Lost Internet Connection Issues with 3800

[MikeIL]

Those of you having drops in the 2.4 ghz range try changing the "mode" setting to "up to 54mbps" on the advanced wireless tab. I did this as a test and haven’t had a drop since.

[al1701]

Originally Posted by JimL

When I talked to the Level 2 support, it was found out that the chip set used in WDNR3800 is different than other models.

My thoughts (only) is that the firmware used for WDNR3800 is a clone (or near duplicate) of the firmware used on other models. Because the chip set is different, there are firmware sections that are not compatiable with that new set.

It may also be that in his series of deployed units, some slight and unexpected change occurred during the manufacturing process that was not identified or not communicated to the firmware developers.

The other primary issue; with the prevalence of this type of issue, it seems that quality control would have caught this prior to deployment. In today's tough economic times, one would think that their quality control would have been enhanced to ensure that this type of impact to their name and products would not have made it to the market - even if the business decision would have been to reduce costs else where in their organization.

Either way, it is becoming a significant reputational impact to NetGear; previously known for excellent products. WDNR3800 may be then next "Coca-Cola" - you know, when they up and changed the formula and sales plumeted; depending on size of deployment.

If the 3800 is the next "Coca Cola" what are the 3700 v1 and v2's? My 3700 v2 is 4 weeks old, the 3800 wasn't available to purchase yet and I am having similiar issues that you all are having with the 3800. My understanding is they, 3700 v2 and 3800 are similiar in hardware configuration so maybe the 3800 has some of the same "ghosts", LOL.. and they haven't fixed the problems in the 3700 v2 yet, so now you all can jump on the bandwagon with us 3700 owners.

[al1701]

Originally Posted by NightOwl326

Why does this feel like a WNDR3700 repeat?

Because it probably is since they are built on similiar hardware components and they haven't fix it for the 3700 v2 owners yet.

[ericsc00]

Have not had a problem since the 19DNS firmware with wireless drops
I did do a factory reset also, and I know some stuff got turned back off that I was fiddling with before (readyshare, qos, etc..) maybe it points back to one of those. All options are now default, wireless security is WPA2-PSK [AES]

Originally Posted by ericsc00

Same issue here with the wireless radio disconnections, just installed the V1.0.0.19-DNS and we'll see what happens.
Very disappointed so for with this device. Replaced a dir-655 thinking this would give better coverage (which it has) but having 8 devices on the wireless that keep losing connection isn't worth it

[JimL]

DpEagle: Good points all.

Unfortunately, the ability to return the product is not as easily solved as one might think for some.

And, yes, for me; I LIKE NetGear products AND would buy another in the future (heck, I've bought a number of products from them over the years).

The WDNR3800 is the FIRST product I've received from NetGear that has shown any type of issue out of the box. Others have "tweaked" theirs to the point of replacing or augmenting the factory firmware; me it just has to work the way it was designed and deployed.

Unfortunately, in this case, the product does appear to be defective and the time/effort to return it to the seller for either exchange or funds return is looking more favorable.

The bottom line though; it is a lot more widespread than just this forum. The product - either in the initial manufacturing run; or in the initial firmware installation - contained a flaw; perhaps only affecting 5% of the entire production run. 5% may seem like a low value, until the total number produced is known, that percentage may represent a few 100's to well over 1000s.

It may be fixable via a firmware change; it may not. If the product is exchanged, will the new product have the same issue? That is the challenge question.

Either way, the reputational impact to NetGear is growing (read some of the other posts here). Add to that, a Level 1 contact point that is uninformed and the support issue just makes matters worse. Level 2 is more knowledgable, yet there is not much more that can be done other than provide a temporary work-around until the final release of the firmware.

[FrankP99]

The 19DNS patch has corrected the issue for me. I am using the readyshare print also and it works fine. I have not tried the more advanced features.

[ericsc00]

Lost the 2.4 again today on all devices, the 5 stay connected

Originally Posted by ericsc00

Have not had a problem since the 19DNS firmware with wireless drops
I did do a factory reset also, and I know some stuff got turned back off that I was fiddling with before (readyshare, qos, etc..) maybe it points back to one of those. All options are now default, wireless security is WPA2-PSK [AES]

[bsmity]

Similar to other post. Router delivered two weeks ago from Newegg. First week fine, starting about three days ago with this connection issue. Multiple reboots, pwr cycles, and setting tweaks to no avail. I'm trying the patch now, but looking forward to a permenant fix.

[POKWANG]

hello again everyone!!!...

so i just installed my 3800....all is fine...got the .18 but im looking for the .19 update and i couldnt find it from the d/l....where can i get it? please? thanks!

another thing is...how come the signal on my devices for the 2.4G has full bars and the 5G only getting 2 to 3 bars? help please!

thanks netgear community!

[Joe_]

@POKWANG,

1. If your router has been working fine (your words) I wouldn't advise updating the FW just for updating sake. Some persons have been reporting issues with the 2.4GHz band after a week or so. I would advise reading and following up as much as possible on these forums. Have you been doing that?

2. It is normal for 5GHz to have less range than 2.4GHz.