How to setup nighthawk router as access point?

Among the most potent and feature-rich networking equipment available are Netgear’s Nighthawk routers. These routers are frequently the preferred option for both home and business customers seeking dependable Wi-Fi coverage since they are made to offer high-speed internet connection. But even though these routers are excellent at sending out network signals, there are situations in which you might wish to turn on your Nighthawk Router Access Point.

By increasing the range of your current network, an access point enables devices in far locations to connect to the internet. To improve your Wi-Fi coverage, we’ll show you how to configure your Nighthawk router as an access point in this blog article.

What is an access point?

It’s crucial to comprehend what an access point is and why you would want to utilize one before beginning the setup process. An access point is a device that extends the Wi-Fi signal in places where the router’s signal might not reach by connecting to your primary router. An access point uses the current network and only amplifies the Wi-Fi signal to cover a wider area, as opposed to a router, which establishes a new network.

Motives for Using Nighthawk Router Access Point

You may wish to utilize a Nighthawk Router Access Point for a number of reasons:

• Extend Wi-Fi Coverage: If your home or business is vast, setting up an access point in the middle of the space can help you obtain a strong Wi-Fi signal even in the rooms that are the furthest away.
• Boost Connection Speed: If your present network is overcrowded with several connected devices, connecting to an access point can help your devices experience faster speeds and fewer interference.
• Wired Network Backhaul: To ensure a dependable and fast wireless connection, you may utilize Ethernet cables that run across rooms to link your Nighthawk router as an access point.
• Utilize Existing Hardware: You may avoid spending money on a new Wi-Fi extender or access point by configuring your Nighthawk router as an access point.

Nighthawk Router Access Point

Validate that you have everything you need before beginning the configuring process:

• Verify functioning: Verify that your Nighthawk router is operational and that you can access its admin settings using the Nighthawk app or web interface.
• Ethernet Cable: To link the Nighthawk router to your current router or modem, you’ll need an Ethernet cable.
• Current Network: The primary router or modem should be operational, and you should be familiar with your network configuration (password, SSID, etc.) in order to set up the access point.
• Computer or laptop: A computer is required for configuration in order to access the router’s settings page.

How to Configure Nighthawk Router Access Point: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Get the Nighthawk router connected

Turn on your Nighthawk router by plugging it into a power socket.

• Use Ethernet or Wi-Fi to connect your laptop or PC to the Nighthawk router. Check the label on the back of the router for default SSID if you’re using WiFi.
• In the browser, enter the router IP address. Most Nighthawk routers have 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 as their default IP address. If this doesn’t work, look up the right IP address on the label of the router.
• When asked, provide username and keyword for router. Depending on the router type, the nighthawk router login credentials may vary, although they are often admin for both the username and password.

 2. Turn off the DHCP server on the router.

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server must then be turned off. Devices linked to the network are given IP addresses by DHCP server. You don’t require your Nighthawk router to assign IP addresses because it will be used as an access point.

• Go to the Advanced tab or the LAN Setup section after entering into the router’s admin page (the exact location will depend on the type of your router).
• Trace DHCP Server option and turn it off. This will stop IP addresses from being assigned by your Nighthawk router. Save the configuration.

 3. Assign an IP address that is static.

Give your Nighthawk router a static IP address that is within range of the IP address of your primary router to prevent any possible network problems. This guarantees trouble-free communication between your main router and the Nighthawk router.

• Navigate to the router’s admin page’s LAN Setup section.
• The IP address should be set to 192.168.1.2.
• Save the configuration.

4. Adjust the Wireless Preferences

It’s now time to configure the wifi settings on your Nighthawk router to match the network on your primary router. By doing this, you can make sure the Nighthawk router functions as an addition to your main network.

• Select a Wi-Fi Name (SSID) that corresponds to the SSID of your primary router by going to the Wireless Settings page. For smooth wandering, you may use the same name, or you can come up with a new name for simple recognition.
• Use the same password and Wi-Fi security type that your primary router uses.
• Select the channel that corresponds to your primary router. By doing this, you can validate that both routers are using the same frequency.
• Save the configuration.

5. Attach the Main Router to the Nighthawk Router.

• Join one end of Ethernet to the Nighthawk router LAN port (not the WAN port).
• Link the other end to a LAN port on your primary switch or router.
• By guaranteeing a steady backhaul between the two devices, this cable connection enhances your network’s overall performance.

6. Turn the router back on.

Restart the Nighthawk router after everything has been set. All of the settings will be applied, and it will begin to operate as an access point.

7. Verify the Link

Test the connection by connecting a device (such a laptop or smartphone) to the Wi-Fi network once the router has rebooted. To make sure the Wi-Fi connection is steady and powerful, go around your house or place of business. Just as when you’re linked to your primary router, you ought to be able to access the internet.

Conclusion

Your Wi-Fi coverage may be significantly improved by simply configuring your Nighthawk Router Access Point. This configuration guarantees a smooth surfing experience across your area, whether you’re expanding the signal to a different room or enhancing network speed. You may easily turn your Nighthawk router into a dependable access point to satisfy your connection requirements by following the aforementioned instructions.