone using a browser--pretty handy if I was out of town and needed to change settings. The Marketplace dashboard acts as a gateway to securely access the router.

For the ReadyNAS app, the Marketplace process again went smoothly, automatically installing the Subsonic software on my NAS. (The Subsonic software allows remote streaming of media files located on the ReadyNAS to other computers, mobile devices, and other compatible devices--even Chumby! I plan on reviewing this separately.)

Conclusions

The NETGEAR Genie+ Marketplace and the Smart Network developer initiative gets my networking geek juices flowing, but in all reality, it's really intended to be a solution for the "everyman and everywoman" user who wants to add cool features to their network devices without having to actually *be* a networking geek.

As it stands, the service is functional and works well. I didn't encounter any bugs, but at the same time the service is still very much in its infancy. I hope there's a lot more to come from third party developers, and that customers see the value in adding these apps to their routers and other devices. I think it's also important that developers who create these apps are compensated, but I'm curious how many users will be willing to fork over the cash--it will be worth it if all the apps work as well as the free introductory apps I tested.

All in all, the Genie+ Marketplace is something all NETGEAR fans and owners should keep their eyes on. I expect that as time goes by and additional devices are added, this could become a regular feature in all networking devices for years to come.

Even the most seasoned DD-WRT veteran can appreciate when a solution comes along that makes managing one's router an easier, more portable task than accessing it through a desktop web browser. Similiarly, users who are newer to DD-WRT have been asking for an easier way to configure their setup for quite some time. Fortunately, Darren Jones of DAP Logic comes to the rescue with a recently revamped version of his DD-WRT app for iOS devices, which I fell in love with immediately. (Disclaimer: Darren was kind enough to give me access to the final beta for purposes of this review.)

What is the DD-WRT app?

Simply put, this app is designed to make managing DD-WRT enabled wireless routers a little bit easier and friendlier, as well as give users that ability right in the palm of the hand.

The application essentially does two things. First, it provides many simplified, stylized screens that can be used to perform various functions (e.g., rebooting the router) or check the status of the router (e.g., bandwidth usage, connected clients, etc.) Second, the app provides a handy window into the DD-WRT web interface embedded right within.

Getting Started

I found the setup on this app to be incredibly easy. I clicked the "Add Router" button on the main screen, input the information for my router including the IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 of course) and my username and password... and I was in. Simple as that.

Of course, one could also access router settings when outside the home network if the router is set up to allow external access and the public IP is known (or a managed DNS setup is used, e.g., DynDNS)

Using the Built-In Tools

The DD-WRT app's main feature is quickly displaying important information and giving access to commonly used features without having to wade through the often nebulous and thick DD-WRT web interface.

Once the app is open, users will be presented with the "System Info" screen, detailing the router name, model, MAC address info, current IP address, uptime, and more.

Swiping to the right will reveal a panel allowing access to the other features of the app. These are all available to view in DD-WRT's web interface, but the app displays the data in an easy-to-read, portable format. Several options are available here, including viewing the live data on connected wired and wireless clients, live bandwidth monitoring, and more. The app also has built-in tools to add port forwarding and port range forwarding rules on the fly.

In total, these are the functions the built-in tools of the app can perform, without ever having to go to the web based interface:

• System Information
• Live Data on Connected Clients
• Monthly Usage Graph
• Live Usage Graph
• Routing Tables
• Port Forwarding
• Port Range Forwarding
• WAN DHCP Release/Renew
• Wake on LAN
• Send Command
• Telnet
• Reboot Router
• Turn Wireless Radio On/Off
• Overplay

Changing the App Colors

I can attest that sometimes, it's the little things that make all the difference, and this is one of them. If I plan on spending any great deal of time within an app, I like it to have a look that suits me. I personally abhor Apple's (and many developers') use of skeuomorphism... and the previous version of this app employed a "leather" look that really didn't appeal to me. Thankfully, this updated version not only has a clean, modern style but the abillity to tweak the app's colors. I can see this being especially useful for themers/jailbreakers who may want to have the app match the rest of their chosen theme.

Accessing DD-WRT's Web Interface

For the more advanced features of DD-WRT, the app offers an easy-to-access window from right within the main menu. Simply tap the "Web Interface" button and a menu of options will appear.

These options mirror those found in the web interface, and tapping on one will bring up the appropriate page in a window -- without having to go to a web browser.

Conclusions

As I stated before, I fell in love with this app right away, simply because it does exactly what it says it will do. The program does away with useless visual flourishes and focuses on the core features and functionality -- something I imagine will resonate with the crowd here as well as it did with me.

At $3.99 USD, the price for the app might cause some users to hesitate a bit; after all, it simply duplicates the functionality of the web interface that is already there. However, anyone who is looking for a slick, well-designed, simple way to administer their router -- especially on the go -- will love this app. In addition, the developer, Darren Jones, is very responsive. He's been active on the DD-WRT forums, and this new version is the result of user requests and input.

As such, I'd recommend this app. I think it will provide the most value for active users of iOS and DD-WRT. You can snag the app on the App Store (note that it is an iPhone app, but works fine on larger devices. Maybe a Universal app will come sometime in the future!)

