Nighthawk M6 unboxing and your questions answered

Is the new Nighthawk M6 locked to Telstra? Find out at 09:27 min.
Is it worth upgrading from an M5 to an M6? Find out at 10:28
What is the difference between the M6 and the M6 Pro? Find out at 10:48
In this video we unbox the new M6, show you the setup and the Netgear app, go through all the possible features and what they mean. Also we cover the differences between the Nighthawk M5, M6 and M6 Pro. The 5G roll-out is very exciting and hopefully soon most of Australia will be covered. The M6 is of course 4G and 3G compatible, so if you know your area is getting 5G soon, you can consider getting one.
The reasons why we are so excited for 5 G :
5G presents immense opportunities for all of us. Enhancing efficiency and productivity while also giving users faster access to more information, 5G delivers:
Faster Speed - Download huge amounts of data, in an instant.
Lower latency - No more lag time.
Connection Density - More connection reliability and stability.
Traffic Capacity - Accommodates more devices and applications.
Antenna solutions
Edited by Holly Winter
tinyurl.com/ho...
Captions from our favorite rev. com
Use this link try.rev.com/6bs7ts and get $10 off your first order.
#5G #NighthawkM6 #Netgear

[@quedecree]

How does the M6 prioritize which bands/towers it connects to? I'm 20km away from most towers but with good line of site. Sometimes the M6 connects to the B28/700 Mhz bands and gets good signal and snr, but other times it connects to B7 bands with fair to poor signal/snr. I selected 4g Lte only option in 'settings' to stop it from prioritizing 5g which it seemed to want to connect to all the time but the signal was pretty poor and unreliable. It would be great if there was an easy way to get it to just connect to 700 Mhz bands. Cheers - John.

[@RFShop]

The network would drive the connections etc. By using a directional antenna, we sort off "force" the hand of the network by telling it which tower is the best connection.

[@19barney94]

Australian question. Hello im looking to put something into my van and im wondering if the M6 unlocked (MR 6150) is worth getting over the not pro version M6 5G (MR 6110). From what I understand in your video I can edit the MR 6110 with my phone netgear app and add any Australian Network onto it with the right codes. Does this make the only difference between the MR 6150 and MR 6110 is that I have manually put in the codes and the other is automatic? Also should i still consider the M5 if i can get my hands on it, or is the "future proof" of the M6 worth the cost? I hope my question makes sense, thank you.

[@RFShop]

Isaac...Australian response here :) ( migrant accent ) Since the video I learned that it's possible to change the network settings, but Telstra still locked the frequency bands to theirs only. So Optus would only work where the bands used match the typical ones Telstra uses. A bit of a bummer. I personally don't see the advantage of the Pro over the standard one, or the M5 for that matter. The extra functionality being sold is still limited by the bottle-neck of the network, and also by the fact that it's still "only" a consumer device. Getting a connection to the 5G network works great on the M5, and from my perspective that's the key requirements for these units.

[@michaelsimpson9779]

Thanks for the new material, hadn't really thought about the TS9 connections upper freq limitations. Your bird's fine, I've got a Cockatiel that's intolerable when it gets going......

[@RFShop]

Yes, those birds don't hold back. I'm very concerned about questions I'm starting to see about mmWave...as the issue of the cut-off of TS9 needs to be more readily explained

[@iam_myster_e]

The background noise is so peaceful actually but that’s just me. I would recommend closing the window for the Karen’s out there😂

[@RFShop]

The Karen's out there don't have to watch these videos :)

[@itsishansharma]

Can you please make a detailed video on Data Offloading feature of M6 pro?

[@RFShop]

Yes, will look into that

[@barrysharman2645]

Thanks David. Loving my Nighthawk M5 & the speed of 5G. Best wishes. Barry

[@RFShop]

Indeed, these units are nice. M5 was a great product...really a pity they stopped it

[@marcusmartinez63]

Does this have the ability to become a access point to a existing network?

[@RFShop]

Hi Marcus. I have seen people do that yes, but I am not an expert on that side of the device.

[@marcusmartinez63]

Thanks @@RFShop

[@wlsmojo]

Quick question :-) I have an iPad M2 and my PS4 does not connect to it unless I switch to “compatibility mode“. Will the Nighthawk M6 connect to my PS4? Is there compatibility mode or that’s not needed? Can’t seem to find any info. Cheers :-)

[@RFShop]

Hi, is it an iPad M2 or NightHawk M2 ? These would be issues relating to the manufacturers themselves and I don't know for sure. It should work, if you ask my opinion though :)

[@wlsmojo]

@@RFShop thanks for the reply :-) it’s an iPad with an M2 processor (the latest one). It will only connect its hotspot to my PS4 if I switch WiFi to “ compatibility mode“. I think PS4 uses WiFi 3. Does the nighthawk M6 communicate with older devices? I would assume so but just wanted your opinion. Thanks again!!

