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

momo2000's avatar
Apr 19, 2016
Status:
Declined

Feature request: Change "wan side" mac address on PR2000 when in wireless hotspot mode

I purchased the PR2000 specifically for its WIRELESS Hotspot mode (the ability to connect to another wireless network, and then create a new wireless network, with a new SSID, security and network IP address range). I’ve had it for a month and it does quite a nice job at this.  HOWEVER, I recently spent 8 days in a location where the wireless provider (cruise ship) was able to render the PR2000 USELESS!  It seems that they are blocking mac address prefix ranges of popular network/router gear providers and therefore I was unable to use the PR2000.  Also see this Fortune article on the issue:  http://fortune.com/2015/11/04/fcc-hotels-wifi-blocking/

 

When the PR2000 is in the “wired router” mode it DOES have the ability to change the mac address of the PR2000 “wan side”, and thereby overcome this problem. HOWEVER, when in the “wireless hotspot mode” there does not seem to be an interface to change the mac address of the “wan side” of the wireless interface, so therefore, I was unable to overcome this problem.  Unfortunately, I was unable to connect my Kindle and other devices that can’t deal with a “captive portal” situation.

 

THERFORE, I am making a feature request that this ability (to change the mac address of the “wan side” of the device when in ‘wireless hotspode mode’) be added to the next ROM update for the PR2000

 

Or if I’ve somehow missed this ability and it already exists, please advise.

 

ORIGINALLY POSTED HERE:  https://community.netgear.com/t5/WiFi-Range-Extenders-Repeaters/Feature-request-Change-quot-wan-side-quot-mac-address-on-PR2000/m-p/1074513/highlight/false#M13037

9 Comments

  • I'm having the same issues with my pr2000 and would really appreciate the ability to change the mac address when in wireless hot spot mode.
  • AbhayB's avatar
    AbhayB
    NETGEAR Employee Retired
    Status changed:
    Unspecified
    to
    Uncommitted Candidate
  • OK, it has been about 1.5 years, but glad that you have changed it to "Uncommitted Candidate"   I assume that means that you are taking a closer look at it.  Yep, would still like to have the feature.

  • Wow can't believe it's taken this long but yeah I would still love this feature as my n300 is currently sitting idle as in it's current state is useless for my purpose.

  • I am the original poster.  Any update on this?  I see it has moved ot "uncommitted candidate"? 

  • JasonN's avatar
    JasonN
    NETGEAR Employee Retired

    Hi momo2000,

    Thank you for your suggestion on this idea. I will forward this to my internal team and have them review for consideration. :]

     

     

    - Jason N

  • After a few hours trying to get it working in a bungalow park, i found out they used a mac block list... grrr so i've been waiting for an firmware update to change the mac adres of the router in wifi hotspot mode. It's been 6 months since the last update... what is the status? Looks to me as a simple update...

  • AbhayB's avatar
    AbhayB
    NETGEAR Employee Retired
    Status changed:
    Uncommitted Candidate
    to
    Declined

    It's end-of-life product.