Pros:

• Works perfectly; never crashed or failed once and delivers what it says it will
• Looks great
• Easy to use and configure
• Ability to configure color of the app is neat

Cons:

• Somewhat "expensive" by App Store standards (worth it, but may be a con for some)
• Not a Universal app; Web Interface screens blurry on iPad in zoomed resolution

Press release - BERLIN - September 4, 2013 NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR)

(www.netgear.com), a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, is demonstrating its newest solutions for the Connected Home and growing businesses at the IFA trade show for consumer electronics (http://b2b.ifa-berlin.com) in Berlin running from September 6 through September 11. NETGEAR will be located in Hall 17, Booth 121 of the Messe Berlin exhibition center.

"We enjoy coming to IFA as it's an opportunity for us to put the spotlight on our latest networking solutions that are the most relevant for today's connected European lifestyle," said Lionel Paris, director of EMEA product marketing for NETGEAR. "For example, in Europe there are many older buildings constructed of materials that can present a challenge to wireless signals, and there never seem to be enough electrical outlets. So, the demonstrations in our IFA booth emphasize the broad range of WiFi, powerline, storage and media networking products NETGEAR offers to make connectivity easier in your home as well as your workplace."

Extending Your Internet to Power Outlets

NETGEAR is highlighting two powerline adapters at IFA, the brand-new Powerline 600 PassThru 4-port Adapter (XAVB6504) and the Powerline 500 Nano PassThru 1-Port (XAVB5401). Both offer easy, plug-and-play setup and extend your Internet access to any electrical outlet, supporting faster speeds perfect for demanding applications such as multiple HD/3D video streams and multiplayer gaming. You use these adapters to connect any Ethernet-enabled device such as Smart HDTVs, HD set-top boxes, HD/3D videos, Blu-ray(TM) players, DVRs, PCs or game consoles to your home network and the Internet. Their compact, elegant designs include a convenient pass-through power outlet so you can connect the powerline device directly into the wall socket but still have space to plug in a power strip for all your home office or home theater devices. Both save energy by automatically powering down when not connected or in use.

The new Powerline 600 PassThru 4-Port Adapter (XAVB6504) makes its public debut at IFA. It is a new-generation 600 Mbps product compliant with the new HomePlug(R) AV2 SISO standard and ideal for HD media streaming. It is the first four-port Powerline adapter to use the new and innovative SmartLink(TM) Plus technology, which is designed to deliver an extremely high level of performance, increase quality of service, and extend coverage by using all three copper wires in the power wiring. With one Gigabit port and three Fast Ethernet ports, you can experience maximum connectivity with simultaneous connections for four devices to your home network using the Gigabit Ethernet port for high performance applications such as HD streaming and online gaming. The Powerline 600 PassThru 4-Port Adapter (XAVB6504) is expected to begin shipping to major retailers this fall. More information is at www.netgear.com/home/products/powerline-and-coax/high-performance/XAVB6504.aspx

Available via major retail channels and online later this month, the Powerline 500 Nano PassThru 1-Port Adapter (XAVB5401) is a 500 Mbps product compliant with HomePlug(R) AV and IEEE1901 standard that includes one Fast Ethernet port to connect any Ethernet-enabled device. More information is at http://www.netgear.fr/home/products/powerline-and-coax/high-performance/XAVB5401.aspx

NETGEAR makes it easy for you to manage Powerline devices such as the XAVB6504 and the XAVB5401 on your network through NETGEAR genie(R), a free app that enables home users to control, monitor, repair and manage their home networks easily through a simple, elegant dashboard. With the Powerline Network Map, you can measure the speed between Powerline devices and customize the device settings. NETGEAR customers can download the utility at http://www.netgear.com/genie.

Bridging the Wireless Gap

Another product NETGEAR is launching at IFA is the Universal Pass-Through WiFi Range Extender (WN3100RP). Not only does it extend the range of any wireless router or gateway to alleviate "dead spots," it can also act as a Wireless-N bridge to connect a gaming console, DVR, Internet TV, or Blu-ray player to your network. The elegant wall-plug design with pass-through outlet enables convenient placement, as you can still use the wall socket even after the device is installed. What makes the WN3100RP stand out from other extenders are its dynamic LED arrow indicators, as they take the guesswork out of finding the best location to place the extender in relation to the router, to ensure optimal wireless coverage. The Range Extender LEDs also display real-time, end-to-end network status. The Universal Pass Through WiFi Range Extender (WN3100RP) will become available via major retailers and online later this month. More information is at www.netgear.com/home/products/wireless-range-extenders/WN3100RP.aspx

802.11ac WiFi is the New Definition of Speed

At IFA, NETGEAR is highlighting its recently expanded family of next-generation 802.11ac wireless products (www.netgear.com/fastestwifi), which are backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n to provide optimal performance with legacy WiFi devices. The new 802.11ac wireless standard is the world's fastest WiFi, providing Gigabit WiFi speeds so you can download web content faster and synchronize large video or music files more quickly. The increased speed of 802.11ac technology is ideal for HD streaming to multiple devices, including new or upgraded devices that integrate 802.11ac WiFi support, such as the MacBook Air(R) and smartphones like the new Samsung Galaxy S(R)4 and the HTC One(R). It provides up to three times the performance of devices using the current 802.11n WiFi standard.

