NETGEAR WNDR3400 - N600 Wireless Dual Band Router User guide

March 2010
208-10532-03
v1.0
NETGEAR, Inc.
350 E. Plumeria Drive
San Jose, CA 95134 USA
N600 Wireless Dual Band
Router WNDR3400 Setup
Manual

ii
Trademarks
NETGEAR and the NETGEAR logo are registered trademarks, and Smart Wizard is a trademark of NETGEAR. Inc.
Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brand and product
names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.

Contents iii
Contents
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router................................................................................1
Unpacking Your New Wireless Router ..............................................................................1
Hardware Features ............................................................................................................2
Positioning Your Wireless Router ......................................................................................7
Installing Your Wireless Router .........................................................................................8
Updating Your Router Firmware ........................................................................................9
Installing Your Wireless Router Using
Smart Wizard........................................................................................................................10
Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users)........................13
Connecting Your Wireless Router ...................................................................................13
Verifying Your Connection ...............................................................................................16
Setting Up Your Router for Internet Access ....................................................................17
Configuring Your Wireless Network...................................................................................21
Accessing Your Router After Installation and Checking for New Firmware .....................21
Configuring Your Wireless Settings and Security Options ..............................................23
Testing Basic Wireless Connectivity ................................................................................28
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................30
Basic Setup Checklist ......................................................................................................30
Checking Basic Router Functions ...................................................................................31
Troubleshooting Login Problems .....................................................................................33
Checking The Internet Service Connection .....................................................................34
Troubleshooting Connectivity Using the Ping Utility ........................................................36
Technical Specifications.....................................................................................................39
Default Configuration Settings .........................................................................................39
Restoring the Default Password and Configuration Settings ...........................................42
Related Documents .............................................................................................................43

Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 1
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR® N600 Wireless Dual Band Router
WNDR3400.
Before you begin installing your router, check the package contents (see “Unpacking Your New
Wireless Router” on page 1). Become familiar with the front and back panels of your router—
especially the LEDs—and the important information on the router label (see “Hardware Features”
on page 2). Then, read the section on “Positioning Your Wireless Router” on page 7 to ensure that
you have selected the best location to install your router.
Unpacking Your New Wireless Router
The product package should contain the following items:
• The wireless router
• A snap-on stand for your wireless router
• An AC power adapter (varies by region)
• A yellow Ethernet cable
• NETGEAR Installation Guide
• The Resource CD, which includes:
– The Smart Wizard™ Installation Assistant (Autorun.exe)
– A PDF version of this manual
– A link to the online Reference Manual
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the product for repair.
To prepare your router for installation:
1. Carefully peel off the protective film covering the sides of your router.

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 2
2. Set up your wireless router by inserting the router into the stand supplied with your router.
3. Place your router in an area suitable for installation (near an AC power outlet and accessible to
the Ethernet cables for your wired computers).
Hardware Features
Before you install and connect your router, take a moment to become familiar with the front and
back panels of the router—especially the LEDs on the front panel.
Figure 1

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 3
Front Panel
You can use the status lights on the front of the wireless router to verify various conditions.
Figure 2
Table 1. Status Light Descriptions
Item Function Activity Description
1. Power Solid Amber The unit is starting up after being powered on.
Solid Green The unit startup has completed; the unit is ready.
Blinking Green Firmware is corrupted. See “Checking Basic Router Functions” on
page 31 for instructions on restoring your router firmware.
Blinking Amber 1. Firmware is upgrading.
2. Restore factory settings button pressed; restoring factory default
settings.
Off Power is not supplied to the router.
2. 2.4 GHz
Mode Solid Green The unit is operating in 11n mode at 2.4 GHz.
Blinking Green Data is being communicated over a wireless network.
Off The 11n mode at 2.4 GHz is off.
3. 5 GHz
Mode Solid Blue The unit is operating in 11n mode at 5 GHz.
Blinking Blue Data is being communicated over the wireless network.
Off The 11n mode at 5 GHz is off.