[@RFShop]

@@wlsmojo I would be surprised if the M6 does not work well. I've had similar issues with hotspot from my iPhone at times, but the NightHawk is really designed as "fit for purpose" so it's main function is WiFi. I'd say yes, it should work OK.

[@wlsmojo]

@@RFShop Excellent :-) thank you very much again!!

[@RFShop]

@@wlsmojo No problem :)

[@peemun4545]

Thanks for the clips. Can you please assist? I am getting frustrated and purchased this Nighthawk M6 Pro with the below details today on 25 November 2022 here in Melbourne, Australia at Telstra shop. I checked all the settings in all three hotspots, and they are identical. The USB port is set to charging and tethering. However, it does not seem to want to power on without the battery connected when tethered to a PC. I am using the same cable it came with the device to connect to my desktop. Every time I remove the battery while the cable is connected to the desktop and the device, a picture pop up on the device screen showing (attached picture) the cable can only connect to the device adaptor for AC and it cannot connect to the PC. But as soon as I put the battery back on the device, the device connects to the PC. what am I doing wrong?

[@RFShop]

Hi...sorry, not really able to help too much. I am an RF / antenna focused user of the NightHawk, but when it comes to support my only comment would be (tongue in cheek)...look at the Teltonika's ;)

[@HB..]

Try running it without the battery and connect it to the supplied charger, or one of equivalent output (18w), and see if that solves the issue. - I suspect your laptop is not supplying enough power to the device

[@peemun4545]

@@HB.. did all that, its faulty on its design, had to return and get my money back.

[@lukedoerre7490]

Are they worth updating from the Telstra 5G modem?

[@RFShop]

No...I'd stick to that proper modem

[@sonphamquang9342]

Can I just use it as a wifi hotpot at home by simply connect it with home router without using simcard ?

[@RFShop]

I am not sure, but the main purpose of devices like this one is that it has the SIM-card, so it would not be how it is intended to be used.

[@GregFuller-rc2sw]

Hi how do I connect my M6 to my smart TV CHEERS

[@RFShop]

Hi Greg, I would probably consider WiFi unless you have an Ethernet connection available ?

[@kobba2350]

Can the router run as normal on AC power with the battery remaining placed in the router? If yes would the battery automatically take over if the power cut out? Looking for a failsafe set up.

[@piddlesmcgee]

Battery has to be taken out to run on AC power only

[@RFShop]

It does not run on "AC", it runs from USB cable. If that's connected on a AC USB plug I guess it becomes a matter of word interpretation but you can keep the USB in and when the USB does not work the battery will keep the device up

[@piddlesmcgee]

@@RFShop really? Mine said I had to take out the battery for it to run on “AC” power only. I’ll have to check if I did something wrong now cause battery backup would be nice. Thanks for the info!

[@RFShop]

@@piddlesmcgee yes, but please let me know how you go

[@piddlesmcgee]

@@RFShop well I unplugged it and updated the firmware and the AC only option is no longer there. You were right I think they switched it to an “AC” and if the power goes out or whatever it’ll auto switch to battery

[@madalaine11]

Have you had any luck having it run without a battery in it?

[@RFShop]

Apologies, no, I have not spent too much time on the NIghtHawk these days. I'm moving much more into the Teltonika world now and enjoying their 4G and 5G solutions

[@HB..]

Works fine using the supplied charger, switch it off, remove the battery, then plug it in and power it up, hopefully it should switch over automatically, otherwise change power modes and then reboot

[@supalesz1708]

Does the M6 support bridge mode as I can run it as a 5/4G modem only.

[@RFShop]

I believe so, but will check. It does have the ability to be a modem using the USB interface into your laptop

[@lulu-kc1qh]

Hi,I'm in China，can you help me buy one netgear M6 pro? thanks…

[@RFShop]

Sorry, seems that the M6 and the M6 Pro is on short supply globally

[@UFO-35]

I'm not impressed with the M6 so far, reception and speed are ok but the wifi is very poor, i have it in my caravan and if i step just outside the door I loose reception. Not sure how this would work throughout a large house.

[@myricalcampbell6156]

Connect it to a larger router. You could set up a mesh system to get coverage where you need it

[@RFShop]

Peter, perhaps watch our video on the comparison between Netgear NightHawks and Teltonika. I address and raise this exact topic and my opinion on it.