Routers: The R6300 WiFi Router supports approximate combined Gigabit WiFi speeds up to 1750 Mbps* (450 Mbps @ 2.4 GHz 802.11n + 1300 Mbps @ 5 GHz 802.11ac), for people who want the best possible performance in both bands. The R6250 Smart WiFi Router supports approximate combined Gigabit WiFi speeds up to 1600 Mbps* (300 Mbps @ 2.4 GHz 802.11n + 1300 Mbps @ 5 GHz 802.11ac), for people who don't feel the need to have the fastest 802.11n WiFi performance in the 2.4 GHz band. The R6200 WiFi Router supports approximate combined WiFi speeds up to 1167 Mbps* (300 Mbps @ 2.4 GHz 802.11n + 867 Mbps @ 5 GHz 802.11ac). A newer version of R6200 and the R6300 (version 2) will be available in Europe this fall with a more powerful and faster 800 MHz processor and a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port that is up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0 interface -- already available in the R6250.

The R6300, R6250 and R6200 802.11ac routers also support NETGEAR Beamforming+, which locks onto the location of a wireless device on your network and directs the WiFi signal directly at the device. Wherever you go in your home with your phones, tablets or laptops, the WiFi signal focuses on your location for optimum speed, delivering the experiences you want: fast downloads, clearer voice calls, uninterrupted HD video, and lag-free gaming.

Adapters: The A6200 WiFi USB Adapter is a dual band WiFi adapter that enables you to easily upgrade an existing PC or laptop to 802.11ac performance up to 300/867 Mbps*. The new A6100 WiFi USB Mini Adapter is a small-sized dual band WiFi adapter you can use to upgrade your laptop to 802.11ac performance up to 150/433 Mbps*.

Modem Routers: The D6300 WiFi Modem Router with a built-in ADSL2+ modem creates a high-speed Internet gateway with approximate combined WiFi speeds up to 1600 Mbps*. Advanced features include ReadySHARE(R) Cloud, which enables remote access to a USB hard drive. The D6200 WiFi Modem Router comes with a built-in ADSL2+ modem and offers approximate combined WiFi speeds up to 1167 Mbps*. The D6300B and D6200B are the first 802.11ac Annex B DSL Gateways available today in Germany.

In addition to offering the ultimate in wireless range and performance, the routers in the NETGEAR 802.11ac family offer many advanced features. Besides NETGEAR genie (http://www.netgear.com/genie), features include guest networks, free Live Parental Controls, a broadband usage meter, MyMedia(R) for finding and playing media files anywhere in your network, DLNA(R) support, ReadySHARE(R) USB access and ReadySHARE printer support.

Mirroring Content Wirelessly to Your TV

The NETGEAR Push2TV(R) Wireless Display Adapter (PTV3000) (www.netgear.com/landing/stream/tv/#push2tv) enables you to mirror whatever is displayed on your Intel(R) WiDi and Miracast(TM) supported smartphone, tablet, or laptop screen on your HDTV, wirelessly, up to 1080p video resolution with 5.1 surround sound audio. Using standard Wi-Fi technology, your smartphone, tablet or laptop screen is displayed on your TV without the need for cables stretching across your room. You can play your favorite online videos or enjoy a slide show of your photos wirelessly on your big screen TV, without having to connect your device to the TV using HDMI or A/V cables.

Making Storage Easy via New ReadyNAS Models

Earlier this spring, NETGEAR introduced a new portfolio of ReadyNAS(R) networked-attached-storage (NAS) products (www.netgear.com/readynas) which run on the revolutionary ReadyNAS operating system. This custom-built OS protects stored data not only with X-RAID2(R) automatic expansion, but is the first desktop NAS for the SMB to feature continuous data protection through unlimited snapshots, easy disaster recovery with cloud-managed replication and native threat protection with real-time anti-virus.

The six-bay ReadyNAS 500 Series (RN516xx) desktop model offers the highest performance in the desktop family and is designed for small to medium sized business networks supporting up to 250 concurrent users. The ReadyNAS 300 Series (RN312xx, RN314xx, RN316xx) is optimized for small business networks and remote or branch office needs, and offers two-bay, four-bay, and six-bay desktop models. The entry level ReadyNAS 100 Series (RN102xx, RN104xx) is designed for home use, and comes in two-bay and four-bay desktop models. Each series is offered as either diskless or populated with drives.

About NETGEAR, Inc.