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 4
4. USB Solid Green The USB device has been accepted by the Router and is ready to be
used.
Fast Blinking
Green The USB device is in use.
Off No USB device is connected, or the “Safely Remove Hardware”
button has been pressed and it is now safe to remove the attached
USB device.
5. Internet Off No Ethernet cable is connected to the modem.
Solid Amber The Ethernet cable connection to the modem has been detected.
Blinking Amber Initializing connection and obtaining an IP address.
Solid Green An IP address has been received; ready to transmit data.
Blinking Green Data is being transmitted and received.
6. LAN
(Ports 1–4) Solid Green The LAN port has detected a 100 Mbps link with an attached device.
Blinking Green Data is being transmitted at 100 Mbps.
Solid Amber The LAN port has detected a 10 Mbps link with an attached device.
Blinking Amber Data is being transmitted at 10 Mbps.
Off No link is detected on this port.
For more information on modes, see “Configuring Your Wireless Settings and
Security Options” on page 23, and the online Reference Manual, available on the
Resource CD.
Table 1. Status Light Descriptions (continued)
Item Function Activity Description

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 5
Back Panel
The rear panel of the WNDR3400 router contains the items in the list that follows the figure.
The back of the wireless router includes:
1. AC power adapter outlet
2. Power on/off button
3. Four local (LAN) 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports for connecting the router to local computers
4. Internet (WAN) Ethernet port for connecting the router to a cable or DSL modem
5. WLAN on/off button
6. Restore factory settings button
7. USB port (backward compatible to USB 1.0/1.1) for attaching a USB storage device
Figure 3

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 6
Top Panel
The top of the wireless router includes a dome that performs two functions:
1. Antenna display lights.The lights identify the activity of the eight internal antennas, flashing
to show which combination of antennas is receiving the strongest signals. These status lights
are off by default but can be turned on.
2. Push 'N' Connect (WPS). The dome acts as a push-button for the router to enable WPS
security with other WPS-enabled devices. Pushing on the dome for over 5 seconds opens a 2-
minute window for the router to connect with other WPS-enabled devices.
To use the WPS method to implement security, see “Using Push 'N' Connect (WPS) to
Configure Your Wireless Network” on page 26.
To turn the antenna display lights on or off:
1. Push the dome, then release. If lights are off, they will turn on.
2. Push the dome, then release. If lights are on, they will turn off.
Figure 4
Before using these WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) push-button procedures, verify
that your device (a notebook, adapter, or other device) supports WPS.

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 7
Router Label
View the label on the bottom of the wireless router to identify the serial number, port connectors,
status lights, and default login information.
Positioning Your Wireless Router
The wireless router lets you access your network from virtually anywhere within the operating
range of your wireless network. However, the operating distance or range of your wireless
connection can vary significantly depending on the physical placement of your router. For
example, the thickness and number of walls the wireless signal must pass through may limit the
range. For best results, place your router:
• Near the center of the area where your computers and other devices will operate, preferably
within line of sight to your wireless devices.
• Accessible to an AC power outlet and near Ethernet cables for wired computers.
• In an elevated location such as a high shelf, keeping the number of walls and ceilings between
the wireless router and your other devices to a minimum.
• Away from electrical devices which are potential sources of interference, such as ceiling fans,
home security systems, microwaves, or the base for a cordless phone.
Figure 5

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 8
• Away from any large metal surfaces, such as a solid metal door or aluminum studs. Large
expanses of other materials such as glass, insulated walls, fish tanks, mirrors, brick, and
concrete can also affect your wireless signal.
Installing Your Wireless Router
To help you set up your router and get on the Internet quickly, the Resource CD contains a Smart
Wizard™. The Smart Wizard walks you through the steps required to connect your router,
microfilters, and PC(s); configure your wireless settings; and enable wireless security for your
network. When you have finished, you will be Internet ready!
You can set up your wireless router using one of two methods:
•Smart Wizard Setup: The Smart Wizard setup is available on your Resource CD. See
“Installing Your Wireless Router Using Smart Wizard” on page 10 to use the Smart Wizard.
This is the easiest option. The wizard guides you through the setup process. It automates many
of the steps and verifies that the steps have been successfully completed.
•Manual Setup: If you cannot or prefer not to use the Smart Wizard, see “Installing Your
Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users)” on page 13. For example, if you are
connecting to a Linux operating system, or are technically knowledgeable, select this option. If
you choose to use this option and install your router manually, for best results, install and set
up your router in this order:
1. Install and connect your wireless router to your network (see “Connecting Your Wireless
Router” on page 13).
Failure to follow these guidelines can result in significant performance degradation
or an inability to wirelessly connect to the Internet.
If you have a Linux system, you need to use the manual installation method (see
“Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users)” on
page 13).
Before running the Smart Wizard on a corporate PC to set up your home
router, check with your company’s network support staff. Corporate
network settings or Virtual Private Network (VPN) client software may
conflict with the default settings of a home router. If you are unsure about
whether there might be a conflict, use a different computer.

