Netgear WiFi Extender Firmware Update: When and How to Do

Firmware update is a term that is known to confuse novice users of Netgear Nighthawk WiFi extenders. It happens because they are not familiar with the whole context of the Netgear WiFi extender firmware update. If you have also invested in a Nighthawk range extender and are looking for some information regarding its firmware, then luckily, you are on the right platform. This blog will make you familiar with the whole nine yards of the extender’s firmware including what it is, when to update it, and how to equip the extender with the latest firmware version.

What is Firmware: A Brief Intro

We all have seen hardware components of a Netgear range extender and that is why it is not difficult for us to guess them. But, when it comes to the firmware, different people cast different votes. According to some users, it is software embedded in the hardware of a networking device.

On the other hand, some users have declared the firmware as a governing body of a networking gadget, here, your Netgear Nighthawk WiFi range extender. But, no matter which definition you believe, the whole gist is that the firmware consists of the instructions that direct the extender to do a specific task.

When to Perform Netgear Extender Firmware Update?

Although the latest firmware version is supposed to be installed on your range extender as soon as it is introduced by the company, still, you can go for the process if your device starts behaving weirdly. This weird behavior includes network interruptions out of nowhere, no internet connection in some areas of the house even when signals are proper, random reboots of the range extender, etc.

All in all, it can be concluded that opting for a firmware update is nothing less than implementing a versatile Netgear Nighthawk troubleshooting technique that works in 90% of the cases. This is to inform you that a firmware update of a range extender arrives with bug fixes and performance enhancements.

Thus, you should never delay installing the newest firmware version on the extender. Some extender models let the user upgrade the firmware just with a click of the “CHECK NOW” button on the extender’s Status page. The second lot of the extender models demands the user to download the firmware file separately and upload it on the extender’s dashboard after completing the Netgear Genie login process.

How to Complete Netgear Extender Firmware Update?

The previous sections were loaded with complete information regarding the introduction of the firmware and the correct time to update it. We are assuming that you have collected enough info and are now ready to give a shot at the process. Here are the steps that are required to be followed if you want to upgrade the firmware of your range extender:

• Check the cable connections related to your Netgear range extender.
• The LAN cable must go into the router’s LAN port and the extender’s WAN port.
• Power up your devices (Nighthawk extender and router) if they are still off.
• Now, you are required to pull up an internet browser on a computer.
• Before following the previous step, ensure that you are connected to the extender’s network.

Note: You can also cable your computer directly to the range extender. The cable chosen to do this job is supposed to be intact and well working.

• Into the browser’s URL field, input http://192.168.1.250.
• If the extender asks for admin details, input the valid ones.
• Once you reach the dashboard of the extender, choose “MAINTENANCE”.
• Locate the “FIRMWARE UPGRADE” option.
• On the new tab, choose the “CHECK NOW” button.
• The extender will inspect if a new version is available.
• Do what the screen suggests.

The steps to complete the Netgear extender firmware update ends here. Now, your extender will reboot as a part of the completion of the process. Therefore, wait and let your extender start. Reconnect to its network and enjoy.

Verdict

So, did you get enough knowledge regarding the Netgear extender firmware update? If yes, then install the latest version on the extender as soon as possible. But, before we sign off, we would like to tell you that the firmware update also improves the extender’s security. Thus, going for it is always a win-win situation.