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I've been running a Netgear Wi-Fi 5 mesh router for several years. But recently, I felt it was time to upgrade to a Wi-Fi 7 router. The goal was to add greater speed, performance, and security to my existing network while also future-proofing whatever I bought by skipping Wi-Fi 6 entirely. Moving to a new router can be a hassle, physically and logistically. It's likely why many people hold off on upgrading for as long as possible. Here's what I recommend for a smooth transition.
1. Choose the Router
My first task was to choose the new router. After some research, I narrowed it down to two products: a Netgear Orbi 770 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 7 router with one node and an Amazon eero Pro 7 router with one node. Though I initially leaned toward the eero, I eventually went for Netgear, since I've used its routers for years and have always found them reliable. Plus, I thought I might run into fewer difficulties if I stuck with the same manufacturer.
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2. Record Your Existing Settings
Next, I wanted to grab the important settings from my old router. To do this, I logged into my router's firmware and noted the names of all attached devices, the details for my guest network, and my specialized DNS settings. I also printed the relevant screens, so I’d have them handy for the new router. I didn’t have any special settings for IP reservations, port forwarding, MAC filtering, VPN, or Dynamic DNS. If you do, you’ll want to record them.
3. Disconnect the Old Router
The next step was to pull the plug on my old router. After shutting it off, I disconnected it from the power and then from the modem. I also disconnected my desktop PC, NAS drive, and printer from the Ethernet ports.
4. Connect New Router
It was now time for the new router to make its debut. After labeling where all the cables went, I connected the new router to power and the modem. I then connected it to my PC, NAS, and printer.
5. Activate the Router
With the new unit powered up and connected, I entered the 192.168.1.1 IP address into my computer's browser to access the router's settings screen. Netgear advised me to install the Orbi app (iOS or Android) to pick up the process from there. Luckily, I already had it downloaded. Upon loading the app, I told it to set up a new system. From there, I was able to scan the QR code on the new router, which identified the hardware. After the router was detected, I was asked to join the Orbi network. It then checked for and confirmed an Ethernet connection and internet access.
6. Customize the Router Settings
Next, the app prompted me to change the default network name and password. To simplify this process, I chose to use the same network name and password from my old router. This meant that all my devices would connect automatically without requiring me to re-enter my password on each one. I was also asked to change the default password for logging in to the router’s firmware. Here, I used the same password from my previous router. I was then prompted to set up security questions and answers as a backup for signing in to the router.
7. Set Up the Satellite
Since the Netgear router uses a mesh network, I next had to replace the old node—called a satellite by Netgear—with the new one. I disconnected the old device and connected the new one. The only hiccup I ran into was that the old satellite had four Ethernet ports, three of which were in use, while the new one has only two—thanks a lot, Netgear. Luckily, I didn’t need all three, since I was able to switch my Blu-ray player to Wi-Fi.
8. Sign In to the Router
With the new router and satellite both up and running, I wanted to nose around the firmware and recreate any settings from the old system. I logged in to the new router again, then looked through all the settings to see how they were configured. I made sure that the security was set to WPA2-PSK + WPA3-Personal, an upgrade over my old router’s WPA2-Personal. I also added my guest network, updated the firmware, and finally reviewed all the remaining settings.
9. Check My Devices
Looking at the Attached Devices screen told me that all the wireless devices in my home—PCs, phones, tablets, TVs, streaming devices, Amazon Echos, smart plugs, webcams, robot vacuums, and NAS drive—had connected to the new router using the same credentials. I also compared this screen with the printout of the devices from my previous router to confirm that each device was present and accounted for.
Just to double-check, though, I did fire up some of my home devices, including my TV, iPad, smart speakers, and robot vacuum. I was able to communicate with and control each one remotely, as always, a sign that they were all properly connected.
The Outcome
By recording the information from my old router and using the same network name and password, I was able to make the transition relatively smooth. The main challenge was physically disconnecting and reconnecting all the plugs, cables, and wires. Otherwise, the process went without a hitch.
About Our Expert
I've been working for PCMag since early 2016 writing tutorials, how-to pieces, and other articles on consumer technology. Beyond PCMag, I've written news stories and tutorials for a variety of other websites and publications, including CNET, ZDNet, TechRepublic, Macworld, PC World, Time, US News & World Report, and AARP Magazine. I spent seven years writing breaking news for CNET as one of the site’s East Coast reporters. I've also written two books for Wiley & Sons—Windows 8: Five Minutes at a Time and Teach Yourself Visually LinkedIn.
I've used Windows, Office, and other Microsoft products for years so I'm well versed in that world. I also know the Mac quite well. I'm always working with iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and Android on my various mobile devices. And these days, I write a lot about AI, so that's become another key area for me.
My wife always jokes about all the tech products we have around the house, but I manage to put them to good use for my articles. I like Lenovo computers, so I own a couple of Lenovo desktops and several laptops. I have three MacBooks and a Mac mini. For my mobile life and work, I use an iPhone 16 Pro, iPad Pro, and iPad mini as well as an Apple Watch. But since I write about Android, I own several Android phones and tablets. Like any tech person, I have a cabinet full of cables, wires, and assorted mysterious gadgets. And when it's time to take a break from writing, I have an old Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, both of which I use for exercise and fitness games.
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