(NASDAQGM: NTGR) is a global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers. For consumers, the company makes high performance, dependable and easy to use home networking, storage and digital media products to connect people with the Internet and their content and devices. For businesses, NETGEAR provides networking, storage and security solutions without the cost and complexity of big IT. The company also supplies top service providers with retail-proven, mobile broadband solutions for their customers on the go. NETGEAR products are built on a variety of proven technologies such as wireless, Ethernet and Powerline, with a focus on reliability and ease-of-use. NETGEAR products are sold in approximately 45,000 retail locations around the globe, and through approximately 40,000 value-added resellers. The company's headquarters are in San Jose, Calif., with additional offices in over 25 countries. NETGEAR is an ENERGY STAR® partner. More information is available at www.NETGEAR.com or by calling (408) 907-8000. Connect with NETGEAR at twitter.com/NETGEAR and www.facebook.com/NETGEAR.

© 2013 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, and NETGEAR genie are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. DOCSIS is a trademark and/or registered trademark of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. Other brand names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective holder(s). Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

*Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE standard 802.11 specifications. Actual data throughput and wireless coverage will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, interference, and building construction may lower actual data throughput and wireless coverage. NETGEAR makes no express or implied representations or warranties about this product's compatibility with any future standards.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for NETGEAR, Inc.: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Specifically, statements concerning NETGEAR's business and the expected performance characteristics, specifications, reliability, market acceptance, market growth, specific uses, user feedback and market position of NETGEAR's products and technology are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the following: the actual price, performance and ease of use of NETGEAR's products may not meet the price, performance and ease of use requirements of customers; product performance may be adversely affected by real world operating conditions; failure of products may under certain circumstances cause permanent loss of end user data; new viruses or Internet threats may develop that challenge the effectiveness of security features in NETGEAR's products; the ability of NETGEAR to market and sell its products and technology; the impact and pricing of competing products; and the introduction of alternative technological solutions. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect NETGEAR and its business are detailed in the Company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. NETGEAR undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The Heartbleed vulnerability allows an attacker to read random 64k blocks of memory of the service using OpenSSL (with TLS). Since every request delivers another 64k memory block an attacker could retrieve sensitive data from the service i.e. private keys. More detailed information about Heartbleed can be found in the security advisory:

http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/720951 and here http://www.infoq.com/news/2014/04/heartbleed-ssl

This vulnerability is only if running the following services are using OpenSSL with TLS:

• openvpn
• squid
• freeradius
• asterisk
• curl
• pound
• tor
• transmission

Depending on your setup you may not be affected by Heartbleed.

In addition, NETGEAR confirms there are no vulnerabilities to the Heartbleed bug in thier routers running factory firmware.

If you are running and old version of DD-WRT, Tomato or a NETGEAR supplied DD-WRT buid here are the links for new builds that have the Heartbleed fixes

DD-WRT Releases by Kong

• DD-WRT K3 for NETGEAR R6300v2 WiFi Router Kong
• DD-WRT K3 for NETGEAR R6250 WiFi Router Kong
• DD-WRT K3 for NETGEAR R7000 Nighthawk WiFi Router Kong build
• DD-WRT Kong Mod WNDR4500V1/V2 Updated with latest openssl for Heartbleed

Tomato Releases

• Tomato by Shibby for WNR3500Lv1 117-VPN
• Tomato by Shibby for WNR3500Lv2 v117 (All In One)
• Tomato by Toastman for WNR3500Lv1 1.28.7505 (USB)
• Tomato by Toastman for WNR3500Lv1 1.28.7505 (VPN)
• Tomato by Toastman for WNR3500Lv2 1.28.7505

DD-WRT Releases by NETGEAR

The NETGEAR AC1750 Smart Wi-Fi Router with external antennas delivers extremely fast Wi-Fi. With AC1750 Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet speeds, and high-powered external antennas, this router offers ultimate performance in wireless coverage for large homes with 12 or more wireless devices. It gets 3x faster access than similar 802.11n.

• AC1750 Wi-Fi - 450+1300 Mbps speeds and high-power external antennas
• Ideal for homes with 12 or more Wi-Fi devices
• NETGEAR genie App - Enjoy more of your connected home
• One USB 3.0 Port and one USB 2.0 Port
• Beamforming + focuses Wi-Fi signals from the wireless router to Wi-Fi devices
• 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Advanced Quality of Service (QoS)
• Parental Controls - Web filtering for all your connected devices

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) began discussing the potential ban of open source firmware on WiFi routers in March of 2015.  According to Thomas Claburn’s article “FCC: No Ban On Open Source Firmware” on Informationweek.com, the understanding of this proposal was that “third parties (should not be) able to reprogram the device to operate outside of the parameters for which the device was certified.”

The use of open source firmware will allow routers to be more powerful and increase their functionality. We all know how important it is to the networking community to continue to be able to do so.

With the help and understanding provided by many enthusiasts within the community of open source firmware (like the awesome folks here at MyOpenRouter!) the FCC has modified its proposal to allow open source firmware.   The FCC did however forbid adjustments that would create a router that is “out of compliance.”

More information and details can be found on the web:

http://www.informationweek.com/government/cybersecurity/fcc-no-ban-on-open-source-firmware/d/d-id/1323148

http://www.engadget.com/2015/11/15/fcc-allows-custom-wifi-router-firmware/

For lucky D7800 owners, there is now an OpenWRT custom firmware available for download.