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Getting to Know Your Wireless Router 9
2. Set up your wireless router for Internet access (see “Setting Up Your Router for Internet
Access” on page 17).
3. Configure your wireless network and select wireless security settings to protect your
wireless network (see “Configuring Your Wireless Network” on page 21).
Updating Your Router Firmware
NETGEAR is always improving the operability and features included with your router. To make it
easy for you to receive the best, most up-to-date features of your router, NETGEAR provides a
variety of methods for updating your product.
• The Smart Wizard installation assistant lets you check for and install updates as part of the
setup activity.
• The router includes an update feature that lets you check for and install updates. You must be
logged in to the router to use this feature (see the Reference Manual for details).
These options are discussed in “Accessing Your Router After Installation and Checking for New
Firmware” on page 21.

Installing Your Wireless Router Using Smart Wizard 10
Installing Your Wireless Router Using
Smart Wizard
Prepare the following before you set up your router make sure that:
• You are using a PC with either a Mac operating system or a Windows operating system
(Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows 2000, or Windows XP with Service Pack 2); and a
wired Ethernet connection, not a wireless connection.
• You have an Internet service connection through an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• Your PC has a wired Ethernet connection (not a wireless connection).
• For cable modem service, that you use the computer you first used to set up your Internet
service.
The NETGEAR Smart Wizard takes you through the procedure to connect your router and PC(s).
It then helps you to configure your wireless settings and enable wireless security for your network.
The Smart Wizard guides you through the setup and configuration process by automating many of
the steps. At each step in the setup process, the Smart Wizard checks to ensure that the steps you
perform are successfully completed.
The wizard setup process takes about 20 minutes to complete.
To set up your router using the Smart Wizard:
1. To start the Smart Wizard:
• For Windows users,
– Insert the Resource CD into your PC. The CD will automatically start and detect the
language you are using on your PC. Select a different language option, if you prefer.
– In the CD’s menu, click Setup to start the Smart Wizard.
•For Mac users, double-click the MacWizard program.
If the CD does not automatically start, browse the CD and double-click
on .

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Installing Your Wireless Router Using Smart Wizard 11
2. When the Smart Wizard prompts you to Check for Firmware Updates, click Yes to check the
NETGEAR website for new router firmware; or check No to check for updates later (see
“Accessing Your Router After Installation and Checking for New Firmware” on page 21).
3. Follow the instructions and prompts to complete the installation.
The Smart Wizard guides you through installing your router, connecting your router to the
Internet, configuring your wireless network settings, and selecting the optimum security
protection for your network. If you choose not to select a security option during installation,
you can always access the router’s user interface later to select a security option (see “Setting
Your SSID and Wireless Security” on page 24 or “Using Push 'N' Connect (WPS) to
Configure Your Wireless Network” on page 26).
At the close of installation:
•For Windows users, the Smart Wizard places a Router_Setup.html file on your
computer’s desktop so that you can view the router settings. It also places the Router
Login shortcut on the desktop for you to access the router’s main menu.
•For Mac users, the Smart Wizard places a Router_Setup.pdf file on your desktop.
You are now connected to the Internet!
After connecting to the Internet, you can:
• Log in to the router and check for new firmware. Refer to the bottom label for the default login
information, or see the steps in “Accessing Your Router After Installation and Checking for
New Firmware” on page 21.
• Set up additional wireless computers in your network for Internet access (see “Configuring
Your Wireless Settings and Security Options” on page 23).
For advanced features not covered in this manual, see the Reference Manual on your Resource CD.
A link to the online Reference Manual also is available from the router interface.
To ensure optimum performance of your high-speed wireless router, the
wireless adapter card for each computer in your network should support the
same technology as your router (see the online User Manual for more
information).
The factory default state is restored when you use the restore factory settings button.
See “Restoring the Default Password and Configuration Settings” on page 42 for more
information about this feature.

