Re: Questions with Netgear Nighthawk travel router

syntkemin · ‎2022-05-12

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.

michaelkenward · ‎2022-05-12

@syntkemin wrote:

I purchased a Netgear Nighthawk M1 router, and couldn't be happier with it.

While many questions about routers are generic and could be answered anywhere, some things need specialist knowledge.

You might get more help, and find earlier questions and answers specific to your device, in the appropriate section for your hardware. That's probably here:

Mobile Routers, Hotspots & Modems

Those things are very different from the standard Netgear routers covered in this section.

I will ask the Netgear moderator to move your message.

In the meantime you could visit the support pages:

Support | NETGEAR

Feed in your model number and check the documentation for your hardware. Look at the label on the device for the model number.

You may have done this already. I can't tell from your message.

I mention it because Netgear stopped supplying printed manuals and CD versions some years ago and people sometimes miss the downloads.

plemans · ‎2022-05-12

@syntkemin wrote:

1.Do external Antennas boost WiFi signal? It only boosts the 4/5g antenna. Not the wifi signal. so if you're getting good cellular service, I wouldn't worry about that.

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.---Not sure on this one but a little piece of electric tape can do a great job with blocking led's.

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? According to this post:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Mobile-Routers-Hotspots-Modems/Can-I-leave-plugged-in-and-on-all-th...

if you're going to run it with the battery removed, you need to upgrade the charger to a 2.4amp charger.

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.---hiding a SSID doesn't benefit much and only makes it harder for you. anyone who's competent enough to hack a wifi connection is going to know how to do a wireless scan and find a hidden ssid network. And those who don't, aren't going to be the ones hacking your wifi. so basically all its doing by hiding it, is making it harder for you.

https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/28653/debunking-myths-is-hiding-your-wireless-ssid-really-more-secur...

If you're needing a better wireless connection, many people use the extender option you've chosen or even connecting a standard (not travel) router to the M1 and use the M1 as just the gateway for a home router with better wireless capabilities.