Netgear is locking down access to switch local browser

Hi LightlyToasted 

Thanks for choosing NETGEAR Business products.

As schumaku mentioned earlier, it is not mandatory to have to use Insight managment. In fact, we kept the Local device GUI as default management mode on Smart Managed Pro switches with Optional Insight Remote/Cloud Management. The Insight Remote/Cloud management is just an option that users can choose to acitvate later, and it is a way of future-proofing your network management. If you are using a Insight Cloud switch (name starts with "GC"), the Insight Remote/Cloud Management is the default mode.

Device registration is required on Smart Managed Pro switches with Optional Insight Remote/Cloud Management, by which users can then unlock the switch full warranty and the support entitlement, as well as get timely updates on security or privacy features, and firmware releases. But there is no need for internet connectivity at any point in time. The device registration is very simple and straightforward. We have made it possible to register the switch without it being connected to the internet, for example via Insight Mobile App. Please find the reasons to register and how to register the switch in this article:  https://community.netgear.com/t5/Smart-Plus-Click-Switches/Why-We-Require-Registration-on-Smart-Pro-Switches/m-p/1839465

Frequent firmware updates are much recommended to keep your network efficiency and security. Many security features and performance improvements will be updated in regular future firmware releases. This is one of the reasons that NETGEAR would like to keep you, as our customer, informed - immediately when firmware updates to your NETGEAR devices come available. We do this for your safety and security, as well as for our own safety. Many governments across the world have recently passed legislation making vendors responsible for the future safety of electronic devices. In order to alert you of any potential security update, we need to be able to reach either you or your reseller. We have stated publicly that we DO NOT SHARE customer data. Your registration data is purely for internal use, as described.

Hope this has answered your questions. Please feel free to let us know if anything else we can do to help you.