NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.

Forum Discussion

ivacskota's avatar
ivacskota
Follower
Aug 19, 2023

Questions with Netgear Nighthawk travel router

Hi all,

I hope this finds everyone safe and well.

I purchased a Netgear Nighthawk M1 router, and couldn't be happier with it. This thing is incredible!

I have four (hopefully quick and easy) questions, that I was hoping I could get some feedback / answers to.

1.Do external Antennas boost WiFi signal? I have a small unit and the reception (WiFi) doesn't seem to make it to my spare bedroom (office). 4G reception, however, is perfect. Do the plug in antennas boost WiFi, or only 4G signal, or both? Does anyone have any recommendations for a good set?

2. Can I turn off the blue LED? Sometimes I take the modem into the bedroom so I can use the Google Chromecast. I know it's bad to have WiFi and wireless in the bedrooms, but it doesn't reach from the kitchen. The blue LED drives me bonkers. Can I turn it off? I can't seem to find it in the app settings.

3. Is it bad to leave it running 24/7 with the battery in? Can I take the battery out and use it 24/7?

4. Can I use a WiFi extender if I have my SSID set to hidden mode? I have a TP Link AC750 travel router, but I can't seem to add a hidden SSID to extend the WiFi range. I was wondering if maybe this is not possible.

A massive thanks in advance for all your help, tips, suggestions, etc.

Have a great weekend.

Features

1 Reply

  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru
    Aug 20, 2023

    1. External antennas are for the cellular connection

    2. I haven't seen a way either. but a little electrical tape works well for leds

    3. its recommended to remove the battery if running on ac power 24/7

    4. that'd be more about the extenders capabilities than the hotspots. 

     

    What I've done for providing better coverage in a home? Connected a full (not travel) router to my hotspot. I either disable wifi on the hotspot and put the full router in access point mode or I put the travel router in passthrough mode and leave the full router in router mode. Then you have the better coverage a router can provide with good cellular connection. Travel routers and hotspots aren't going to have the best wifi coverage as that isn't their primary function. Its why you see t-mobile/verizon having a full router now for their "home" 5g connections