[@Z4d0k]

It seems there's a performance mode that is automatically activated when the battery is removed, greatly increasing WiFi range.

[@UFO-35]

@@Z4d0k i have tried that and it doesn't make much of a difference, the current M6 firmware is flawed, the device overheats daily and freezes requiring a reboot. New firmware is not due to until the first quarter 2023 in Australia to fix the issue. Overall the devise is garbage and I wouldn't recommend one until the problems are sorted.

[@noupot]

Sad to learn that the wifi of the m6 is so poor, thus won’t buy it.

[@5kyler137]

how do i connect this to 5g i need help my phones auto connected to 5g but idk how to get my hotspot on 5g

[@RFShop]

Have you tried moving the modem to different locations ?

[@5kyler137]

@@RFShop i have i tried putting an unlimited phone sim into it and it wouldn’t work it would only work with 10gb plan

[@RFShop]

@@5kyler137 I think you need to check this with the SIM-card provider. That type of behaviour and who the network operator is seems more relevant than the modem itself. I assume the unlimited SIM is from another provider than the 10GB plan? Here in Australia, we see that Optus has two different types of SIM-cards, and they control which ones are OK to swap between modems and which ones can only be used in Optus approved devices. It may be the same situation with yours...and you may find that the unlimited SIM-card does not work in other devices not from that particular network operator either.

[@brianjones4810]

They definitely arent locked if you buy them outright from telstra, Optus mobile sim data works no issue BUT Optus 5g home internet lock the sims to the Nokia fastmile gateways (which is a crime surely) anyway great video also wanted to mention for the M6 Pro to used the Ethernet as a 2.5gb port you have to remove the battery and have it running on mains - still stretching my head on that one

[@RFShop]

Thanks Brian. Yes, I learned that there are way too many hoops to jump through to get 2.5Gbps. Silly

[@Aussie_Damo]

I assume its a heating issue with the chipset and they don't want to heat up the battery running increased performance and heat.

[@maartenkok345]

KaaskopOzzie 😂 Dutch relatives? 😉. Great review, thanks!!

[@RFShop]

Good catch. Yes, born as a Dutch migrant in South Africa, now living in Australia. Still a dual citizen (NL/ Oz)

[@maartenkok345]

@@RFShop I travelled around in Australia for a few months long ago, lots of surfing too, loved it over there! Thanks for the good review. If I understand you correctly, the M6 will also work in Europe with any operator right?? (as long as I put in the correct APN details for the network).

[@RFShop]

@@maartenkok345 , yes that is my understanding

[@maartenkok345]

@@RFShop great, thanks!!

[@ade6ayo]

Hi there, can you give me your nighthawk m6 if you don't use it please?

[@RFShop]

I wish I could, but I stripped it completely. I'll have to find it again :)

[@ade6ayo]

@@RFShop all good man, thank you and have a great day 😊

[@jasonsmart549]

How do I turn on upnp

[@RFShop]

Not sure...but I can tell you how to connect antennas and measure the results :)

[@brieninsac]

I don’t know about down under, but they’re nowhere to be found in the States.

[@RFShop]

They are actually quite popular here and we see quite a few enquiries for antennas where people have received their NightHawk M6

[@tempestv8]

@@RFShop what antennas would you recommend for a caravan setup? Is there an antenna that can be attached on a pole when at a campsite, or would you suggest hard mounting it onto the roof? Wondering if antennas get stolen at campsites.... 😞

[@RFShop]

@@tempestv8 I would highly recommend the Poynting MIMO-3-12 as an omni for the roof (permanent mount). See rfshop.com.au/product/poynting-mimo-omni-caravan-boat-antenna/ However, if you want an external antenna that needs to be taken down and setup time-and-again, you can certainly use the XPOL-2. It would outperform the MIMO-3-12 on range and performance but will take more effort to setup. Please see rfshop.com.au/product/directional-high-gain-cross-polarised-lte-mimo-antenna/

[@tempestv8]

@@RFShop Love love love your idea of using a trailer jockey wheel bracket on the A bar of the caravan to hold up an aluminium mast for the Poynting XPOL-2 antenna. Simple yet super effective, which you mentioned in this other video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWPUnYmCntuIqKM Simply brilliant solution! Now I have to find a suitably sized telescopic pole to go into the jockey wheel bracket (which has a fairly large diameter), or a variation of this idea.

[@KieranMahoney]

These are way too expensive now. They are going through the same thing GoPro went through

[@RFShop]

Probably...but there has already been many new options available now