Instruction: Answer the given question using the supporting document.

Input:
Question: Do I have to connect via ethernet to set this up? I just got a new MacBook Pro, and they don't have ethernet or CD players anymore
Document: I got this router as a replacement to another one I bought here on Amazon just before that didn't work very well. It would drop signal at random times and cause me to have to reconnect and when it did connect, the signal was very weak. Even weaker than the cheap router I had before from a few years ago.
This morning I did a hard reset and tried to set it up again from scratch. No dice. I can connect to the router and to my other computers / devices, but not to the internet.One might wonder why I keep buying them. When they DO work, they have the best range in my house for comparable models (beats my Cisco EA4500, for example, which I have reconnected and is working fine). But I think this one will be my last.
This is my 5th Netgear router. Three WNDR3700s, and two 4500s. After a while they all fail. This one set a new record - I bought it on January 23, delivered on January 24, and it no longer connects to the internet. Last night I noticed that my laptop was not connected, though it had been connected all day. Turns out none of my devices were connected. I did the standard drill:  turn off router, modem reboot, wait 2 minutes, turn on router.
I am happy with this product even it takes time to set the router up even if you never had set the wireless router up before. I was thinking about buying NETGEAR N600 WiFi DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Router (C3700), Comcast approved product. I am glad that I got this N900 router instead to hookup with my Motorola SB6120 modem which I already owned it and in case if there is a problem with the router.I had a little issue with IPv6 which it was turned off.
Bought this thru my cable internet provider - Cox Communications - in order to get support if necessary. Paid a small premium wrt Amazon. The box contents list says to follow the instructions to set up. There are no instructions. There is no first time use configuration router html page either, unlike previous Linksys routers I have used. Very sloppy. No support was forthcoming from Cox who immediately passed me to NetGear India where a rep got me registered  and then informed me that any support would require payment.
I had to piggy back it on an older router for it to pick up IP addresses. If I try to hook it up as the only router, it will not connect to the internet and the IP address section remains blank. When I hook it up piggy backed to an older Netgear router, I can use the printer option and the faster transfer speed, and it has an IP address. I do not understand why it won't work solo.
I am an IT in California. I must have installed about 50 of these in the last two years. They're all still in service and I have not had any problems reported, complaints, or need to replace. The wired Ethernet ports reliably pass well in excess of 900Mbps. In the same room with the WNDR4500, you can expect between 50Mbps and 200Mbps depending on how good your wireless receiver is.
I did not experience any of the connectivity issues detailed in other reviews, I liked the setup interface and performance, and, most importantly, I have a backup of my configuration ready to apply to a new WNDR4500. (I am not looking forward to recreating my network on another router.) However, reading a lot of these reviews has given me pause.
Since my last router died on me I chose netgear because three of my friends had this brand and so I when two step up and got this one love it.
I really like this router.I use it in a medium size ranch style 3 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath home.My computer/work room is at one end of the house, and with this new router, I still can get a 100% strong signal at the opposite end of the house. Thats through quite a few walls.It's performance is much better than my old TrendNet router.
Answer: Yes, you are supposed to use a wired connection to upgrade firmware. Also, contrary to the response from Amish Funguy, this is not a Costco ripoff. Netgear support provides firmware updates for WNDR4500 and WNDR4500v2. Do not interchange firmware between devices.