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Magister76's avatar
Magister76
Tutor
Jul 23, 2016
Solved

How to change the router's MAC address

Hello, I want to change the MAC address for my Netgear Nighthawk router.  I do not see any option for this in the router's configuration menu.

 

I know that this is possible with other Netgear routers.  Would anyone please tell me how to do this?  Thank you.

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  • TheEther's avatar
    TheEther
    Jul 24, 2016

    If you like Nighthawks, then get one without a modem (link).

     

    Any DOCSIS 3 modem should be fine but if you want to insure that you receive firmware updates from Comcast, then you may want to choose one that is supported by them (link).

14 Replies

  • TheEther's avatar
    TheEther
    Guru
    Jul 23, 2016

    You have a cable modem router.  You can't change the MAC address because your Internet service is tied to it.

    • Magister76's avatar
      Magister76
      Tutor
      Jul 23, 2016

      I don't understand what you mean, since I can change my MAC address by purchasing a new cable modem router, and then I would report my new MAC address to my ISP and my Internet service would be just fine.

       

      So, does the Nighthawk allow me to change my MAC address? And if not, why?

      • TheEther's avatar
        TheEther
        Guru
        Jul 23, 2016

        The MAC address is so integral to cable Internet service that it doesn't really make sense for it to be changeable.  You could effectively steal someone's service with that capability.