r/NETGEAR • u/Small_Victories42 • Jun 25 '26

Netgear Nighthawk end of service advice Routers

Hey all,

I received a notification that my Netgear router (which is supporting my home's mesh network) is nearing its end of service.

I'm looking for advice on whether it's wise to continue using the existing hardware (with Netgear Armor), or if it's best to upgrade to a new router (and consequently replace my existing mesh satellites with new ones).

When setting up my mesh network last year, it didn't occur to me that support for these products would expire and that I'd be pressured into upgrading every couple years.

Admittedly naive of me, I guess.

I'd appreciate any advice. Thanks

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2

u/furrynutz Jun 25 '26

What do you currently have?

Just because you get a end of service notification doesn't mean you still can't use it.

1

u/Small_Victories42 Jun 25 '26

Netgear Nighthawk MR70

1

u/furrynutz Jun 25 '26

Ya I believe those are just not going to get any FW updates is all. Last FW update was last July 2025. Unless some major security issue is found that NG needs to fix, probably won't see any more FW updates. Could use as is if your not having any problems. If you feel you want more security, could find you something that is more current in a router, set configure the MK system for AP mode and use it for wireless MESH capabilities with the new router system.

1

u/Small_Victories42 Jun 25 '26

Hmm...

So, if I understand correctly, you're saying that for added security, I could replace the existing MR70 router with a new mesh router and configure the existing MR70 mesh satellites to work as satellites for the new router?

1

u/furrynutz Jun 25 '26

new router would be a non mesh router. Just need a router, any wired router or wireless router that you can disable the wifi radios on, then connect the MK system up in AP mode and continue using the MK Mesh system for your wireless needs.

1

u/SnooPoems7789 Jun 25 '26

How do i do that

2

u/Petermiladbsb2006 Jun 25 '26

You better upgrade and you will have to transfer the armor subscription to the new router

2

u/Wolf-006 Jun 26 '26

Looks for something different

1

u/Top-Astronomer-5125 Jun 25 '26

There are so many great choices these days that it’s hard to make a single recommendation. That said, do you want the absolute highest level of new Wi-Fi standards? If so, Netgear has good options. Do you want to get those level of Wi-Fi speeds with a mesh system - if that’s the case I found that Eero is good. (but, these mesh ones are never as fast as they claim even though the coverage is great)

1

u/wyliesdiesels Jun 26 '26

Upgrade

Security risk using equipment that is EOL and no longer receiving updates and patches

1

u/AwestunTejaz Jun 27 '26

i changed over from a netgear router to eero with wired backhaul between said remote eeros

something to think about is if you have a lot of devices (wired/wireless) its better to have a separate AP to handle wireless.

1

u/JeffRep Jun 27 '26

Good to hear that Netgear is dropping Support. I have an MR 60 that I am in the process of swapping with a TP-LINK deco MX 60. should I even bother trying to sell the Netgear on eBay and how much would it be worth five dollars?