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 release notes seem identical to the update they pulled. Also doesn't mention anything about the speed degredation many suffered with that now removed release. Having been bitten with the last release, causing a rollback to the current "stable" (v2.3.5.30) release, I'm going to take a wait and watch approach to this one. Interested to read the experience of more adventurous Orbi owners.

I just recieved this system a couple of days ago and stunned by the horrible quality of the firmware and smartphone apps. The shipped unit had old firmware that was very unstable, but it immeadiately updated. It was still failing to accomplish the very basic initial setup and reporting that no firmware updates were available. I eventually found this version 2.5.1.8 which needed to be manuall updated. After many hours of fiddling with it.....the app and the web interface do not tell the same story. The whole system seems to reboot quite often. Syncing satellites reports a failure, but is still saying it is connected. The web interface reports that ALL connections are to the router so I cannot tell if the satellites are even making connections. Every once in a while, for a brief moment, the web interface will show various devices connected to satellites but after a refresh that dissapears.The phone app always shows one of the satellites as offline. The satellite that is show online is reported to have nothing connected - even though there are at least a few devices connected.This is the behahovior of the latest software? Stop adding 'features' like Disney and whatever security services and prioritize the total and complete destruction of low level operational bugs. That is all that matters. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. Stability. So, even when the system appears to be working under the hood - there is no reliable way to know what in the world is going on with it. I chose this system partly because it was on the market for a while and I figured Netgear would be able to get software worked out in 3+ years. I was wrong. This system has so much potential, but the firmware / software is a joke. My absolute primary requirment is stability. I love fancy features as much as anyone, but not if they get in the way of reliability. I want to quickly setup a router and forget about it for years. So far....I have been fussing with this crazy system for many hours. While I am not a networking professional - I am a mixed discipline engineer that is immersed in design and implemtation of bleeding edge tech all day / every day. This should be the easiest thing I have ever done.

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.

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.

Just updated manually and the only real change I noticed is that the web interface is significantly faster. After 2 years this thing is now almost at the speed of my old R7000 with XWRT

I'm also having the same issue - after maunally upgrading to v2.5.1.8 on both the router and satellite unit, the Orbi App on IOS (13.3) is not showing information in the Network Map. The Network Map is still showing the Internet, connected Router (RBR50) and the connected Satellite (RBS50) but when you click on the Router or the Satellite, it comes back with 'No connected Device Found'. However, in the 'Device Manager', it shows the number devices and when you click on it, it shows the list of device names but NOT their device type. All are listed as unknown. When drilling down onto the individual device, it says ' This computer is not connected to your network' eventhough it is connected and you can ping it. The Orbi App (v2.4.12.5) was working fine previously with the previous firmware. I've tried deleting the Orbi App and re-install but with the same results. Orbi Router & Satellite have also been rebooted - short of doing a factory reset. Anyone seeing the same issue?

Firmware Version 2.5.1.8 | NETGEAR Communities

88 Replies

Rob21
Aspirant
Jan 01, 2020
Can help me sulotion for mr1100 stc blocked 4g in saudi arabia
- Rob21
  Aspirant
  Jan 01, 2020
  Netgear company give sulotion for stc blocked mr1100 in saudi arabia
agneev
Aspirant
Feb 12, 2020
I updated from 2.3.5.30 to 2.5.18 yesterday and reset to factory settings after the update.

I am able to set Device Model and Icon in the web UI, but this doesn't reflect on the iOS app. Setting this will default to Unknown each time I open Devices in the app.

I thought this issue was fixed in 2.5.18, which was present in the pulled update, 2.5.0.40.

What should I do now?
- tomschmidt
  Virtuoso
  Feb 12, 2020
  From what others have reported, it may take 24 hours or more for the iOS app to see the WiFi devices. It appears that their DHCP lease needs to be renewed before the iOS app will see them. Wired network devices reportedly are seen after the firmware update, but WiFi devices can take 24 hours to be seen. The Android app and the web interface both see all devices immediately after the firmware update. NG has not fixed the iOS app yet to address this issue.
  
  agneev wrote:
  I updated from 2.3.5.30 to 2.5.18 yesterday and reset to factory settings after the update.
  
  I am able to set Device Model and Icon in the web UI, but this doesn't reflect on the iOS app. Setting this will default to Unknown each time I open Devices in the app.
  
  I thought this issue was fixed in 2.5.18, which was present in the pulled update, 2.5.0.40.
  
  What should I do now?
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  Feb 12, 2020
  Please post about this in the Orbi app forum:
  https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/bd-p/en-home-orbi-app
  Good Luck.
  agneev wrote:
  I updated from 2.3.5.30 to 2.5.18 yesterday and reset to factory settings after the update.
  
  I am able to set Device Model and Icon in the web UI, but this doesn't reflect on the iOS app. Setting this will default to Unknown each time I open Devices in the app.
  
  I thought this issue was fixed in 2.5.18, which was present in the pulled update, 2.5.0.40.
  
  What should I do now?
  - BigRune
    Apprentice
    Feb 12, 2020
    I have been running a RBK50v2 system for about a month. The one RBS50 is wired to the RBR50, both on fw 2.3.5.30.
    
