Assuming you are not changing out your modem, this "should" be simple. Just remove the current routers and insert the new router, connecting it to the modem, and all the computers directly to the new router. Then power up the new router. It "should" automatically connect fine with the modem. And you may have to reboot your connected computers so they get assigned their IPs.

For any wireless devices, you, of course, will need to rename the SSID and set the passphrase(s) in the Nighthawk's admin menu. But your wireless devices "should" automatically connect. If they don't, you may have to go through the connection process for each device again. But in those cases, it "should" be a one-and-done task.

I know I said "should" a lot, but that is how it "should" work. Sadly, "in theory" and real world don't always jive. But in networking issues like this, a simple reboot "should" fix it.

Good luck.

 

For any wireless devices, you, of course, will need to rename the SSID and set the passphrase(s) in the Nighthawk's admin menu. But your wireless devices "should" automatically connect. If they don't, you may have to go through the connection process for each device again.

I recently was advised by Spectrum to self-replace the 5-year old rented "Arris" modem/router combo unit with a new rented "Ubee" modem and "Askey" router which were delivered to me.

The purpose of doing this was because the old unit would no longer work after November 9th and would leave me without internet service.

After everything was set up and working okay, I discovered that my 3 HP DeskJet wireless printers could no longer communicate with my 4 Dell desktops.

I attempted to log into the site for the new router to make the necessary setting changes, but that failed.

Needless to say, I had to go through the time-consuming connection process in all 4 desktops for all 3 printers.

Hopefully, muckmail won't have to do the same.

⏳

 

Needless to say, I had to go through the time-consuming connection process in all 4 desktops for all 3 printers.

That would be a pain. I am assuming the new network gear assigned different IP addresses to the printers.

 

Yep, they had different IP addresses.
I had to go through the same process more than 5 years ago when the Motorola modem/router was replaced with an Arris modem/router.

 

So the router "should" automatically connect?
I have not tried that simple routine yet,.
That would be great if that works.

I did reset the new RAX 120 to default settings with a paper clip so there
will be some settings I will need to go through.

I thought that a person had to register the router with spectrum or some change
the IP Address of the new router to match the new router to make it work.

I will try the wiring above suggestion some time this weekend so I will have
time to mess with it in case something goes wrong.

Any other input.

Thank you.

 

I thought that a person had to register the router with spectrum

That would be a modem change. Your ISP cannot see your router, only your modem (unless you have a gateway, modem/router combination).

If you match the Wi-Fi passphrase and subnet (192.168.1.xxx?), you may not have to make any changes to your connected devices. When I replaced my router, I set it up with the same passphrase and network settings and my phones, laptops, Roku devices, etc. did not require any reconfiguration.

 

So just connect the (RAX 120) router to the modem and see what happens.

As mentioned before I used a paper clip to reset the router so I will have to
log in with the Netgear setup page and change default password and change some other
things.

So how would I get to the router's setup page and what do I need to
change once I am in the routers setup page. Of course one thing I will
need to change is the default password.

I guess there would be a problem turning the new netgear power router on/off
when I leave the house once setup is complete. Is there a reason for
that?

Thank you,

 

So how would I get to the router's setup page and what do I need to
change once I am in the routers setup page. Of course one thing I will
need to change is the default password.

Did you read the manual? It will tell you how to access the admin menu, including the default username and password. For most Netgear routers, the default username for admin is admin and the default password is password. The manual will also tell you the default IP address, which usually is 192.168.1.1.

 

Ok, I followed Digerati's procedure and logged on to the router's setup page.
I followed the Net gear setup procedure until it ask for an MAC address.
See Below.

How do I find the proper MAC address to use?

Remember the Spectrum router is connected to the Spectrum modem & the AC 1750 router is connected to
the Spectrum router in my orginal working setup. So which device should have the proper MAC
address?

Thank you,

 

It tells you. Look for a label on the device.

I will add this. When I recently upgraded my modem to a DOCSIS3.1, everything "appeared" to work perfectly, but the on-line connection light kept flashing - it would not go solid and I had no Internet access. I rebooted, reset, swapped cables, tried this and tried that.

I was dreading the thought but I was even considering calling my ISP tech support. Then I did something really silly. I read the QuickStart guide and noticed, in bold text no less, the following,

Power up your cable modem.
Wait for the online connection light to stop
flashing and remain solidly lit. This may take up to 15
minutes.

Then I looked up, and sure enough, I had a solid LED. Clicked on my browser icon and there was the Internet. I just needed a little patience.

 

My question is which MAC address should I be using.

