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Is there a way to rename a Netgear Nighthawk R7800?
Hi...
I finally cut the last cord, returning Comcast's Gateway and using a combination of a new Arris 8200 3.1 Cable Modem and a gently used Netgear R7800 Router. Got everything installed yesterday afternoon, and ran some speed tests with and without my NORD VPN and it looks like I havent lost anything. My download speeds are almost exactly what I was getting with the Gateway about 940+ Mbps and uploads around 41+ with no VPN, with the VPN activated 674 Mbps download and 39+ Mbps uploads. More than enough speed and close to my gigabit package.
I was able to download and install the latest firmware for the Netgear router, so thats taken care of. What I can't seem to do is re-name the wifi network or change the password. I called Netgear and they said since it was a "used" product, they couldnt help me unless I had the original proof of purchase. They did however, say that if I bought a 6 month maintenance program for $89 bucks, they could re-register it in my name and that would allow me to change the name and password. I had tried to use the Netgear App on my iphone but I kept getting rejected on username and password and security questions. I don't know if the app is buggy or what.
So here I am, asking if there's a way for me to change the name of the network and password and any other default or previous owner information without paying $89 to Netgear. I've used Netgear switches for years, confess that most of my previous experience with routers were LinkSys with which I never had this issue. If there's some way to get around this obstacle (?) I'd appreciate some advice. I know that Netgear routers are a favorite of the people that flash them with new open source stuff... thats kinda over my pay grade LOL, being an old senior, but maybe thats the only way to do it? I have a grandson who I usually ask for advice on iPhone stuff, but I'm pretty sure they have an Xfinity gateway in their house so my son can control the kids access to the internet.
Thanks in advance for any/all help.
Mike
I would run both 2.4ghz and 5ghz. Some devices don't have a 5ghz chip in them. Plus the 2 frequencies won't interfere with each other.
In terms of that notice, its just a 20/40hz coexistence. Its part of the 2.4ghz spec to help reduce interference. Don't worry about it. It automatically adjusts if there's other networks in the area.
Use wpa2. there's a bunch of little facts about it you can read about (i'll link) but a version of wpa2.
The Difference Between WEP, WPA, and WPA2 Wi-Fi Passwords (howtogeek.com)
5 Replies
You should be able to change wifi ssid/password.
Fairly easy to do.
I would start with a factory reset if you didn't because you don't know what the prior owner had setup.
And for changing the ssid/password, I'd go through the browser and not through the app. Tends to be easier/faster.
you can find manuals and guides here:
Nighthawk X4S R7800 | AC2600 Smart WiFi Router | NETGEAR Support
Thanks for the tip... I think it worked! But here's another question; Does it make sense to run both the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz options? My house is not sprawling, its a colonial style and the modem & router are located on the main floor where everything is hard-wired. Up on the 2nd floor theres one (1) smart TV and its using YouTube TV as its main source of media. In the basement theres two TV's, one is a smart TV and the other is using a Firestick 4K, no real problem with buffering anywhere just yet.
Reason I ask is that when I was changing names I used different names but the same password for the 2.4 & 5 GHz Network choices. So a popup appeared "Per Wi-Fi Alliance guidelines for 40 Mhz and 20 Mhz coexistence, even if you select "up to 800Mbps" mode, your products service rate might drop to 20 Mhx. This typically corresponds to 347 Mbpa performance."
Lastly, I'm curious about which security protocol to use. WPA2-PSK (AES), WPA-PSK (TKIP), or WPA2-PSK (AES)?
Thank you for the help.-Mike
I would run both 2.4ghz and 5ghz. Some devices don't have a 5ghz chip in them. Plus the 2 frequencies won't interfere with each other.
In terms of that notice, its just a 20/40hz coexistence. Its part of the 2.4ghz spec to help reduce interference. Don't worry about it. It automatically adjusts if there's other networks in the area.
Use wpa2. there's a bunch of little facts about it you can read about (i'll link) but a version of wpa2.
The Difference Between WEP, WPA, and WPA2 Wi-Fi Passwords (howtogeek.com)