It is not mandatory to have a modem to set up a Netgear Nighthawk router. Netgear offers a variety of Nighthawk WiFi router models you can choose from. Nighthawk routers also come with a manual that can help you during the setup process. It is quite easy to set up Nighthawk router without a modem.
This is because the latest models of Nighthawk router come with a built-in modem. So, you don’t require any additional modem to perform your Netgear Nighthawk setup.
However, if your router doesn’t have a built-in modem, you can still use your router for streaming movies and music and transferring files between devices on a WiFi network. Nonetheless, in case you want to access the internet, you need a modem and an ISP.
There is no need for a modem or an internet connection to communicate with other devices on a local area network or LAN. You can easily send data to external drives, printers, and other devices as long as you are connected to the WiFi network of your Netgear router.
Now, let’s learn how to set up Netgear Nighthawk WiFi router without modem. Continue reading.
Netgear Nighthawk Router Setup Without Modem
Step 1 – Router Placement
First and foremost, place your Netgear Nighthawk WiFi router at an ideal location. Here, the ideal location refers to:
- A central area in your home
- Away from metal objects like metal doors and aluminum studs
- Far away from electronic gadgets like microwaves, refrigerators, Bluetooth speakers, cordless phones, baby monitors, and much more
- Within the reach of a power outlet
- A higher and open location
- At a certain distance away from reflexive surfaces, e.g. glasses and mirrors
If you don’t place your Netgear Nighthawk router while keeping the aforementioned guidelines in mind, you may get stuck with various setup errors.
Step 2 – Make Connections
Once done with the placement, connect one end of the power adapter to your Netgear router while another to the wall socket. Be certain that the power adapter you use is not damaged.
Before proceeding further, you need to find the network name or SSID and network password. Keep these details handy with you.
Step 3 – Turn on Nighthawk Router
Now, turn on your Netgear Nighthawk WiFi router. Check the Power LED status on it. The green color of LED shows that the router is properly turned on and getting steady power supply from the electrical outlet.
Step 4 – Connect Your PC
The next step to perform Netgear Nighthawk router setup without modem is to turn on your computer. Now, click on the WiFi icon appearing on the taskbar and choose a WiFi network to connect to.
If your network is password-protected, you will be asked to enter the network passphrase. Once done, hit Connect.
Step 5 – Log In to Your Netgear Nighthawk WiFi Router
Open an internet browser on your PC. You can choose any of the installed web browsers on your device, e.g. Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
After opening a new browser window, move the mouse cursor to the address bar and click on it. As soon as you find the mouse cursor blinking, type routerlogin.net and press the Enter key. Within a few seconds, the Netgear router login window will prompt up in front of you.
Insert the user ID and passphrase into the given fields and click on the Log In button.
Step 6 – Set up Your Nighthawk Router
The moment you logged in, the basic home screen will appear. Change the router’s settings as per your requirements. On the off chance if you want to set up your Nighthawk wireless router in the bridge mode, click on the Administration > Advanced tab.
Now, head over to the Router Mode section and choose the radio button that says No. Don’t forget to hit the Apply button to save the changes made by you.
You’re Done!
By following the above-mentioned steps in the exact given order, you will be able to set up your Netgear Nighthawk WiFi router without modem.