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Forum Discussion
DatabaseJase
Dec 16, 2019Luminary
Firmware Version 2.5.1.8
Netgear have released a new firmware update for RBS50/RBR50 here: https://kb.netgear.com/000061530/RBR50-RBS50-Firmware-Version-2-5-1-8 No mention of specific fixes to device labelling and r...
Wire1852
Dec 16, 2019Apprentice
I'm also taking a wait & see position before updating to V 2.5.1.8.
BTW - I'm still using V 2.3.5.30 and when I log into the router & check for new firmware it indicates none.
- LydosineDec 19, 2019Initiate
Its been a very bad experience thus far. I have had Orbi for over 2 years. I do not believe there has ever been a very good firmware. Between Ethernet Backhaul issues to reboots, etc.
Brings us to 2.5.x.x
I first tried the failed 2.5.0.40 and had all the issues people already reported. I downgraded back to 2.3.5.34 and was back to my original state. (I have noticed decreased performance on the 2.3.5.x code hence my desire to upgrade and test out the new codes.)
So 2.5.1.8 came out, waited a few days read what appeared positive results. UGGG.
Positives - Performace does seem to be back up - note this isnt anything better than long ago firmware, but better than the last few iterations. Devices on Sweet Spots back up to 300-500mpbs range. Speedofme showing consistent MAX DL/UL on clients in several locations in my home. My max is about 125DL/8UL which is my broadband limitation. And that will do it for positives.
Negatives/Issues:
Oh boy..
1st - my RBS40V running V2.3.6.4 Latest FW for that device, also that FW worked with other RBR images. Now in GUI shows disconnected. The Orbi APP shows connected and I can confirm I have working devices through the Satellite. So this is more a cosmetic PIA issue. This happened on 2.5.0.40, so this is a return of that bug. Makes it difficult to see what is going on with the Mesh when you cant view devices and status of Satellite.
2nd - This is not specific to this software just fed up with this no longer working for over a year - using manual DNS servers with DHCP for ISP hasnt worked for a very long time. The option is grayed out if you use DHCP for the WAN/ISP address. I use to use DHCP for WAN/ISP and still was allowed to use DNS custom settings.
3rd - Attached devices in GUI or App. I only see about 10-11 devices all stating wired or connected to the RBR. I have approximately 42 devices on my network which are working as far as I can tell. When I go directly to the satellites I see a couple more. But no where to be seen is about 25-30 devices. Yet they work. This also carries over to ACCESS control. Since they are not shown I cannot block devices as needed.
4th - DHCP - I am not 100% sure at this time but the GUI shows my that devices are not using the DHCP reservations I assigned for them. Again I can only see a few of the devices on the App/GUI, but the ones I do see report using IPs not reserved nor in the DHCP scope. AHHH..
5th - Device Naming. Contrary to what others report - I am unable to save manual names. It just shows the Orbi selected name. I tried on the App as well and that showed it at least saved the name, but then when it refreshed right back to the incorrect name. Another related frustration - I have devices that traded names by default - A QNAP NAS is now named Fire tv 3rd generation. Again Orbi assigned the names and I cant change. Also funny in a sad way - Netgear switches are mislabeled as well.
So I recommend staying on the 2.3.5.x until they can MAYBE get a working FW with performance and helpful names etc. Or I recommend just moving on from Orbi.
BTW I normally dont factory reset my RBR after upgrades as that has never worked to improve things nor fix the bugs. I decided this time to try and of course no change in any of the behaviors. I factory reset all devices and built config from scratch. The issues were right out of the gate.
Setup:
RBR50
RBS50 - Ethernet Backhauled
RBS40V - Wireless Backhauled
Daisy chain disabled.
- FURRYe38Dec 19, 2019Guru
Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since the FW update? This maybe needed. Lets try this first and clear everything out and start from scratch. Also be sure to clear our all browser caches before entering into the RBRs web page.
What browser are you using? Try IE11, FireFox or Opera. I've been using Opera and changing device names is working for me here.
What is the mr and model# of your ISP modem?
I can select "Use These" from the Internet Setup section and there not grayed out for me:
Lydosine wrote:Its been a very bad experience thus far. I have had Orbi for over 2 years. I do not believe there has ever been a very good firmware. Between Ethernet Backhaul issues to reboots, etc.
Brings us to 2.5.x.x
I first tried the failed 2.5.0.40 and had all the issues people already reported. I downgraded back to 2.3.5.34 and was back to my original state. (I have noticed decreased performance on the 2.3.5.x code hence my desire to upgrade and test out the new codes.)
So 2.5.1.8 came out, waited a few days read what appeared positive results. UGGG.
Positives - Performace does seem to be back up - note this isnt anything better than long ago firmware, but better than the last few iterations. Devices on Sweet Spots back up to 300-500mpbs range. Speedofme showing consistent MAX DL/UL on clients in several locations in my home. My max is about 125DL/8UL which is my broadband limitation. And that will do it for positives.
Negatives/Issues:
Oh boy..
1st - my RBS40V running V2.3.6.4 Latest FW for that device, also that FW worked with other RBR images. Now in GUI shows disconnected. The Orbi APP shows connected and I can confirm I have working devices through the Satellite. So this is more a cosmetic PIA issue. This happened on 2.5.0.40, so this is a return of that bug. Makes it difficult to see what is going on with the Mesh when you cant view devices and status of Satellite.
2nd - This is not specific to this software just fed up with this no longer working for over a year - using manual DNS servers with DHCP for ISP hasnt worked for a very long time. The option is grayed out if you use DHCP for the WAN/ISP address. I use to use DHCP for WAN/ISP and still was allowed to use DNS custom settings.
3rd - Attached devices in GUI or App. I only see about 10-11 devices all stating wired or connected to the RBR. I have approximately 42 devices on my network which are working as far as I can tell. When I go directly to the satellites I see a couple more. But no where to be seen is about 25-30 devices. Yet they work. This also carries over to ACCESS control. Since they are not shown I cannot block devices as needed.
4th - DHCP - I am not 100% sure at this time but the GUI shows my that devices are not using the DHCP reservations I assigned for them. Again I can only see a few of the devices on the App/GUI, but the ones I do see report using IPs not reserved nor in the DHCP scope. AHHH..
5th - Device Naming. Contrary to what others report - I am unable to save manual names. It just shows the Orbi selected name. I tried on the App as well and that showed it at least saved the name, but then when it refreshed right back to the incorrect name. Another related frustration - I have devices that traded names by default - A QNAP NAS is now named Fire tv 3rd generation. Again Orbi assigned the names and I cant change. Also funny in a sad way - Netgear switches are mislabeled as well.
So I recommend staying on the 2.3.5.x until they can MAYBE get a working FW with performance and helpful names etc. Or I recommend just moving on from Orbi.
BTW I normally dont factory reset my RBR after upgrades as that has never worked to improve things nor fix the bugs. I decided this time to try and of course no change in any of the behaviors. I factory reset all devices and built config from scratch. The issues were right out of the gate.
Setup:
RBR50
RBS50 - Ethernet Backhauled
RBS40V - Wireless Backhauled
Daisy chain disabled.
- LydosineDec 19, 2019Initiate
Furry - As stated - I did a complete factory reset as stated in my post. Also rebuilt configuration. Using Chrome. And as I stated I also tried the Orbi App (iOS) and cant rename there as well so its not just a browser issue.
I am very much willing to bet I am not the only one with these issues. I suspect as I did with the other 2.5.0.40 this FW will be pulled again. Furry somehow you never have issues. I think you also stated 2.5.0.40 was good. Anyway thanks but this needs NG to fix.