What is a Firmware?

A Firmware is the Operating system of a device through which commands are given to the device to interact within the hardware of the device to perform the numerous tasks. It is basically the software for its hardware. Hardware devices have become a crucial aspect of our day to day lives and all the functions carried out on the hardware device are all run on some sort of firmware. A Firmware is required for every device. For example, the mouse that you use to click and scroll also contains a firmware. The firmware is what converts a single click of the mouse to readable electrical signals for the computer so that the computer can understand and perform the function.

What is your Router’s Firmware?

The Firmware of the router is the Operating System incorporated in the hardware i.e. the router. It is added at the time of the manufacturing of the router. It is the software that is responsible for carrying out all the operations by the router. All the security and administrative commands are carried out through the firmware by the user. The firmware is used for a long term consistent storage because it is a non volatile type of memory, which means that it possesses the ability to save the data and hold it even if the power goes out suddenly. So, any changes that are made in the router are kept saved even if the power goes out.

Why the Firmware update is important?

It is in the user’s best interest to keep the firmware updated every time a firmware update is released. It only takes a couple of minutes worth of time. The older firmware will still continue to function but you might face some issues as nothing is perfect. The firmware update tries to remove the issues in the router and may also add new features as well. There are always the security concerns because very sensitive information passes through the router such as the user’s private information, banking details and more. So, it is imperative that the router’s firmware is kept up to date to make sure you are using the best and latest features in your router.

Here, we will show you the simple steps to update the Netgear Router’s Firmware.

How to upgrade the firmware manually

To update your Netgear Router’s firmware manually, follow these simple steps.

1. Open the NETGEAR Download Center to download the latest firmware of your router and save it.

2. Launch a web browser of your choice on the device that is connected to the router. A wired connection between the device and the router would be preferred.

3. You will be prompted to put in the username and the password. Click OK. You then will be taken to the Router’s home screen.

The default username is “admin” and password is “password”.

4. Click on ADVANCED and then Administration.

5. Click on the Firmware Update or Router Update button. The option may vary with different router models.

6. Click the Choose File button. If it’s not highlighted already, you will have to Browse for it.

Your Firmware will start to update. Do not turn off the router as it might cause some damage. Your router will automatically reboot after the update has been completed.