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Installing Your Wireless Router Using Smart Wizard 12

Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users) 13
Installing Your Wireless Router Manually
(Advanced and Linux Users)
Before installing and connecting your router manually, review the list below and make sure that
you have all of the necessary information.
• Internet ADSL or cable modem service connection to an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• The configuration information your ISP gave you. Depending on how your Internet account
was set up, you might need the following information to set up your wireless router and access
the Internet:
– Host and Domain Name
– Internet Login Name and Password (frequently an email address and password)
– Domain Name Server (DNS) Addresses
– Fixed or Static IP Address
Your ISP should have provided you with all the information needed to connect to the Internet.
If you cannot locate this information, ask your ISP.
If you have not already done so:
• Check the package contents of your router to ensure that it is complete (see “Unpacking Your
New Wireless Router” on page 1”).
• Select an optimum location for your wireless router after reviewing the guidelines presented in
“Positioning Your Wireless Router” on page 7.”
Connecting Your Wireless Router
Before you install your wireless router, make sure that the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Property
settings on your computer are set to “automatically obtain an IP address” using DHCP and “Obtain
DNS server address automatically.” You can check these settings by looking at the TCP/IP
Properties of your Internal Network Connections, which are accessible through the Control Panel

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users) 14
of your computer. If you are unsure about this, refer to the documentation for your computer or see
the link to TCP/IP Addressing in “Related Documents” on page 43.
There are two steps to setting up your wireless router:
1. Connect the router to the ADSL or cable modem, and connect a computer to the router.
2. Configure the router to use your Internet service.
To connect your wireless router:
1. Connect the wireless router, the computer, and the modem.
a. Turn off your computer.
b. Turn off and unplug the cable or ADSL broadband modem.
c. Locate the Ethernet cable (1) that connects your computer to the modem.
2. Disconnect the cable at the modem (2). You will connect it to the router later.
3. Locate the Ethernet cable that came with the NETGEAR product. Securely insert that Ethernet
cable into your modem and into the Internet port of the wireless router (3).
If you are replacing an existing router, disconnect it completely from your network
and set it aside before starting to install your new router.
Figure 6
1
2

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users) 15
4. Locate the cable you removed from the modem in step 2. Securely insert that cable (4) into a
LAN port on the router such as LAN port 1.
Your network cables are connected, and you are ready to start your network. It is important that
you start your network in the correct sequence.
To start your network in the correct sequence.
1. First, plug in and turn on the cable or DSL modem. Wait 2 minutes.
Figure 7
Figure 8
Failure to start or restart your network in the correct sequence could prevent you
from accessing the Internet.
3
4

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users) 16
2. Now, plug the power cord into your wireless router and into a power outlet. Wait 1 minute.
3. Last, turn on your computer. It might take several minutes for your router to establish a
connection with your computer and your Internet provider.
Verifying Your Connection
Verify that your router is connected correctly by checking the wireless router status lights (as
illustrated in Figure 9.
Check the wireless router status lights to verify the following:
•Power. The Power light (1) should turn solid green. If it does not, see “Checking Basic Router
Functions” on page 31.
•Operating Mode. The 2.4 GHz N-Band light (2) should be on; the 5.0 GHz N-Band light (3)
should be off.
• USB. The USB light (4) should be off if no USB device is connected; it will be solid green if a
USB device is connected.
For DSL customers, if software logs you in to the Internet, do not run that
software. You might need to go to the Internet Explorer Tools menu, select
Internet Options, and then click the Connections tab, where you can select
Never dial a connection.
Figure 9

N600 Wireless Dual Band Router WNDR3400 Setup Manual
Installing Your Wireless Router Manually (Advanced and Linux Users) 17
•Internet. The Internet port light (5) should be lit. If it is not, make sure that the Ethernet cable
is securely attached to the wireless router Internet port and that the modem, and that the
modem is powered on.
•LAN. A LAN light (6) should be lit. Green indicates that your computer is communicating at
100 Mbps; amber indicates 10 Mbps. If a LAN light is not lit, check that the Ethernet cable
from the computer to the router is securely attached at both ends, and that the computer is
turned on.
Setting Up Your Router for Internet Access
When configuring your wireless router manually, you must log in to your wireless router to set it
up initially and to make any changes to your wireless router’s settings later.
To access your router:
1. Connect to the wireless router by typing http://www.routerlogin.net in the address field of
your browser, and then press Enter.
The factory default state is reset when you use the Restore Factory Settings button.
See “Restoring the Default Password and Configuration Settings” on page 42 for
more information.
Figure 10
Connect to the wireless router by typing any one of these three URLs in the address
field of your browser, then pressing Enter:
• http://www.routerlogin.net
• http://www.routerlogin.com
• http://192.168.1.1