Head over to our downloads section to grab the alpha release, and make sure to post to our forums with what you think!

Famous firmware developer Kong has released his flavor of DD-WRT for the NETGEAR R6400 wireless router. Snag it here.

The following is a review of the Orbi router and satellite (RBK50). We have been having issues with a very old secondary router since moving into our 111-year old house 3 years ago. It seemed like every few days, we would have to reset the secondary router again because it lost its signal. Some days, this included multiple attempts before finally getting a stable connection. Finding something that could project through my 3 stories of lath and plaster (and cement in some areas) walls was difficult, and I’m happy to say that the Orbi stood up and accepted the challenge!

Setup was fast and easy. The Orbi brought a page up in my web browser and ran me through the setup. I was given the option to download NETGEAR Genie as part of the router setup. It even brought me to a page where it scanned for updates and allowed me to click “update all” for the firmware updates. I was completely finished in approximately 45 minutes. This included plugging in and setting up the router in my home office, placing and connecting the satellite in a second floor bedroom, downloading NETGEAR Genie on 2 separate devices (my desktop PC running Windows 10 and my mobile phone running Android 6.0.1), setting up an account with OpenDNS to set up parental controls, and adding the network to the immediately available devices (3 mobile phones, 2 laptops, and 1 desktop PC). It was not clear if I was setting it up in Router mode or Access Point mode, but I did find that information later while playing with the settings.

All testing was completed with the Orbi in router mode and placed up against my Xfinity modem/router (both devices broadcasting their own networks in an effort to test for interference from either device).

Despite the construction of my house and the Orbi Router’s placement, I had no problems accessing the network and getting amazing speeds on my Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. Through the original network on my Xfinity provided router, I was receiving download speeds between 25Mbps-57Mbps. Through the Orbi, I was receiving download speeds of approximately 125Mbps. Upload speeds were consistently around 25Mbps from each router. It did not seem to matter whether I was on the first floor with the router or on the second floor with the satellite, the speeds were consistent.

To test how far the network would reach, I went exploring with my Galaxy S7. I was able to connect to the network inside my detached garage with all the doors closed and in the park behind my house. This was the furthest connection, likely because the Orbi satellite was placed on a dresser near the back window on the second floor. I was able to go about 4 houses down in the other directions before losing the connection (the network was discoverable for several more houses, just couldn’t connect past the 4th house).  Tests on an older model iPad, which has no internet access other than through WiFi, got similar results.

I subsequently tested placing the Orbi Satellite in my detached garage (located approximately 40 feet from my backdoor) with all the house and metal garage doors fully closed. The Orbi Satellite had no problem locating the signal and forming a solid connection, allowing us full access inside the enclosed garage.

Downloading files showed blazing fast speeds. An approximately 58MB app update (the largest I’ve noted while connected to my Orbi network) took 2 seconds to download.

The only issue I’ve found is that, when adding the network manually to a device after disabling the SSID broadcast, I had to be aware of the case-sensitive nature of the SSID name in order for it to locate the hidden network. I also found that Netgear Genie app on my phone (didn’t seem to be an issue on my desktop) was insisting that the satellite, my desktop computer that the router is hardwired into, and my mobile phone all had 0% signal despite being able to use the devices and my mobile phone showing showing a solid, full connection with no issues. I imagine this may resolve itself or be remedied with an update to the app, but it didn't affect functionality at all. Additionally, OpenDNS was blocking sites like Accuweather.com despite my changing the settings to “none” under parental controls for each device (I had to turn off Live Parental Controls entirely to remedy this. I haven't heard of others experiencing this issue but wanted to mention it.)

In conclusion, I have been thoroughly pleased with the functionality and connection strength of the Orbi system and highly recommend it for those with larger homes, those with many connected devices, and for those running multiple high-bandwidth applications across multiple devices.

You can find more information on Orbi at NETGEAR's official site.
 

NETGEAR has released a brand new gaming router at CES 2018 which offers customization for online gaming! Its features include a 1.7 GHz dual-core processor, four(4) gigabit Ethernet ports, and a gaming focused dashboard.

Are you excited about this new NETGEAR gaming router? Post your thoughts on the forums!

Learn about the XR500 at NETGEAR's official site.

NETGEAR certainly had an ace up their sleeve when they introduced the XR500 Gaming Router this year. For quite a while now, the name "Nighthawk" has been synonymous with performance, especially for gamers, heavy media streamers, or homes with lots of connected devices or huge spaces needing coverage.

The XR500 really takes it to the next level (pun intended), however. While this router doesn't support open source firmware at time of release, we think the networking community should be stoked. Let's cover the basics first -- the hardware.

NETGEAR XR500 Hardware Specifications

• 5 Gigabit Ports
• 802.11AC 2.6 Gbps Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO, Simultaneous Dual-Band
• Dual-core 1.7 GHz processor
• High performance external antennas
• Additional DFS channels for 5 GHz
• Full specs here.

What makes the XR500 different?

