does setup require an ethernet laptop at the beginning? R7000P

[user444]

I'm not sure this is the product I will be purchasing, but perhaps.  I have a general question about installation.   Do I need to have an ethernet enabled laptop to bring to the modem/router cabinet to get started?

I recently had to have one to do a speedtest of the hardware to help diagnose issues.  Boy, was I shocked to find my brand new Dell pricey laptop does not have an ethernet port!!!!   I had to borrow a neighbors.

Bringing the PC tower to the router/modem area is not an option.

p.s. poor  installation documentation... get the app; follow instructions is not helpful!!!   I am reminded of one of my friends who still has a flip phone!!  

[user444 · Accepted solution]

If not using the Nighthawk app on your phone to install/setup, here are the instructions for classic installation.   Yes, a laptop with ethernet is required with this method.  Not so with the app.  

https://kb.netgear.com/22697/How-do-I-install-my-NETGEAR-router-using-the-router-web-interface

I am hesitant to keep the app and wifi configuration and passwords on my phone security-wise.  I did use it for install, but I think I might get rid of it all.    All I need for router management is speedtest.net and my PC.

[schumaku]

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@user444 wrote:

Do I need to have an ethernet enabled laptop to bring to the modem/router cabinet to get started?  

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Nope.

Boot the Nighthawk router out of the box, connect a computer (or even a mobile phone) by Wi-Fi [of course an Ethernet connection does work equally] to the router - Wi-Fi SSID/name and passphrase/security key for the connection as well as the default admin username and password password are printed on the router labels - so take a picture of it when you are accessing it on some distance. 

Open a browser (if it does not happen automatically lack of an Internet connection) and access http://routerlogin.com or the common default http://192.168.1.1 router LAN IP.

From here you can set-up your router from scratch, and access it later on again anyway.

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@user444 wrote:

p.s. poor  installation documentation... get the app; follow instructions is not helpful!!!   I am reminded of one of my friends who still has a flip phone!!  

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Set-up process works very similar - just using the App instead of a Web browser. 

[user444]

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@schumaku wrote:

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... connect a computer ... by Wi-Fi  to the router

I'm a little confused.  When does the router get connected to the cable modem? 

are you saying I will have wi-fi on my PC in another room simply after booting the router out of the box? 

Maybe I am conflating wi-fi with internet.   I can't logically separate them in my head.

[user444 · Accepted solution]

If not using the Nighthawk app on your phone to install/setup, here are the instructions for classic installation.   Yes, a laptop with ethernet is required with this method.  Not so with the app.  

https://kb.netgear.com/22697/How-do-I-install-my-NETGEAR-router-using-the-router-web-interface

I am hesitant to keep the app and wifi configuration and passwords on my phone security-wise.  I did use it for install, but I think I might get rid of it all.    All I need for router management is speedtest.net and my PC.