Is it the MAC address from the Night Hawk RAX 120 I am installing?. I could get that from the back of that device
I am installing? Is that the MAC Address I should be using?

Thank you,

 

I used the Spectrum MAC address and I got it working for both cable & wired connections.
It seems to be working.

Now, I plan on leaving it on all the time so what do I need to do as far as security.

Do I need to go back into the router setup page and set some parameters?
If so what do I need to change?

Thank you,
.

 

Great! I am glad you got it going.

The only thing you need to change is the router's admin password and the wifi passphrase. Some routers let you also change the admin's user name, that's up to you.

I always assign a "Reserved" IP address to my networked printers and network storage devices so those devices always get the same IP address. This prevents IP shifting where, for example, the printer's IP address gets assigned to a different device after a long power outage.

 

For security, you should manage the devices that are to be allowed on the network by entering their MAC addresses. See page 50 in the User Manual. Otherwise an pedestrian on the side walk can connect to your network if they somehow obtain the WiFi password. You want layered security, instead of just relying on the network password.

Then turn to page 64 and turn OFF the UPnP feature. It allows devices to set up unconditional access from the outside.

Then turn to page 72 and setup your router's name and change it from the default - which is your device's model number. Freely giving away your device model number is asking for trouble - an attacker can immediately see that and determine your router's security features.

It is best to only enable WiFi only when you are home. For example if you normally return home after 6pm. Or you are leaving town for a vacation. See 87.

Routers need software updates too, you wouldn't skip Windows Updates, nor you should ignore router updates. See page 104.

You should setup the router to sue HTTPS. This will enable encryption when you go to the router's web page. Otherwise hackers can see your router management traffic. See page 108.

 

Thank you, It looks like I have a little homework here & I will do that.

I guess best practice is to leave the router on 24/7 instead of disconnecting power to the router when I am not using the network. For example, I would not be using the network overnight and while I am at work, etc.

It appears my router used the Spectrum MAC address during initial connection. Is there a problem
turning in the Spectrum router in. If Spectrum attempts to reuse the spectrum router, I hope things will
not get confused because my router is using the Spectrum router's MAC address.

Thank you,

 

ISP's such as Spectrum need the MAC of the modem. I have NEVER given Comcast/Xfinity any router's MAC because they don't use that. The signal comes through from the ISP to the modem.

I connected to broadband in 2004. I never turn off the modem nor the router. The only time they lose power is when there is a power outage. I haven't had malware since either the late 90's or 2000. In any case it was before I connected to broadband.

 

You can certainly use access control to setup MAC address filtering. I used to do this years ago but no longer. It just is not very effective like it used to be.

If someone is going to stand on your sidewalk, or sit in a parked car in front of your house, odds are they will be noticed. And, unless you give it away, or use your dog's name, what are the odds a stranger is going to know your passphrase? And if you use a strong passphrase (I recommend at least 12 characters, upper and lower case letters, numerals and special characters), what are the odds they are going to guess it, or even crack it?

Plus - and this is the main reason I stopped using MAC address filtering, it is simple to "spoof" a MAC address. In fact, it is so simple, many modems require a specific MAC address. For this reason. most routers even provide the option to change the "apparent" MAC address of the router so the modem will accept data from it!

Yes, if you live in an apartment complex, someone in an adjacent apartment will be able to see your network. This is why you don't use your dog or kid's name for your passphrase.

I used to disable SSID broadcasting too. It was never an effective security measure anyway. And some wireless devices need to see it when setting up initial access. So I just recommend naming the SSID to something that does NOT identify you personally. That is, don't use a family name, street number, birthday, etc. Any nosy whizkid will still be able to see your network, they just won't know it is yours.

Of course if you live out in the boonies and are the only house around, then likely your wireless network will be the only one that shows up anyway.

Now what you can easily do is tell the router to limit the number of connections to a specific range of IP addresses and/or specific IP addresses. My Nighthawk does this on the LAN Setup page under "Use Router as DHCP Server". There I can assign the starting IP and ending IP. So, for example, if I say the starting is 192.168.1.41 and the ending is 192.168.1.50, then the router will only let a maximum of 10 devices connect at once and it will only connect devices using one of those IP addresses.

If you do this, remember that smart TVs, streaming devices, tablets, your smart phones, smart thermostats, security cameras, and lightbulbs may need to be included in that count too.

I also disable (don't enable) the Guest Network.

Last, every router I have used lets you see the attached devices (Ethernet and wireless). Periodically check this and verify only devices you have authorized are attached.