As you can see, the hardware specs are quite impressive. The XR500 is not messing around in the tech department. But... what makes it a better choice compared to other powerhouse routers you know and love, like the R9000? It really depends on what you want to do with the router and how you plan to use it.

The XR500 is optimized for gaming, pure and simple -- however, this machine may be very interesting to fans of high-powered routers in general. Let's take a look at the special gaming features first.

The XR600's Gaming Features

Geo-Filter: Mainly intended for console gamers -- who usually have no control over which game server the program chooses -- the geo-filter blocks server connections far away from you to guarantee a local server. This means faster connections and lower ping times.

QoS: Easy to configure, visual QoS settings to help prioritize consoles, games, and more.

Network Monitor: Easily my favorite feature, this helps you see at a glance which devices are hogging bandwidth with visuals in real time.

Gaming VPN Client: This is another new exciting feature: a built-in VPN client! This is a rare sight in an out-of-the-box consumer router.

Currently, the well-known and popular HideMyAss VPN, also known as HMA, is compatible with this new feature. If you're not familiar with HideMyAss, it's a paid VPN with a huge network of servers, 5 simultaneous connections, no restrictions, and they don't log your activity. They've been in the game for a really long time (11 years) so we can see why they're a good choice for integration.

For those who want to choose a different VPN however, or those who already have a subscription to another service -- we do hope that NETGEAR significantly expands the list of supported providers for the XR500. Meanwhile, we can't wait to test out this feature.

Wait, what's DumaOS?

Ah, you finally noticed! The XR500 is running DumaOS, through a partnership with company NetDuma, the creators of DumaOS.

DumaOS is something really special -- it's fast, it looks great, and users can even customize the main dashboard of the router, prioritizing the "apps" most interesting to them -- and now it's running on ultra-powerful NETGEAR hardware.

Can I flash open source firmware to the XR500?

Not yet.

We don't know if there will be firmware ports, or if there are plans for them yet -- of course, we'll update as soon as we do.

Even if you're already running a router with DD-WRT, Tomato, OpenWRT, etc. -- the XR500 could be a great addition to your network as an AP, for example. We're having a lot of fun with it so far -- it's a new, exciting performer with lots of potential for both gamers.. and networking geeks like us!

More Information

• Buy the XR500 at Amazon
• NETGEAR's Official XR500 Site
• NetDuma Official Homepage
• HideMyAss! Official Homepage

tl;dr: Yes. Yes it does.

We've spent some time with the new XR500 gaming router from NETGEAR and it not only boasts impressive performance in real world use, but a fresh new OS (DumaOS from Netduma) that's powerful and easy to use. This is from the perspective of an "advanced" user familiar with routers and networking, but with special attention paid to "new" users.

Background

Your author won't be providing any extremely deep technical tests here; many trusted reviewers have gone into detail with these tests, and PC Gamer even declared the XR500 "the fastest we've tested" as of the time it was written. So, my goal here is to provide more of a look at what it's like to "live with" the XR500, the benefits, and why you might (or might not) be interested in one.

Our scenario here is in an ~1800 sq. ft. home with a 175 Mbps cable connection. There are roughly 30 Internet connected devices running, often many high-demand devices concurrently. Typically, the most common usecase is simultaneous use of desktop PC's and tablets for browsing and other activities as well as video streaming and online gaming, with PC or PlayStation 4.

The XR500 is placed in a central location in the home, which is a split-level 3 floor design with 2 car garage, typical of a 1950s-1970's American home.

Daily Performance of the NETGEAR XR500

Simply put, the XR500 delivers the fastest wireless speeds I have been ever able to achieve, especially through 2.4 GHz. With a Samsung Galaxy S7 edge phone, I can easily achieve ~130 Mbps speeds to that single device while streaming high quality audio and performing normal desktop tasks. On 5 Ghz in the same situation, the phone achieves ~160-170 Mbps (nearly the maximum it could possibly be.) I've witnessed this consistent performance across devices; of course, the more data being used the more it's spread between the devices, but no issues with achieving high speeds on wireless.

Furthermore, the range of the router is impressive, more so than any other I've tested (except for the R9000.) I can easily hang on to a signal well outside of my home, even when driving down the street, either on 2.4 or 5 Ghz. With my relatively normal sized home, I have absolutely no worries about getting adequate signal to any of my devices no matter where I am, be it inside the home, in the half-basement, or in the yard.

Finally, I have to mention the uptime. This router seems to never need to be rebooted for any reason, from my experience. The only times I've rebooted it were times I chose to, not from losing connection for example. The Wi-Fi, on both bands, has literally never dropped since I've taken it out of the box and set it up. Every user's experience may differ, but this router performed beyond my expectations.

The XR500 Looks Cool

I've never much been concerned with the look of a router, and much more concerned with how it works. That being said, the XR500 is pretty sexy for a router.

