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Forum Discussion
dkunath
Jan 17, 2018Star
New Orbi firmware 2.1.2.18 update issues?
I noticed that there was a new firmware version 2.1.2.18 for Orbi RBK50. Has anyone installed this version, and has there been any issues after the installation. Please provide any details that you...
thombe
Jan 18, 2018Apprentice
RBR50 + 1xRBS50
updated from previously manual update of firmware 2.1.1.12 to 2.1.2.18
Only issue found was the actual update process :
The Router found the new firmware through the Admin - Firmware update page but the satellite kept saying checking... so couldn't update either through the admin page as the update button is greyed out while it checks the satellite. Besides, I've learnt the importance of updating the satellite first before you do anything else.
Fix was to login to Satellite webpage and do manual update which then rebooted as expected.
Returned to Router admin page, however it was still showing as "checking" satellite for firmware updates
So did a manual update of Router firmware as well.
Other than that. Nothing else spotted (yet).
Most nervous firmware update I've ever performed I'd say though ;-)
Side note, I ended up returning the extra satellite i'd bought as i got so fed up with it, decided i'd look again at the 3rd one once all this firmware stuff settles down. If it doesn't ever end up becoming the product we all bought into (and to my shame recommending to friends who have gone on to purchse as well) then my loss will remain the initial 1 sat setup, not a small loss, but £200 extra saved from returning the extra satellite.
Ben
- cmftblynuJan 18, 2018Star
I don't know where to begin. I have never been so angry at a company. I don't know whether to blame Google / Oreo / Google Home / Chrome Cast... but I DEFINITELY blame Netgear in all of this. I have had nothing but complete trouble for the last 4 firmware updates. I finally after BREAKING MY ENTIRE SMART home, including lights, doorbells, garage door, motion sensors, sonos, Wi-Fi... I got a relatively stable release with 2.1.2.16. We have apple and android at home, we also have nest security cameras. I have a couple Logitech security cameras that use power over ethernet, and have a switch (hub) and lots of wired connections. 2.1.2.16 ended up ok, but that was really only when we disconnected the pixel 2. At first this firmware seemed to work with pixel 2 then it got more and more unstable, with the pixel connected it would slowly start making the network flaky. The previous firmware I couldn't see attached devices, the satellites would not update or connect, I had to start from scratch etc. every time. Then last night it said 2.1.2.18 fixed the high CPU issue (which I assume means the crazy android mess). So, like an IDIOT I updated. Immediately I noticed I had no Wi-Fi, I figured it just needed to all reboot, NOPE nothing, I couldn't even get a wired connection to get internet, I got so frustrated I went to bed. I had to connect my main computer directly to my cable modem and download the previous firmware. Then I had to disconnect my switch/hub and everything from the Orbi router, and just connect my computer, to downgrade the firmware to everything. Then I had to do a complete network reset including the cable modem, and wait for it all to come back up. So slowly I think I am back to as stable as I have had. What I don't understand is that this is all a mixed bag. Some people say they have the same exact issues as I do, some say this has been very stable. I know android is pushing some fix. Right now, we have all pixels and google homes and chrome casts disconnected from the network so they don't break it. I don't know whether to blame/class action sue google or Netgear or both for being incompetent companies. No product should take down your entire network like this. Orbi needs to get their stuff together, no firmware update should disconnect your own product satellites. That makes no sense, that is instability among your OWN products. No firmware update should ever break a WIRED connection to your computer... what the heck Netgear? You guys have to stop experimenting with us on these firmware updates. RELEASE STABLE FIRMWARE. You don't just break people's connection to the internet, you break our home security, our smart home devices including garage doors etc. You literally make our life hell when you release this stuff. I know there are thousands or millions of combinations of stuff on networks that may work for some people on some firmware, but providing home networking cannot be this difficult, I don't understand how a device connected to a network can break the entire network or communication between your product satellites or router or wired connections that seems like it is on you! I know there is a bunch of security stuff you are also dealing with, but I am not updating anything anymore, I don't care if you promise me that it will be the best experience in the entire world. I DON'T TRUST YOU ANYMORE. Your product is junk I am convinced. I just need to smash this stuff up and go to a different company, I have owned at least 10 different company’s routers over the years and never been so frustrated. When your Orbi system works, it works perfectly when it breaks (which is the majority of the time) it is useless JUNK.
- jcalex22Jan 18, 2018Star
I just manually updated to the latest firmware version and so far everything is stable, at least for me. I have not had any reboots previously reported in this forum, but I am using Orbi in the AP mode. All advance setting are enabled except fast roaming. That seems to cause my IP cameras to blink out momentarily and then back again. I have 83 devices and they all have their issues at times. I am not sure it is my DSL connection or Orbi, but so far I'm still connecting with no major issues. I would kill for a faster internet connection, but only DSL is available in my area. It maybe I have too many devices to work together consistantly on such a slow connection. I have never been able to stream Netflix or Amazon videos smoothly, so I guess I get what I get. Not a Netgear issue, at least in my opinion.
- gixer1997Jan 18, 2018Aspirant
My router updated automatically last night and after the update there was no wireless at all for any of my devices or the orbi satellite. Rebooting didnt fix anything. Then I got lucky and noticed that when I tried to connect to my wifi from my iphone and said the password was incorrect. I thought that odd and ignored it. Then from my windows work laptop the cisco anyconnect client kept throwing an error about psk. Removing the wifi from the laptop and setting it up again didnt fix anything. So I went on the router, changed my wifi password, and then changed it back to what it was and that fixed the issue. Not sure if this will help anyone else having an issue after the update but it worked for me. This is the first issue I've had with the orbi but I'm fairly nervous about any updates for it.