    All running well, great speeds and all. About a week ago the WiFi was unreachable so I rebooted. In the Orbi app I noticed that fw
    2.5.1.8 was available for update. As I did not have any problems I decided to not update.
    Today when I got home the Internet connection was offline, magenta ring showing on router. Wifi working great locally and i rebooted through the app.
    
    Now I notice that the fw update is no longer available through the Orbi app or through the web online update tab.
    
    What is going on?
    Is it a coincidence Netgear announcing fw availability messes up my Orbi system?
    Do I really benefit in stability from upgrading my 2.3.5.30 system to 2.5.1.8?
    Do Netgear want me to upgrade my Orbi system or not?
    
    Displaying devices with wrong images does not bother me. Losing WiFi and/or WAN connection does bother me!
    
    My previous router was a AC3200 Dlink, rock solid for 5 straight years. Never rebooted even once other than with power outs or moving equipment.
radamchak
Guide
Feb 15, 2020
Installed v2.5.1.8 "automatically". Wondered why router and satellites did not sync. I ended up reinstalling manually, to be sure it was done correctly, then "factory reset" router and satellites. Network came up after this workflow. Go figure. Upload speed seems to be about 3-4Mb/sec slower, even after changing Speedtest servers.
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  Feb 17, 2020
  Maybe NG put it up for auto check update now. I also noticed a slight performance dip. Wasn't anything major.
  radamchak wrote:
  Installed v2.5.1.8 "automatically". Wondered why router and satellites did not sync. I ended up reinstalling manually, to be sure it was done correctly, then "factory reset" router and satellites. Network came up after this workflow. Go figure. Upload speed seems to be about 3-4Mb/sec slower, even after changing Speedtest servers.
bdela
Aspirant
Mar 21, 2020
I’ve been having a lot of issues with WiFi handoff between router/satellites since this update. Never had any issues before and now most devices don’t hand off when I’m moving around my home—I end up having to disconnect and reconnect to WiFi. Anyone else having this issue?
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  Mar 21, 2020
  
  What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?
  
  What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
  What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/000036466/How-far-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite-from-my-Orbi-router
  
  What channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
  Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?
  
  Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or maynot be needed) and WMM. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
  Try disabling the following and see:
  Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Set Short preamble instead of Long preamble modes. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).
  Above suggestions working:
  https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Throttling-Devices-RBK53/m-p/1858561/highlight/true#M81925
  
  Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update? IF this doesn't resolve anything you can downgrade back to last working FW version.
  bdela wrote:
  I’ve been having a lot of issues with WiFi handoff between router/satellites since this update. Never had any issues before and now most devices don’t hand off when I’m moving around my home—I end up having to disconnect and reconnect to WiFi. Anyone else having this issue?
- Retired_Member
  Mar 21, 2020
  bdela wrote:
  I’ve been having a lot of issues with WiFi handoff between router/satellites since this update. Never had any issues before and now most devices don’t hand off when I’m moving around my home—I end up having to disconnect and reconnect to WiFi. Anyone else having this issue?
  What Orbi/firmware on you on?
- InvisibleWAN
  Aspirant
  Apr 22, 2020
  Everything was good with this firmware until I tried to add an additional device (iPad).
  
  It connects to main router fine with full access BUT the synced satellite will not allow access (my admin setting was to disallow new devices, but I authorized the iPad).
  
  Clearly there is an issue with setting updates reaching the satellite. In fact, I have no logs from the satellite reaching the main router.
  
  Once again Netgear has displayed its ineptitude in maintaining core functionality. Not much different than Apple releasing an iPhone update which breaks the ability to make a call.
  
  Tired of this.
  - Retired_Member
    Apr 22, 2020
    InvisibleWAN wrote:
    
    Tired of this.
    so why did you upgrade to2.5.1.8?
DerekWatson
Aspirant
May 12, 2020
The file downloaded can't be opened, is this a windows only file? Is there a mac version?

I have tried from Orbi app but its says it has updated but then reboots and has same upgrade option indicating it has not worked
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  May 12, 2020
  .zip files are both Windows and Mac supporting. Both Windows and Mac have built in package file handlers to unpack the .zip file. They may not work if the .zip file was downloaded as corrupt or not fully downloaded correctly.
  
  First manually download the RBS and RBR FW files from here.
  http://kb.netgear.com/en_US/000061838/ if you want to update to v16
  Unpack the FW from the .zip files.
  Use a wired PC for this process. Safari(Mac), IE11(Windows), Firefox or Opera browsers are recommended.
  Log into the RBSs web page and send the FW file there first.
  Then send the RBR FW file lastly.
  Factory reset the RBS and RBR and setup from scratch. After makeing sure the system works after setting up, be sure to make a backup configuration to file for safe keeping. This saves time if a reset is needed again.
  I recommend keeping this method, as it's a proven method I and others have been using for years to update router FW.
  
  DerekWatson wrote:
  The file downloaded can't be opened, is this a windows only file? Is there a mac version?
  
  I have tried from Orbi app but its says it has updated but then reboots and has same upgrade option indicating it has not worked
  - DerekWatson
    Aspirant
    May 12, 2020
    Hi
    
    I have tried downloading the file again (5 times now) and get this error each time I try to open it. Its is a .img file which is why I queried if it was a windows file in the zip archive?

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Firmware Version 2.5.1.8