The styling cues remind me of Lamborghini, or perhaps a stealth fighter jet. It feels smaller than it looks in pictures, mostly due to its reduced weight. It's significanly less beefy and imposing than the R9000 (which can't be beat for pure presence)

The XR500 Is Super Easy to Use
 

The DumaOS interface featured in the XR500 is easy to use. I think this is the key takeaway for anyone looking to purchase this router. Most of the settings are controlled through a very friendly, but still informative and technical interface with a customizable dashboard. The features are well explained with tooltip help, so even new users can easily learn what each feature does and why it should or should not be enabled.

This is one of my favorite aspects of the XR500, since it makes advanced features "simple" to implement, even for a new user unfamiliar with the technology. It also makes it very straightforward to check the status of your router, how much data each device is using, the CPU/bandwidth stats, and so on. Even more advanced settings are available in a menu that will look familiar to users of NETGEAR routers, including the ability to run as a VPN client (explained further here)

Powerful Features Not Just for Gamers

Another key point to mention about the NETGEAR XR500 are the advanced features, aimed mostly at high performance gamers looking for uncompromising performance. Features such as the Geo-Filter basically "force" servers closer to your geographic location, and Anti-Bufferbloat helps to manage devices on your network that might be hogging bandwidth. The very-tweakable QoS (Quality of Service) settings allow you to easily set prioritization by device, too.

However, these features aren't just for gamers, not at all. "Average" users could certainly benefit from a way to easily prioritize devices, and using Anti-Bufferbloat when high traffic is detected. For example, I don't game online often, but when I do, it will kick in and give me the advantages when I need it.

No Open Source... yet

We're not aware of any open source router firmware projects for the XR500, nor if they will ever be available. We'd be very curious to hear from the developers out there what the potential might be for the XR500. Many MyOpenRouter fans would consider the lack of an open source firmware (e.g. DD-WRT, Tomato, etc.) to be a downside, but there's a lot to love here. Especially for a devoted gamer, I could see running the XR500 as the main router and a DD-WRT or Tomato router as an AP, for example.

There's also been some discussion here on the forums about going the other way around -- loading DumaOS on an R7800 due to the hardware similarities, and that a few users have possibly managed to make this work.

All of that being said, we're excited for the future of the XR500, for both gamers and router enthusiasts in general.

Would you like to see DumaOS ported to other NETGEAR routers officially? Interested in seeing Tomato or DD-WRT for the XR500? Post your thoughts on our forums!

How well does your home network handle the stress of multiple devices and multiple family members all trying to stream high definition videos, participate in video conferencing, and play online games with friends simultaneously?

With an increasing number of businesses and schools worldwide moving to remote workplace and homeschooling situations due to the existing global pandemic, the urgent need to improve home network speeds and capabilities for things such as video conferencing with Microsoft Teams has become paramount. Having the right network hardware can help maximize the existing capabilities of your connected devices and subscribed services. If you find your existing setup is insufficient for the new load being placed upon it, consider upgrading your hardware to match!

Looking for a Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 system that can handle up to 6 Gbps speeds on an 802.11ax network and can handle your general Internet needs? Consider the NETGEAR Orbi RBK852 router and satellite combo that supports up to 60+ devices and covers approximately 5,000 sq. ft. under a single powerful SSID, reducing the number of dead zones and slow-downs. It offers MU-MIMO, Smart Connect, and Beamforming technologies while supporting WPA2 wireless security protocols.

Maybe gaming is a higher priority?  Check out the NETGEAR Nighthawk AX12 12-Stream WiFi 6 Router (RAX200) that supports AX11000 Tri-Band wireless combined speeds of up to 10.8 Gbps over approximately 2,500 sq. ft. and 40+ Devices. It’s ideal for your iPhone 11 or Samsung Galaxy S20 devices and offers a 64-bit 1.8GHz quad-core processor, 8 amplified antennas, Beamforming+, MU-MIMO, Dynamic QoS, Smart Connect, OFDMA, Amazon Alexa Voice Controls, and much more!

Perhaps a cable modem-router combination device is needed to replace an existing combination device? The NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S AC3200 WiFi DOCSIS 3.1 Ultra-High Speed Cable Modem Router is the industry’s fastest cable modem router. It works with DOCSIS 3.0 and is prepared to handle your new DOCSIS 3.1 gigabit Internet speeds. It offers 32x8 channel bonding (in DOCSIS 3.0 mode) and offers blazing fast Internet speeds that rivals the speed of Fiber. Enjoy a quality experience while streaming multiple HD-quality videos to multiple devices, enjoying VR gaming, and more while eliminating Internet service provider equipment rental fees.

Maybe you’re happy with your existing hardware setup, but need to add a range extender or adapter to expand your network for full home connectivity? Check out the PLP2000 NETGEAR Powerline Adapter that supports combines speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps with 2 Gigabit Ethernet ports with Passthrough and an extra outlet. It’s perfect for connecting your smart TVs, streaming players, and game consoles with 4K HD streaming and lag-free gaming and allows you to use your existing electrical wiring to extend your Internet access to any room in your house.

Whatever your speed, coverage area, or capability needs, finding the hardware that can handle your work requirements while keeping your friends and family connected to each other is key!

