Notifications by Email to Update Firmware for Nighthawk Router

[gkgordon]

I have some simple questions for NetGear regarding emails I receive to update my Firmware.  Are these legitimate?  A Suddenlink service guy told me he has NetGear routers & they are automatically updated & claims the emails I am receiving to update my Firmware are not legit???  Should my router be updated automatically by NetGear?

[antinode]

> [...] emails I receive to update my Firmware.  Are these legitimate?

   I can't see your e-mail messages, so I can't evaluate their
authenticity.

   From time to time, Netgear sends such notices, but they are broadcast
to all known users of anything, and may not apply to your device(s).

> [...] he has NetGear routers & they are automatically updated

   Some models and/or firmware versions may offer an automatic update
feature.  Many users would disable such a feature because of the poor
reliability of Netgear firmware releases.  Firmware on cable-TV modems
(or cable-TV modem+routers) is controlled by the ISP, not by the end
user.

> [...] & claims the emails I am receiving to update my Firmware are not
> legit???

   Has _he_ seen your e-mail messages?

> [...] Should my router be updated automatically by NetGear?

   Perhaps.  Perhaps not.  If in doubt, visit http://netgear.com/support
, put in your model number, and look for Downloads.  For older versions,
under Firmware and Software Downloads, look for "View Previous
Versions".  Find the kit(s).  Download the kit(s) you want.  Read the
"Release Notes" file for instructions.

   While you're there, look for Documentation.  Get the User Manual.
Look for "Update the Router Firmware".