Disabling UPnP may cause major headaches when trying to connect some devices. Many leave it enable until all their connected devices (including networked printer and network storage devices) are working properly, then they disable UPnP again. Many just leave it enable with no ill effects.

If leave it enabled, make sure your connected computers are fully updated and secured with a decent and updated security solution and you avoid being "click-happy" on unsolicited link - the EXACT SAME advice should you disable UPnP.

 

There are ways a network password get leaked. 1) You have a keylogger infection. 2) Your children give it away to visiting friends. 3) Some visitor peeked over your shoulder as you type it.

 

LOL Those are pretty extreme exceptions. Keyloggers - particularly in the home environment, are very rare to start, and someone either needs to have physical access to the computer to install them, or they have already compromised your network AND your computer. In either case, you have bigger security issues to deal with.

If you give kids the passphrase to your primary wifi network (not the guest network), shame on you for being so lax in your own security. And if you type in your passphrase with a visitor standing over your shoulder, double shame on you.

This is just FUD.

How can you tell if you have a keylogger infection?

@muckmail - don't let the paranoid make you paranoid. Any decent (and fully updated) anti-malware solution will detect and block installation of keyloggers, just as they do other malware AS LONG AS you keep your OS and security updated, and you are not "click-happy" on every unsolicited link, download, popup and attachment you see.

If you regularly take your computer to public places and connect to public hotspots, leave it unlocked and unattended as you go to the bathroom or get a coffee refill, and you don't keep it updated, then you need better protection - and a guardian angel on each shoulder, and multiple backups of your data.

But, if your computer stays in your home, you do not have a bunch of strangers running in and out, you keep your system (and security) current, and you take care about what you click on, there is no need to worry about keyloggers.

Smart Connect is fine, safe and secure. It makes using various "authorized" wireless devices on your multi-band network (if you have one) easier.

HOWEVER, with some routers, it has been known to degrade network performance for the connected devices. So, simply try it and see. If you have both 2.4GHz and 5GHz "mobile" devices that you use while moving around the house (laptops, tablets, and cell phones, for example), Smart Connect can make life easier. If all your mobile/wireless devices stay in one place, Smart Connect may not offer any advantages for you.

 

How can you tell if you have a keylogger infection?

When I first connected my router to the internet I enable "Smart Connection"
Should I keep Smart Connection Enabled or Disenable it?

Thank you,

 

I agree with Digerati. Using MAC address filtering is useless. The same goes with not broadcasting your SSID. A person passing along on the street typically will not have the expertise to figure out valid MAC addresses or discovering your SSID. But anyone with some basic level of understanding of wireless networks can figure those out. All it takes is a packet sniffer such as AirSnort. Hacker just sits there capturing packet traffic on your wireless network. A valid MAC address would quickly be obtained as that information is not encrypted. SSID would take a little more time, but not by much. Eventually the association and beaconing between one of your host devices to the wireless router would reveal the hidden SSID which will be transmitted in clear text as part of a normal wireless communication.

What doing these extra steps will do is make additional configuration headaches and overhead for yourself for features that will not make your wireless network any more secure than leaving those options turned off.

As to getting the passphrase leaked through to some key logger or malware, that's not a break down of your wireless security. That's a bigger breakdown of your overall security. If those things are in play, you have bigger issues than just worrying about if your passphrase for your wireless network is leaked out.

If you use the strongest encryption available for your wireless hardware AND use a strong passphrase, you'll have things set up securely.

 

Both Avast and Sophos Home claim to detect keyloggers.

 

well zx10guy, adding a layer of security is an another layer. The layers may be bypassed IF you have the right tools but hey it doesn't hurt trying.

 

Applying extra configuration steps when there is zero benefit from the use of it other than getting a warm fuzzy is not something I would recommend to anyone. Let alone someone that has limited tech skills to have to troubleshoot or reconfigure their network if there are any changes.

 

I noticed that Ready Share might be an interesting feature of this router.
Accessing the router's USB drive by internet. Sounds interesting.

I just wondering if it is possible to use ready share since this is a used router.

Thank you,

 

What I see on Netgear's web site is "Connect a USB hard drive to your router and access that data from any device connected to your home network". This tells me it is not available outside your own LAN. In other words, not remotely via the Internet.

 

ReadySHARE USB Storage GUI explained

ReadySHARE USB Storage GUI explained

kb.netgear.com

First you need to connect a USB storage device to the router.
Second, and more important, it talks about device compatibility. That sounds like you can't just connect any USB storage device and expect it to work.