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Forum Discussion
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...
I believe that I've found a way to block auto-update, but it most likely isn't worth most people's time. And will create problems if you need ftp to access your home network remotely. Using dd-wrt on my "main" router (Orbi is in AP mode), when I block ftp, that prevents the Orbi from doing auto-update flashing. Not even seeing the "newer firmware available" banner on the Advanced Status page after almost 4 days.
I'd much rather see Netgear provide a method for blocking firmware auto-update when a particular firmware version doesn't play well with one's collection of home network clients. Rather than repeatedly forcing their users onto a firmware version that isn't working for them. And wasting the time of people like me that compulsively solve problems like these *smile*.
The Orbi has been very stable for me most of the last year that I've had it. V2.1.2.18 release is the first firmware version I've had a functional problem with in over a year of use. I'm currently evaluating whether it's worth it to me to spend the time to battle Netgear's firmware developers fervent desire that I stay on a firmware version that isn't working for my home network, versus giving me the tools to do make my home network functional. It would be much easier for Netgear to simply add a web admin interface switch to temporarily disable auto-update, versus all the time that I've spent in getting to the same place. Ending up having to disable part of my home network to accomplish the same goal.
FTP block doesn’t work. I have checkpoint firewall and Orbi is in AP mode. FTP, telnet, ssh all ports are blocked.
I downgraded orbi to .74 fw last night and this morning it came back to 2.18.
wrote:FTP block doesn’t work. I have checkpoint firewall and Orbi is in AP mode. FTP, telnet, ssh all ports are blocked.
I downgraded orbi to .74 fw last night and this morning it came back to 2.18.
I don't know what the checkpoint firewall is, but dd-wrt access restrictions in my main router are working for me. Are you using this firewall on your computer, or your router? It doesn't do any good to block ftp on your computer, since the Orbi is either a peer with your computer (if your computer is connected to your main router) or it's more towards the WAN than your computer (if your computer is connected to the Orbi), and ftp for the Orbi is not affected by firewalls run on your computer. If you're running the firewall on your main router (the one that the Orbi in AP mode is connected to), that might work.
I'm also blocking the web site "updates1.netgear.com", as well as ftp. Going on 5 days here, and don't even see the "newer firmware is available" banner at this point. Still on 2.1.1.16. So it's working for me, no sign of anything auto-update related going on.
Continued disconnects for me on 2.1.2.18. I've had constant disconnects since day 1 (around mid December 2017). I have a mix of Android and Apple devices connecting to RBR50 and two RBS50 satellites arranged in wagonwheel pattern with router at center.
DEVICES
Wireless: Note 8 (Android 7.1.1, Google Play Services 11.9.75), iPhone X, older and newer models of Macbook Pro, RaspPi, Airport Express, iPad, LG TV
Wired: Mac and PC
I've tried multiple manual resets to factory defaults, setting up with default values, changing SSID and password, resyncing the satellites, rebooting the system, downgrading to .74 (but didn't do the NVRAM thing to prevent auto updates...so don't know if that was stable for me). It doesn't appear that the system is rebooting itselt, as the Up Time shows it has been up since the last manual reboot. I do lose wi-fi on my Note 8 constantly. It doesn't appear to break the wi-fi ONLY when I turn the phone on, because sometimes it loses wi-fi after I've been using it for a while and suddenly it drops. Once it drops, it seems to affect the whole system as my laptop will lose internet connectivity as well and sometimes I'll have to disable Wi-Fi and re-enable to get it to work again (even if it reconnects automatically to the router or satellite, it sometimes will not have internet until I power cycle the Wi-Fi on my Macbook Pro).
Not sure what else to do at this point except maybe go back to .74 and try to prevent auto-update as every firmware update released so far has NOT SOLVED MY CONSTANT DISCONNECTS.
NETGEAR, if you're listening, please advise how I should proceed. Will contacting support actually accomplish something? I'll provide whatever logs you need if it will help getting us a prompt resolution to a very worrysome and frustrating issue. Hardware is nothing if the software is broken! Those of us that depend on home internet for our jobs cannot conduct business this way. It's a deal breaker, and if the issue is not resolved soon, I'll be jumping ship along with those many others that already have. I've been patient enough. It's your turn to deliver.
- To doccelo,
I was having exactly the same issue, even with my Note 8, and ironically it was fixed when I changed my router, from fios. It's awkward because it has nothing to do with the orbi and its update, but maybe if you can reset everything, including modem/router, it might help.
Checkpoint is perimeter firewall. www.checkpoint.com
I have office version with 1Gbps WAN interface. You can manage all ACL on the firewalls.
I can see Orbi is making call on FTP while checking fw update. then using 443 to download new fw.
Did you click on advanced page and clicked Check fw and see if it is reporting unable to reach service message?
Anyone successfully able to block auto upgrade to .18?
Downgraded to .74 fw. Block ftp and auto_upg flag to 0 in the confit.
Today it auto upgraded back to latest .18 code.
It is piece of **bleep**, need to go back to Costco for full refund.