The NETGEAR RAXE500 Nighthawk AXE11000 Tri-Band Smart Wi-Fi 6E Router offers ultra-fast speeds, smooth streaming, and lower latency for your 4K/8K streaming, AR/VR gaming, and video-conferencing. The RAXE500 gives you combined speeds up to 10.8Gbps and a powerful 1.8GHz quad-core processor to deliver fast and reliable connections for up to 60 devices at once.

Features of the RAXE500 Nighthawk AXE11000 Tri-Band Smart WiFi Router:

• Blazing-fast 10Gbps WiFi speeds - 12-Stream Tri-band WiFi with combined wireless speeds up to 10.8Gbps (1.2+4.8+4.8Gbps)†

• 12-Stream Tri-Band WiFi - 12 WiFi streams (four streams each for 2.4GHz, 5GHz & 6GHz) means more available bandwidth and less congestion for all the devices on the WiFi network

• Increased capacity for the smart home -The latest generation WiFi 6 technology improves WiFi performance and reliability of connections to all your devices by up to 4 times**

• Multi-Gig experience - Maximize your available Internet speeds with link aggregation support. Ability to aggregate two Gigabit LAN ports and two Gigabit WAN ports (configurable)

• WiFi 6E optimized powerful processor - 64-bit 1.8GHz quad-core processor ensures smooth 4K/8K UHD streaming & gaming – ideal for Gigabit Internet speeds

• Multi-Gig Ethernet 2.5G port - 2.5 times the wired speed of typical Gigabit port

• Smart Connect - Intelligently selects the fastest WiFi band for every device connection. One WiFi name for the entire home

• Nighthawk App - Easily set up your router and get more out of your WiFi. Includes remote access to manage your network away from home

• NETGEAR Armor™ - Advanced cyber threat protection for your home and all your devices††

• WiFi 6 supports all current WiFi devices - Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier generation devices

• Works with Amazon Alexa® & the Google Assistant- Control your NETGEAR WiFi network with simple voice commands

The R6700 is great for:

• 4K/8K UHD streaming

• Video-conferencing, eLeaning

• AR/VR gaming

• Sharing across your network

• Large houses

• Reliable Wi-Fi Connection on multiple devices

Specifications of the RAXE500 Nighthawk AXE11000 Tri-Band Smart WiFi Router

Package Contents

• Nighthawk® AXE11000 Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router (RAXE500)

• Ethernet cable

• Quick start guide

• Power adapter

Warranty

• www.netgear.com/warranty

• Extend your warranty & technical support within 90 days of product purchase [US only].

Visit: prosupport.netgear.com/home

System Requirements

• Microsoft® Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista®, XP®,2000, Mac OS®, UNIX®, or Linux®

• Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 11 or higher, Microsoft Edge®, Google Chrome® 55 or higher, Firefox® 45 or higher, Safari® 10 or higher

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 11.7 x 3.07 x 8.3 in (298 x 78 x 211 mm)

• Weight: 3.2 lb (1.45 kg)

Technical Specifications

• WiFi 6E (IEEE® 802.11ax) Tri-Band WiFi (AXE11000)

- 2.4GHz AX: 4x4 (Tx/Rx) 1024/256-QAM 20/40MHz, up to 1.2Gbps

- 5GHz AX: 4x4 (Tx/Rx) 1024/256-QAM 20/40/80/160MHz, up to 4.8Gbps

- New 6GHz AX: 4x4 (Tx/Rx) 1024/256-QAM 20/40/80/160MHz, up to 4.8Gbps

- Backwards compatible with IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi

- Supports new WiFi 6E devices on 6GHz WiFi band

• OFDMA§ - Improved capacity and efficiency

• 1024-QAM - 25% data efficiency and faster speeds than a 256-QAM router

• MU-MIMO‡ - 4-stream MU-MIMO enables up to four (4) 1x1 devices at the same time

• Two (2) USB 3.0 ports

• Powerful 64-bit quad-core 1.8GHz processor

• Longer range with 8 high-performance antennas

• Five (5) 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports + one (1) 2.5G/1Gbps

Multi-Gig port (configurable)

- LAN: 4xGbE (2x port aggregation LAN) + 2.5G/1Gbps Multi-Gig port (configurable)

- WAN: 1 GbE or 2.5G/1Gbps Multi-Gig port (configurable)

- Multi-Gig: Ability to aggregate two Gigabit LAN ports and two Gigabit WAN ports (configurable) concurrently

• One (1) 2.5G/1Gbps Multi-Gig port (configurable)

• Memory: 512MB NAND flash and 1GB DDR3 SDRAM

• Additional DFS channels reduce interference from neighboring networks

• IPv6 Support (Internet Protocol Version 6)

• On/Off LED light switch

Security

• Automatic firmware update delivers latest security patches to the router

• Guest network access - Separate & secure

• VPN Support - Secure access to your home network away from home

• Standards-based WiFi Security (802.11i, 128-bit AES encryption with PSK)

• Supports WPA3, the latest and cutting-edge WiFi security protocol

• NETGEAR Armor™ - Advanced cyber threat protection for your home network and your connected devices††